Body odor

Although everyone has a slight body odor, it can sometimes become offensive. Unfamiliar body odors can cause self-consciousness just because they are new-for instance in adolescents who develop new body odors with the growth of certain sweat glands at sexual maturity. If bad breath is also a problem, digestive disorders should be examined.

An offensive body odor is often due to poor hygiene or excessive sweating, when perspiration remains on the body long enough for bacteria to breed. It is also related to nervousness, anxiety and stress, since poor internal health causes odor. Problems detoxifying via the kidneys, liver or bowels will increase body odor, as more toxins remain in the body and must be eliminated through the skin. A sluggish liver and constipation are common problems today. Strong-smelling food spices, like garlic and curry, are emitted through the pores of the skin causing strong body odor. The smell of cigarettes and alcohol remains in the body and on the clothes for many hours.

The diet should promote complete digestion and prompt elimination of waste products. Start with a twenty-four hour liquid diet of apple juice and psyllium seed husks to cleanse the bowels. Eat light meals including plenty of raw vegetables and fruits for easy digestion, with parsley and sprouts for chlorophyll. Avoid red meats, fried foods and heavy sweets. Drink six to eight glasses of water daily to keep the kidneys clear. magnesium, zinc and vitamin B6 metabolically remove odor-causing wastes. All of these nutrients are found in whole grains, which also provide fiber to aid digestion.

Supplements and herbs

Body odor is often a result of improperly eliminated toxic waste. A number of nutrients help to improve metabolism, the first step in the removal of waste. The B vitamins are especially important. Ensure that the B complex you choose contains all the B vitamins. Otherwise, supplement them separately. Zinc reduces strong body odor. Chlorophyll tablets or the chlorophyll in many green food supplements also help reduce body odor by supporting the liver and detoxifying the body.

In addition to maintaining proper nutrition and hygiene, herbs can help eliminate the sources of body odor.

• Essential oils of thyme and lavender kill bacteria. Add 5 drops of each to bath water or shower gel.
• Mix 5 drops lavender oil with 2 cups distilled water. Keep in a glass bottle and dab onto areas of the body that perspire easily.
• A cleansing juice fast of bitter herbs such as dandelion, endive or angelica, along with enemas of fenugreek seed infusion are advisable for cleansing the intestinal tract. Take 1 tbsp. of herbal juice daily.

What else you can do

• Work the reflexes to the liver, gall-bladder, kidneys and colon.
• Shower daily, especially after exercise or strenuous physical work. Moderate exposure to sun helps kill bacteria and gives the body a healthy, pleasant smell.
• Use natural deodorants which inhibit bacterial growth but do not prevent you from sweating. Antiperspirants are not recommended because they restrict sweating, which is a valuable means to regulate heat, water and minerals, and to eliminate toxins. Sodium bicarbonate, commonly known as baking soda, can be powdered allover to help eliminate odor without causing skin irritations
• Change underwear daily. Wear loose, natural fiber clothing such as cotton, wool, linen or silk.

How much to take

• Vitamin B complex, 50 mg one to three times daily
• Chlorophyll, chlorella or other green food supplements, 1 tbsp.
• Zinc, 30 mg, with 3 mg copper

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