I just finished reading an interesting complaint that was submitted to Annie’s Mailbox about a sweet, wealthy widower whose armpits are riper then summer fruit at its peak. The letter was written by a woman that wishes to have sex with this man, but gags at the mere thought of his shirt coming off because he stinks to the point of smelling like sweat socks, leaving any type of intimacy out of the picture and the future for these two love birds looking dimmer then a burned out candle.
The widower’s love interest who calls herself “Give me a Clothespin” claims that she has confronted this wonderful man about his funky body odor, but he insists that he showers daily, uses bar soap, and cannot smell any foul odors emanating from his body. So what is the problem? It is possible that this man uses unscented soaps and deodorants due to sensitive skin?
Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar, long time editors for the Ann Landers column responded to the problem by stating that sex can be a powerful motivator, and that “clothespin” should confront this man by telling him that his body odor is a big turn off and that they should experiment with different soaps, colognes, detergents, etc. They further add that it is a possible medical condition to where absolutely nothing can be done to remedy the problem which goes back to clothespins gag reflex and her disdain over the man’s body odor.
If the wealthy widower is harboring some type of illness unbeknownst to him, and feels nothing is rotten in Denmark, then their relationship is all but finished as “clothespin” plainly states that she cannot stand the man when he is in the buff. On the other hand, if it’s a simple matter of changing his brands of soaps, colognes, detergents, etc. then he may feel put off by a woman that continually reminds him that he stinks.
After investigating the many causes for body odor, I came up with several scenarios that might interest this woman, and save a relationship in the process. First of all if you are human, you perspire, but perspiration itself does not smell, however the bacteria growing in it does. Bacteria thrives off of the moisture and warmth found in armpits which can leave a distinctive and often powerful aroma as it decomposes, leaving that funky odor known as B.O.
Causes of Body Odor
If your body odor is so strong that you can smell it then medical attention may be needed to find the underlying contributing factor. Other types of body odor that require the advice of a doctor include odor that is present daily, despite excellent hygiene and powerful use of soaps and deodorants. Fruity or sweet smells emanating from your body are another indication that medical attention is needed. Body odor can be telling you something other then you need to take a shower; it can be a sign of serious illness.
Toxins: They live in our digestive system, homes, food, and air. They accumulate in our body when our internal organs of elimination cannot dispose of them. The liver and intestines may be clogged up, causing odors to emanate from the body. The solution to this problem is a detoxification program that cleanses the liver, kidneys and colon.
Infections: Many vaginal infections will leave a discharge as well as a fishy odor. Antibiotics are used to eliminate this type of medical problem.
Trimethylaminuria: This is a disorder in which the body is unable to break down trimethylamine, a compound derived from the diet, and as it builds up in the body, it causes the affected person to give off a fish-like odor through their sweat, urine, and breath. The strong body odor can interfere with a person’s relationships, social life, and career.
Diabetes: Full-blown, untreated diabetes produces a condition referred to as ketoacidosis, in which the skin of the person actually tastes sweet and produces a pungent and unmistakable body odor that mimics decomposing apples.
Tuberculosis: This can produce a body odor that smells similar to stale beer.
Liver Failure: This one is undeniable as the odor has a distinct smell of rotten eggs.
Kidney Failure: Another profound smell that mimics ammonia.
Cavities: Your mouth is full of bacteria, and when you eat, the bacteria changes the sugar found in foods into acids which can slowly weaken the enamel of your teeth. Eventually the enamel can become so weak that it falls apart and forms a cavity. Tooth decay and gum disease can cause bad breath, and no amount of Listerine will hide it. Preventive maintenance on you teeth is the only cure for this type of body odor.
Foods: Consuming certain foods and drinks, such as onions, garlic, curry, spicy foods, fried foods, baked goods that contain rancid fats and oils, coffee and alcohol, are prime contributors to body odor.
Clothing: Loose fitting clothes allow the body to breathe better than tight clothes. The perspiration escapes and doesn’t become a breeding ground for bacteria. The type of fabric is also very important. Synthetic fabrics don’t allow the body to breathe. The solution is to use all natural fabrics like cotton, wool or silk, and wash your clothes regularly.
Smoking: Cigarettes is a major cause of body odor, and not only does it come back through your lungs, it comes through the skin. It mixes with other elements of your body’s chemistry to create a distinct odor.
Magnesium or zinc deficiencies can be an underlying cause for body odor. Taking zinc tablets, plus magnesium will help balance your body’s metabolism and reduce the cause of bad odor. Studies have shown that taking 30 to 50 mg daily will dramatically reduce certain body odors.
Managing Body Odor
Parsley: Chewing parsley will help neutralize body odor due to the deodorizing effect of the chlorophyll found in parsley.
Sage tea: Drinking a cup of sage tea daily will dramatically reduce the sweat gland activity, and this is especially great for people that sweat excessively. Use 1-1/2 teaspoons of dried sage or two tea bags in one cup of water; steep for ten minutes and serve.
Chlorophyll tablets: One or two tablets taken with each meal may help with some types of body odor, as chlorophyll is a great deodorizer.
