Body Odor May Be Caused by Food... 4 Foods That Can Trigger Unpleasant Smells

"Fish, Vegetables, Spices, and Red Meat Can Worsen Body Odor"

Experts have analyzed that food can influence body odor, and that certain foods can actually worsen it.

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On July 13 (local time), the New York Post identified four major types of food that can worsen body odor: fish, vegetables, spices, and red meat.

First, in the case of fish, its characteristic fishy smell can affect not only the scent of the food itself but also a person's body odor. According to the Cleveland Clinic, in very rare cases, the human body converts choline, a byproduct found in fish, into trimethylamine, a compound with a strong fishy odor.

This substance circulates throughout the body and is excreted through breath or skin. This condition is called 'trimethylaminuria,' and people with it may emit a similar fishy odor after consuming other foods such as beans, broccoli, cauliflower, peanuts, or soy products. However, the Cleveland Clinic noted, "This extremely rare disorder occurs in only a few hundred people," and "most people can eat fish without concern."

A study has found that consuming foods such as fish, vegetables, spices, and red meat negatively affects body odor.

Even among vegetables known for their health benefits, some can cause body odor. The Cleveland Clinic explained that cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts can produce sulfur, which may trigger body odor. This smell can become stronger through sweat, breath, or gas.

Spices can also contribute to worsening body odor. Erin Palinski-Wade, a nutritionist from New Jersey, told a media outlet, "Some spicy foods can increase body odor due to compounds and metabolites that contain sulfur." When these substances are secreted in the body, they react with skin bacteria, resulting in a distinctive smell.

The Cleveland Clinic also explained that spices such as curry and cumin contain 'volatile compounds' that are absorbed into the bloodstream and then secreted through sweat glands, which can cause a unique odor.

Consuming large amounts of red meat can also be a cause of unpleasant body odor. Palinski-Wade stated, "When you eat a lot of red meat, odorless proteins are excreted through sweat, but when they come into contact with skin bacteria, the odor can become stronger."

Experts pointed out that the impact of food on body odor can vary from person to person depending on genetic factors. They advised that if body odor is strong, it can be alleviated or prevented through dietary adjustments. Palinski-Wade said, "Reducing the intake of foods rich in sulfur, red meat, and very spicy foods, while increasing water, fruit, and vegetable consumption, can be helpful."

Additionally, apples, leafy greens, yogurt, and green tea are effective for improving body odor by neutralizing odor-causing compounds or supporting beneficial gut bacteria. Washing with antibacterial soap and wearing breathable clothing can also help reduce body odor.

Palinski-Wade added, "In addition to adequate hydration, improving metabolic health through sufficient sleep, stress reduction, and regular exercise is also effective for overall body odor improvement."