Foods that will help beat body odour during summer

Many individuals are concerned about body odour, especially during the hot summer months. The excess perspiration caused due to the sweltering heat, when mixed with germs on the skin, can produce unpleasant odours. While maintaining personal hygiene is an important step in reducing body odour, variables such as nutrition and lifestyle choices can also play a role in keeping the smell at bay. Including certain items in your diet throughout the summer can help regulate sweat production, improve digestion, and combat bacterial growth that cause body odour. Understanding the link between diet and body odour allows you to make informed decisions, so that you feel fresh and confident throughout the summer. Here's what your summer meals should comprise.

 

Citrus fruits: Oranges, lemons, and grapefruits are all abundant in vitamin C, and help in detoxification and smell reduction. Furthermore, they also act as an antioxidant and may help neutralise odorous compounds in the body.

Consume probiotic-rich food: Foods such as yogurt, kempeh, miso, buttermilk, and kimchi aids digestion and improves gut health, thus reducing body odour.

Fresh herbs: Incorporate herbs such as mint, cilantro, and rosemary into your cuisine; they contain natural deodorising characteristics and can aid in the fight against body odour.

Fenugreek: When ingested on a daily basis, fenugreek functions as an organic deodorant and may decrease body odour.

Green tea: Green tea contains catechins, which are natural antioxidants that can aid in detoxification and potentially reduce body odour.

Green leafy veggies: The chlorophyll in green leafy veggies such as spinach, kale, and parsley neutralise bodily odours.

Parsley: This herb is known for its natural deodorising properties. Thus, adding fresh parsley leaves to your meals or consuming them as a garnish can help freshen your breath and potentially mitigate body odour.

Cucumber: Stay hydrated by eating cooling foods like cucumber, which contains a lot of water. It can also help with toxins elimination and thus diminish body odour.

Fennel seeds: Chew fennel seeds after meals to cleanse your breath and aid digestion, which indirectly controls body odour.

Water: While it is not food, staying hydrated during the day by consuming enough water is critical for controlling overall body odour. It helps to remove toxins and regulate your body's temperature.

Whole grains: Brown rice, whole wheat bread, and quinoa include important minerals and fibre that improve digestion and reduce body odour.

Inputs by Dt.Vidhi Chawla, Founder of Fisico Diet Clinic and Dr. Rohini Patil, MBBS & Nutritionist