I saw a feature in the news recently about a very offensive topic that we face everywhere around us be it at home, in matatus, at work etc- Body odour. The most affected areas on our bodies are hands, under the armpits, around the genitals and feet.
What is B.O?
According to Wikipedia, B.O is the smell of bacteria growing on the body. These bacteria multiply rapidly in the presence of sweat, but sweat itself is almost completely odorless to humans. Body odor can smell pleasant and specific to the individual, and can be used to identify people, though this is more often done by dogs and other animals than by humans. An individual’s body odor is also influenced by diet, gender, genetics, health and medication.
How do you tell a friend that he/she doesn’t smell so good?
Unfortunately, the person who has it may be so accustomed to their own smell that they don’t notice. I remember not too long ago I was in this dilemma. A colleague and a very good friend of mine used to offend everyone in the office because of B.O, case in point under her armpits. Guys couldn’t take it anymore so they turned on me questioning why I didn’t advice my friend to use deodorant. Problem was I had tried giving her hints but she wasn’t picking on them. I finally decided enough was enough and told her that she had to do something about her B.O to say she didn’t take it well is an understatement, she even denied it. All in all she got over it, enlisted my help and I introduced her to the fresh world on deo.
Fortunately body odour is very manageable so instead of offending people around you here are a few pointers on how to get rid of it. Forget Botox injections, these are simple and affordable remedies for B.O:
- Diet, diet, diet it’s actually true that we are what we eat. Eat foods high in fibre, whole grains, and good ol’ green leafy vegetables and as always drink plenty of water which flushes out toxins in our bodies.
- Use cotton wool to apply vinegar or baking soda mixed with lemon on affected area.
- Use antibacterial or deodorant soaps while taking a shower.
- Wash your clothes well and often concentrating on the ‘danger zones’ e.g. under the armpits.
- This is for men (which I am sure will fall on deaf ears) wear cotton socks and quit recycling them!!
- Use antiperspirant- deodorants, colognes, perfumes, bathing salts etc
- Take a shower at least once a day, add a table spoon of honey to lukewarm water for the final rinse
If you are not sure whether your body odour is offensive, try smelling your clothes under the armpits or your socks, if you are not so conceited and egocentric, you will know and do something about it. As for men forget the Neanderthal era where a man’s sweat was a sense of pride or something, this is the 21st Century so invest in some good cologne or you can kiss the ladies goodbye.