Considering the soaring temperatures, we can declare that the summer of 2010 has arrived. Of all the seasons, summer is dreaded the most because of the discomfort we experience when we have to move out in the sun. The discomfort is mainly due to sweating and heat which our body has to fight. But one additional problem in summer that gets aggravated in many people is BODY ODOUR.
Genetically, some people are prone to having a strong body odour which causes embarrassment. But in certain people it may be due to poor food habits, lifestyle and also due the kind of clothing they wear.
Body odour is caused due to the growth of bacteria on the surface of the skin. When we sweat, ideally it should evaporate and then when we shower the skin gets clean clearing out the residual toxins of the perspiration. Sweating is a natural process of the body to get rid of the metabolic toxins through the skin. Sweat contains certain chemicals which may be a breeding ground for many bacteria and they cause foul body odour.
What should you eat… or not!
Have plenty of fluids like fresh juices, coconut water, Tang or fruit squashes.
At least 2-3 servings of seasonal fruits per day will help to maintain the pH of the body.
Juicy fruits like oranges, sweet limes, musk melon, watermelon are highly beneficial.
Raw vegetables in the form of salads and vegetable juices also prevent bacterial growth in the body.
Bottle gourd or dudhi or lauki juice, beetroot and carrot juice, mint and coriander juice, amla juice and tomato juice can be included in the diet to prevent body odour.
Use of jeera or cumin seeds in the food also enhances excretion of toxins. Roasted ground jeera can be sprinkled on the food.
A glass of buttermilk per day is beneficial too.
In coastal regions, kokum sherbet helps maintain the heat of the body.
Avoid meats and foods rich in thick gravies.
Avoid dry fruits and nuts.
Drink at least 20-25 glasses of water daily.
Avoid foods which contain preservatives and artificial colours.
What to wear
Cotton and linen clothes absorb the moisture from the skin and clear the skin of toxin deposits which are responsible for body odour.
Even cotton jerseys which are worn for sports should be worn during summer as they do allow the skin to breathe.
Synthetic fabrics are non-porous and they do not let the moisture to get evaporated from the skin. This encourages bacterial growth and body odour.
Wear loose garments to allow space between the clothes and the skin.
Wash all your clothes especially under garments with a disinfectant like Savlon or Dettol in the bucket while soaking.
Never repeat wearing clothes once used. After every wear the clothes should be washed thoroughly.
Bed linen also should be washed at least twice a week.
Lifestyle
Exercise daily to maintain a proper rhythm of the body and also to maintain the chemical environment of the body internally.
Pranayam helps to maintain the hormonal functions of the body which may get imbalanced due to stress and pollution.
Keep your body weight under control as obese people tend to have higher body odour as they perspire even at rest due to higher heart rate at rest.
Body odour can not only cause skin allergies and rashes but also is a source of embarrassment and unpleasantness to people around you.
Have a great summer by keeping healthy and fit.
Dr Taher Kudrati, a flourishing, practising homeopath and Sveta Bhassin, a successful and well-known nutrition and diet consultant, will answer your health and nutrition-related queries.
E-mail your queries to editorial@theteenagermag.com
with the subject line ‘Ask the Doctor’
YOUR HEALTH
E-mail your queries to editorial@theteenagermag.com
with the subject line ‘Ask the Doctor’
