Body odor is normal and the situation can be easily taken care of by bathing and using a good deodorant with antiperspirant, but if you suffer from overactive body odor you know that it’s an entirely different situation.

If you have overactive body odor you also know how difficult it can be to eliminate the problem. Your first step in finding a solution to overactive body odor is to find the actual cause of cause.

Since everyone sweats differently, the amount of sweat a person’s body produces could be from something as serious as overactive glands (hyperhidrosis) or something as simple as the clothing you wear.

Some materials can make you sweat more. Artificial fabrics such as polyester don’t absorb sweat and can be ruined by perspiration. Fabrics that are white can turn yellow under the arms while fabrics with color can look bleached.

Drinking and eating certain foods can cause body odor and make you sweat. Caffeinated beverages, spicy foods, onions, garlic, cumin, curry and fish are just some of the culprits that can make body odor even worse.

Certain drugs like antipsychotic medications used in treating mental disorders, morphine and analgesics found in over the counter pain-relievers, can cause excessive sweating.

Many women going through menopause may experience an increase in sweating through hot flashes caused by a decrease in estrogen levels.

In males, a low level of the male hormones testosterone known as hypogonadism, can cause hot flashes and excessive sweating.

Sometimes heredity can be a factor in overactive body odor. Usually those who do inherit this condition can experience an increasingly amount of sweat on the palms of their hands and the soles of their feet.

People with diabetes who must take insulin or oral medications, can experience more sweating than normal. Usually this occurs when there is a drop in their blood sugar.

An overactive thyroid can also cause you to perspire more than normal. When the thyroid gland produces too much of the hormone thyroxine, it can cause you to sweat more than you normally would.

In many people hyperhidrosis is the cause of overactive body odor. The condition is caused when nerves that control the sweat glands become overactive. While the problem is not as uncommon as it used to be, there are still some doctors who are not aware of the problem.

Once you have determined the exact cause of your overactive body odor, the next and final step is finding a solution to the problem. An increase in self-care, a natural approach or a difference in the fabric you wear are just a few of the ideas that can be found in our guide below, that you can try.

Wearing natural fabrics like cotton, silk and wool will allow your skin to breathe. Natural fabrics tend to absorb perspiration better than artificial materials. If you find that your feet tend to sweat, try buying a pair of shoes made from a natural material such as leather.

A change in your diet can help eliminate overactive body odor. Try eliminating caffeinated drinks and foods with strong odors in them. Instead opt for a diet rich in fiber and zinc. A lack of zinc in your diet can bring out body odors since it controls how your body handles waste.

Showering more than once a day may also help in decreasing sweat and odor. Afterwards try using a deodorant with antiperspirant. Using a deodorant alone can only mask odor but not perspiration. A deodorant with antiperspirant will not only eliminate the odor, the antiperspirant will reduce perspiration by blocking your sweat ducts. If needed, apply before bedtime on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet to eliminate sweating.

If you can’t use antiperspirant deodorants or they don’t help, the French swear by “Le Crystal Nature” which is a mineral salt that helps odor and perspiration without irritating skin. The product is available here in the United States in many health foods stores.

If your deodorant soap or body wash isn’t helping your situation, check out your local pharmacy for an antibacterial surgical scrub. If you can’t find them, ask your pharmacist.

If you’d much rather try a natural approach towards eliminating overactive body odor, sage tea is said to help minimize body perspiration.

Another natural approach to try is yoga. Yoga or any form of meditation can help you to relax and reduce the stress that triggers perspiration. Try your local library for a free source in yoga and meditation books, cds and videos.

Tomato juice could be another thing to try. An old folk remedy used in deodorizing family dogs that have been skunked, is said to work in eliminating overactive body odors as well. Pour two cups if tomato juice in your bath water and soak for at least 15 minutes.

Some people say that boric acid works for body odor. Apply the acid where you perspire after bathing. If you choose this method, use it wisely. Boric acid can irritate the skin if you use too much and it is dangerous around children and pets.

If you find that none of these solutions work for you, a visit to your family doctor may be needed. Your doctor can diagnose you properly and rule out any health condtions that may be the cause. Your doctor can then  prescribe a medication or suggest treating the problem with Iontophoresis. In rare cases he or she may want to even schedule surgery.

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