Not Only Because Of Eating Onions, This Factor Also Affects The Smell Of Sweat

Illustration of the smell of sweat (Pexels/Andrea Piacquadio)

JAKARTA – Deodorant may be a barrier, especially when sweating is bothersome. Behind the amount of sweat and musty smell, it turns out that there are many factors that influence it.

Many people understand that eating onions in large quantities, can cause sweat to smell worse than those who eat only a few. Interestingly, genetic factors also affect you know. Besides these two factors, the following factors influence the unique scent of each person's sweat.

1. Sweat contains a small amount of salt, protein, urea and ammonia

Most sweat is water. Pure sweat, actually odorless. But it depends on which glands produce sweat. Generally, reported by Healthline, Friday, March 18, eccrine glands are concentrated in the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, forehead, armpits, and throughout the body. Eccrine dryness does not taste like water, as it contains small amounts of salt, protein, urea and ammonia.

While the apocrine glands are concentrated in the armpits, groin, and breast area. The sweat secretions from these glands are more concentrated after puberty. They are near the hair follicles and smell the most.

According to Adele Haimovic, MD., a dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon, apocrine sweat actually doesn't smell good. But certain conditions affect the two glands to react. The nervous system that controls body temperature and emotional states. The emotional state is related to the fight-or-flights response, which sends signals to the sweat glands so they start working.

Illustration of the smell of sweat (Pexels/Andrea Piacquadio)

2. Spicy food can stimulate sweat glands

The capsaicin compound in spicy foods tricks your brain into thinking your body temperature is rising, explains Haimovic. This triggers sweat production as well as food allergies and intolerances. Some people also experience 'flesh sweats', which means that when you eat too much meat, your metabolism will use up a lot of energy to break it down, causing your body temperature to rise.

3. Besides garlic, onions and cabbage make body odor worse

Bacteria are a by-product of consuming certain foods that are excreted with sweat. This causes the skin to interact with bacteria. High levels of sulfur in foods, such as in garlic, onions, and cabbage, can cause body odor.

4. Red meat makes body odor less delicious

Vegetables are not impossible to cause certain odors, but a 2006 study found that vegetarian body odors are more attractive than carnivorous odors. The smell of someone eating red meat will be more intense and less pleasant.

5. Happiness produces a certain smell

A 2015 study published in the SAGE Journals, A Sniff of Happiness, found that the smell of sweat indicates happiness. This scent can be detected by others and stimulates feelings of happiness in them as well. According to Gün Semin, the leader of the study, said that happiness can be transmitted through the smell of sweat.