Body odor is a natural process that occurs due to the breakdown of sweat by bacteria on the skin. Odor can be intensified by several factors, including diet and lifestyle.

Although sweating is healthy, it can lead to bad, unpleasant body odor if certain foods are consumed. Here are seven foods that cause bad body odor.

1. Red Meat

Red meat is a high-protein food that is rich in amino acids. Once consumed, red meat breaks down into amino acids that are eventually metabolized by gut bacteria.

This process triggers the production of trimethylamine (TMA), which has a pungent, fishy odor. The build-up of TMA in the body can lead to bad breath, strong body odor, and unpleasant sweat.

2. Garlic and Onions

Garlic and onions are notorious for causing bad body odor. These foods contain high levels of sulfur compounds, which can be broken down into volatile gases that are released through the pores of the skin.

These gases have a strong, pungent odor that can linger for up to 24 hours after consumption. Drinking plenty of water and chewing on fresh parsley can help alleviate the effects of garlic and onions on the body.

3. Spicy Foods

Spicy foods cause the body to sweat, which can lead to bad body odor. Capsaicin, the compound responsible for the spiciness in chili peppers, stimulates the sweat glands and increases perspiration.

The bacteria on the skin break down the sweat, leading to the production of unpleasant odors. Consuming buttermilk or yogurt can help neutralize the effects of spicy foods on the body.

4. Alcohol

Drinking alcohol can lead to bad breath and body odor. When alcohol is metabolized, acetaldehyde, a toxic compound, is produced. This compound is released through the breath and sweat, leading to an unpleasant odor.

Alcohol also dehydrates the body, leading to dry mouth and reduced saliva production, which can cause bad breath.

5. Caffeine

Caffeine is a stimulant that can increase perspiration and cause bad body odor. This compound stimulates the sweat glands, leading to increased perspiration. The bacteria on the skin break down the sweat, leading to the production of unwanted odors.

Drinking plenty of water and avoiding high-caffeine beverages can help reduce the effects of caffeine on the body.

6. Dairy Products

Dairy products are high in protein and fat, which can be difficult for the body to digest. When dairy products are not fully digested, they can putrefy in the gut, leading to the production of foul gases.

These gases are eventually released through the pores of the skin, leading to bad body odor. Drinking plenty of water and consuming probiotics can help alleviate the effects of dairy products on the body.

7. Processed Foods

Processed foods are rich in preservatives, artificial flavors, and additives, which can be difficult for the body to digest. The body struggles to break down these compounds, leading to the production of foul gases.

These gases are eventually released through the pores of the skin, leading to bad body odor. Consuming fresh, whole foods can help reduce the effects of processed foods on the body.