Body odor is namely caused by toxins that are eliminated from the body via sweating. The sweat alone is odorless, and thus it is not a good idea to mask the pores with antiperspirants. But rather, sweating should be promoted in order to help control body odor in the long run. For the more toxins that leave the body, the less odor will occur during sweating.
Diet
Diet is the most important thing to consider when it comes to controlling body odor. What goes into the body, ultimately must come out.
Animal proteins, fast foods, processed foods all contribute to body odor, and thus they should be reduced in order to control the odor more efficiently.
Fresh fruits and vegetables on the other hand, help to decrease body odor by eliminating more toxins through the stool. The more toxins that are removed via the stool, the less will come out through the sweat.
In addition, herbs and spices have a natural sweet aroma that can help to freshen the body from the inside out.
Promote Sweating
Sweating may increase body odor temporarily, but it can help to control the odor in the long run. This is because when the body sweats, harmful toxins are removed, and thus the odor is increased. But then once those toxins are removed, the odor will not be present, or be as strong the next time the body breaks a sweat.
Some of the best ways to promote sweating is through vigorous exercise, hot baths or saunas, as well as by drinking a hot tea made with ginger or lemon balm.
Note that the more one sweats, the more fluids are needed to replace those that are lost. Thus carrying a water bottle is essential.
Deodorants and Antiperspirants
Deodorants and antiperspirants are the most popular way to control body odor, as they are the most effective in temporarily masking the odors.
However, these should only be used as a last resort, as they contain harmful ingredients such as aluminum, which has been shown to contribute to diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer's.
Natural Remedies
There are many natural remedies that can help to control body odor. Some work better than others, but when combined with a healthy diet they can be very effective.
Baking soda, white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, essential oils and ginger juice can be applied to the underarms after a shower in order to help mask the odor.
Adding baking soda, Epsom salt and/or sea salt to a bath water can help to draw out toxins from the skin, and thereby reduce the odor.
Frequent showers or baths also help to naturally reduce the odor.
For more information on how to prevent disease and live a long and healthy life, visit LivingFood101. You can also find me on Hubpages