Weight loss and body odour... need some suggestions

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SmaugHugs
SmaugHugs Posts: 60 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
I have been a lot more active lately since taking up running. I would use the elliptical at the gym, but never really got a sweat going. Well, running gets me nice and sweaty and I love it. There is one problem though... I stink.

I never used to have such an odour problem with my armpits, but now, I do. I have tried quite a few deodorants and antiperspirants... but I still stink. Has anyone come across this while losing weight? What did you do?

Thank you :)
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Replies

  • zyxst
    zyxst Posts: 9,134 Member
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    Only time I had BO problems was when I had too much protein and I smelled like urine. Have you made drastic changes to what sorts of foods you eat?
  • NobodyPutsAmyInTheCorner
    NobodyPutsAmyInTheCorner Posts: 1,018 Member
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    Body odour isn't actually caused by fresh sweat. It's bacteria that cause the stench. All I can recommend is frequent showers and a decent deodorant :)
  • Lourdesong
    Lourdesong Posts: 1,492 Member
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    Synthetic fabrics harbor odor-causing bacteria. Polyester may be the worst for this, and yet, this is a popular material used in fitness clothing. :/

    Shower more, get a good antiperspirant, wear natural, breathable fibers or blended fabrics with a low synthetic percentage.
  • jemhh
    jemhh Posts: 14,261 Member
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    Have you tried the clinical strength antiperspirant deodorants?
  • azulvioleta6
    azulvioleta6 Posts: 4,195 Member
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    Vinegar--try throwing a cup of white vinegar in with your wash.

    I use a vinegar rinse on my hair, but I've never tried in on underarms...not sure if it would make a difference or not, but it would not hurt to try.
  • jgnatca
    jgnatca Posts: 14,464 Member
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    My wicking fabrics, which are great for keeping me cool and dry without chafing, do get wet. Dark, warm, wet places are thriving environments for smelly bacteria. Sorry I couldn't be more help.
  • SueInAz
    SueInAz Posts: 6,592 Member
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    Not something that I've noticed changing but I'm sure I stink after a run if I don't shower. After a shower, though, there's definitely no stink.
  • SmaugHugs
    SmaugHugs Posts: 60 Member
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    jemhh wrote: »
    Have you tried the clinical strength antiperspirant deodorants?

    I have tried secret... and the smell combined with my BO was that of cat urine. I shower every day and eat well, but ever since I started working out, my armpits are horrible.
  • shivasgirl
    shivasgirl Posts: 23 Member
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    use antibacterial soap like Dial on your pits and use a clinical strength deodorant. You can also wipe down your pits with vodka or rubbing alcohol
  • pootle1972
    pootle1972 Posts: 579 Member
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    Do you have a bacterial or fungal infection? Maybe speak to a pharmacist or gp to rule that out
  • sofaking6
    sofaking6 Posts: 4,589 Member
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    SmaugHugs wrote: »
    jemhh wrote: »
    Have you tried the clinical strength antiperspirant deodorants?

    I have tried secret... and the smell combined with my BO was that of cat urine. I shower every day and eat well, but ever since I started working out, my armpits are horrible.

    What about washing clothes, especially workout clothes? Sheets? Towels?
  • Lourdesong
    Lourdesong Posts: 1,492 Member
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    SmaugHugs wrote: »
    jemhh wrote: »
    Have you tried the clinical strength antiperspirant deodorants?

    I have tried secret... and the smell combined with my BO was that of cat urine. I shower every day and eat well, but ever since I started working out, my armpits are horrible.

    If you're smelling like ammonia, then as @zyxst suggested, it may be due to your protein intake. Ammonia or cat urine smell is a common complaint on the forums.

  • TheGaudyMagpie
    TheGaudyMagpie Posts: 282 Member
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    Ammonia/urine smell is burning protein. It doesn't seem to mean anything except that you've gone through glucose stores. I get it if I train intensively for an hour or so. I don't think there's really anything you can do about it, but I suspect it subsides some as you become more conditioned. There's nothing harmful about it but having encountered it myself I understand it can be bothersome. Perhaps get some antibacterial wipes and do a quick swipe and freshen with more antiperspirant a few times a day?
  • SmaugHugs
    SmaugHugs Posts: 60 Member
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    NobodyPutsAmyInTheCorner wrote: »
    Body odour isn't actually caused by fresh sweat. It's bacteria that cause the stench. All I can recommend is frequent showers and a decent deodorant :)

    I shower every day before bed. I am having a heck of a time finding an antiperspirant that works...
  • NewCaddy
    NewCaddy Posts: 845 Member
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    Try showering at the beginning of the day...see if that helps. I know I find I smell better if my shower happens in the morning than the night before.
  • SmaugHugs
    SmaugHugs Posts: 60 Member
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    TheGaudyMagpie wrote: »
    Ammonia/urine smell is burning protein. It doesn't seem to mean anything except that you've gone through glucose stores. I get it if I train intensively for an hour or so. I don't think there's really anything you can do about it, but I suspect it subsides some as you become more conditioned. There's nothing harmful about it but having encountered it myself I understand it can be bothersome. Perhaps get some antibacterial wipes and do a quick swipe and freshen with more antiperspirant a few times a day?

    The antibacterial wipes is a great idea. I've been keeping some baby powder in my purse as well to help with excess moisture. I guess my body is just shifting on a few levels and burning off all the stuff stored in my fat and it is making me smelly.
  • SmaugHugs
    SmaugHugs Posts: 60 Member
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    sofaking6 wrote: »
    SmaugHugs wrote: »
    jemhh wrote: »
    Have you tried the clinical strength antiperspirant deodorants?

    I have tried secret... and the smell combined with my BO was that of cat urine. I shower every day and eat well, but ever since I started working out, my armpits are horrible.

    What about washing clothes, especially workout clothes? Sheets? Towels?

    I use a new towel after every shower, same with face clothes. Sheets once a week. I have a couple pairs of work out clothes and use a new set every 2 days.
  • CorlissaEats
    CorlissaEats Posts: 493 Member
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    Look at your diet?
    Pork makes me stink like crazy. Only one of the reasons I stopped eating it, but it was so bad that working out around people was ...undesirable for them. Also got better smelling when I gave up dairy and eggs but I gave them up because it was discovered that I am slightly allergic to them. Food intolerance is usually ignored but that doesn't mean there aren't mild side effects that don't make you sick.
  • SmaugHugs
    SmaugHugs Posts: 60 Member
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    zyxst wrote: »
    Only time I had BO problems was when I had too much protein and I smelled like urine. Have you made drastic changes to what sorts of foods you eat?

    I've made fairly drastic changes to my diet... but I did not know that about protein... perhaps I've been over doing it. I am going to cut back a bit and see how it goes. Thank you :)

    I eat grilled or chicken, veggies, fruits, rice, granola, some eggs, beans, milk, plain tea and water. Nothing too crazy.
  • SmaugHugs
    SmaugHugs Posts: 60 Member
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    CorlissaEats wrote: »
    Look at your diet?
    Pork makes me stink like crazy. Only one of the reasons I stopped eating it, but it was so bad that working out around people was ...undesirable for them. Also got better smelling when I gave up dairy and eggs but I gave them up because it was discovered that I am slightly allergic to them. Food intolerance is usually ignored but that doesn't mean there aren't mild side effects that don't make you sick.

    I can't stomach plain eggs anymore, so I have them maybe twice a month at this point. They give me horrible stomach cramps and gas. Maybe I am allergic to something I've been eating without realizing it...

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