Body Odor: Intervention To Prevention

I've always been told that the best way to keep anything from getting out of hand is to nip it in the bud before it starts. I try to apply that philosophy to every part of my daily life, whether it be at home or work. That also applies to how I approach the subject of body odor. Now, it's not something that can be eliminated completely, but understanding what are the main causes of body odor can go along way towards preventing it.

Bacteria - There are hundreds of different types of bacteria that live on the human body. These microbials do their day to day thing with very little effect on us. The one side effect they do have is the production of acid compounds that smell. Bacteria, as with any living thing, needs to feed. Their food happens to be proteins found in our sweat. As they consume these proteins, they release waste in the form of acids such as propionic acid which as a strong vinegar odor. Different bacteria produce different types of waste products and they can range from the smell of onions to rotten cheese.

Sweat - The body has two types of sweat glands, apocrine and eccrine. Apocrine sweat glands are the ones found under the armpits and are responsible for body odor. The sweat produced from these glands are thick with proteins and fats. In addition, it contains odor compounds produced by the body. Bacteria feed on this sweat and release molecules that cause body odor. In addition, the sweat itself is shown to contain certain odor compounds that are responsible for body odor.

Food - Much of what you eat can contribute to how you smell. Certain foods contain high amounts of sulfide compounds which get released into the body during digestion. They get absorbed into the system and are released through the skin, sweat and pores. Garlic, onions, meat, seafood, eggs, beans and spicy foods are known to be high in sulfide compounds.

Genetics - We aren't all born alike, and that certainly applies to how we smell. Some of us are born with fewer apocrine sweat glands which as was noted earlier, is a prime source of body odor. In addition, scientists have recently found what they are calling the body odor gene. Named ABCC11, this gene is shown to influence the activity and odor compound production of apocrine sweat glands. This gene is found in about 2% of the population.

Chlorophyll Deodorant Pills - Know What to Look Out For

If you've been following my blog then you'll know I'm a big fan of chlorophyll supplements, especially as a deodorant. Not only is it effective, but it also accomplishes several things regular deodorants do not. They don't contain harmful ingredients like aluminum, they work on multiple types of odor and they work constantly so long as you remember to take it.

One thing people have been asking me is how do you know which ones work and which ones don't. There are many brands and truth be told, they are not all the same. Just as with any product, you have brands with a good reputation and ones who don't. This article will try and help to make the decision process easier.

There are 3 main things to look for when choosing a chlorophyll deodorant supplement. First is whether or not the product is using chlorophyll or chlorophyllin. You can check this by looking at the Supplement Facts box located on the back of most bottles. You'll want to use a brand that uses chlorophyllin. It is a water soluble derivative of chlorophyll and can be absorbed by the body. Unlike chlorophyll, it is able to bind to odor compounds in the body and remove them. This is due to the water dissolvability factor and an important feature for any internal deodorant product.

Second thing to keep an eye out for is the amount of chlorophyllin per tablet. This can vary significantly from brand to brand. I've seen it range anywhere from 16mg per tablet to 100mg per tablet. Everyone's needs are different, but the general consensus among experts is that about 200mg is needed per day to maintain a consistent and effective deodorant protection. In addition to this, pay careful attention of the serving sizes. Most products use 1, but there are those that use a serving size of 2 or more. If a product uses 2, remember that all chlorophyllin amounts listed need to be halved.

The last factor to be aware of is the number of tablets in relation to cost. Pill quantities can range from 30 to 60 to 100 tablets per bottle. 100 tablets might seem like a lot, but what you really want to pay for is the amount of chlorophyllin. In the 100 tablet bottle, if each tablet only has 16mg of chlorophyllin, you'd obviously be getting a better deal with a 60 tablet, 100mg bottle instead. A good way to calculate value is to follow this simple formula:

(# of tablets) X (chlorophyllin mg per serving) / price = cost per mg

These three factors are important, but not the end all for finding a good chlorophyll supplement. The best thing to do is to research and experiment with what works and what doesn't. Remember, not all chlorophyllin is the same. There isn't any real way to measure this as many companies hold their plant sources as trade secrets. Whatever you decide, just remember to read, research and report!

Health Benefits of Coconut Oil

Coconuts can be more than just delicious.  In fact, it provides numerous health benefits unrelated to consumption.  Known as a great 'super food', coconut and coconut oil have been used for many years by many different groups of people for both it's nutritional value and health benefits. 

Weight Loss - Coconut oil contains high amounts of medium-chain triglycerides.  These MCT's have been shown to provide two functions as it pertains to weight loss.  First, MCT's boost the body's metabolism and increase calorie burn.  Second, studies have shown that people who consume MCTs have been shown to consume less food in general during the day.

Moisturizer - Widely used in cosmetics, lotions, and hygiene products, coconut oil is great for restoring and improving the health and appearance of our skin and hair. 

Sun Screen - Another popular ingredient in sun screens, coconut oil has been shown to absorb up to 20% of the sun's ultraviolet rays. 

Deodorant - Coconut oil contains high concentrations of lauric acid and monolaurin.  Both have shown the ability to kill bacteria and other harmful pathogens.  Bacteria is a major source of body odor and having the ability to control bacterial growth is vital in preventing body odor.  Coconut oil is often used either as a stand alone deodorant remedy or as an additional ingredient in home made versions.

Reduce Risk Of Heart Disease - Studies have shown that coconut oil is able to improve LDL and HDL cholesterol levels.  This in turn is believed to reduce risk factors for developing heart disease.

Chlorophyllin Helps To Get Rid Of Body Oodr

Chlorophyllin has been used as far back as the 1950s as a remedy for odor.  Doctors first used it on their patients to help reduce fecal and urine odor.  Future studies would later show it to be highly effective on everyday breath and body odor as well. 

Many causes of body odor stem from internal factors; diet, health, body chemistry, hormonal changes and others.  Compounds and toxins are produced and released into the body and find there way out via sweat and skin glands.  Chlorophyllin works internally by absorbing these compounds and getting rid of them before they are emitted.  Sulfide compounds and trimethylamine are two common causes of odor.  Scientific studies have shown chlorophyllin to have up to a 90% absorbtion rate for these substances. 

Most typically found as a chlorophyll supplement, the most effective recommended dosage is between 100-200mg of chlorophyllin per day.  Studies have shown that amount to provide continuous odor protection for up to 36 hours. 

Chlorophyllin is considered safe and there are no serious side effects from it's usuage.  This makes it an ideal natural deodorant alternative for reducing everyday bad breath, body odor and foot odot. 

Body Mint Is A Natural Body Odor Remedy

Trying to go green and healthy and be quite a challenge.  Finding healthy beauty products that are reliable can be an adventure in itself.  One area that I think poses the greatest challenge lies in deodorants.  With so much controversy regarding the possible consquences of using certain products, it's hard to really know what is true and what is just an exaggeration.

I believe a good aluminum free deodorant should be at the top of everyone's list.  I also believe in thinking outside of the box.  Roll ons are great and they do serve it's purpose, and in fact there are natural alternatives to the mainstream commercial stuff.  However, another option to consider is a product called Body Mint.

It's different for a couple of reasons.  First, it's in a tablet form.  It's a chlorophyll supplement that is taken twice a day.  It works to neutralize body odor from the inside out.  Chlorophyll has the ability to absorb odors and neutralize them safely and efficiently before it gets out.

Second, it's made from all natural ingredients.  There are no artificial chemicals added.  In many cases, things such as aluminum, parabens or silica are added to deodorants for various reasons such as antibacterial, viscosity and perservation.  Body Mint is void of that.  The effectiveness comes naturally from the chlorophyll.

Thirdly, Body Mint works on more than just body odor.  Because it removes odors from the inside of the body, it also works on bad breath and foot odor. 

So the next time your in the need for a new deodorant, consider Body Mint.  It's been around for several years now and with many positive reviews.  Your nose might just thank you for it!