Ever notice that your body smells sour even after you've just showered? Or your underarms smell bad after a few hours of activity, even though you haven't sweated much?

This is one of the most common forms of body odor – and it's completely treatable if you understand the cause.

🧪 Why does the body smell sour?

Sour body odor does not come from “original” sweat. Sweat is mostly water and salt, and is odorless. However, when it comes into contact with bacteria on the skin – especially in the armpits, groin, back, etc. – the bacteria will break down the fatty acids and proteins in sweat, creating compounds that smell sour, like vinegar, fermented milk, or old cheese.

Some main reasons:

😰 Prolonged stress → Increases the activity of apocrine glands (sebaceous sweat glands)

🧬 The body has many odor-causing bacteria (such as Staphylococcus hominis)

🧼 Poor personal hygiene, wearing damp clothes, tight materials

🥩 Diet high in red meat, heavy spices, fermented foods

⚠️ Some metabolic disorders or skin infections also cause a strong sour smell (rare)

🥗 Important note: Although not a direct cause, diet plays a huge role in aggravating the sour smell. When the body absorbs too much protein and animal fat and is not properly detoxified, the metabolites accumulated in sweat will be broken down by bacteria into compounds with an unpleasant odor.

📌 Detailed analysis by biological mechanism:

When you eat a lot of red meat, organ meats, or protein-rich foods, your body metabolizes and excretes substances such as:

Urea: From protein metabolism → slight ammonia smell

Ammonia (NH₃): From amino acid metabolism → strong, pungent odor

Isovaleric acid: Bacteria on the skin break down leucine → sour smell like old cheese

Propionic acid: Bacteria break down sweat → a slightly sour smell like vinegar

Trimethylamine (TMA): Found in people with metabolic disorders → sour fishy smell (rare)

Therefore, eating too much protein, drinking too little water, or not detoxing properly can make sweat smell worse than usual.

✅ How to overcome sour body odor
1. 🧴 Clean properly every day

Bathe with antibacterial or mild soap for sensitive skin.

Prioritize cleaning armpits, back, groin - areas with lots of sweat glands

Dry thoroughly before wearing, especially in hot and humid weather.

2. 🚿 Use the right deodorant

Choose a product that can:

Antibacterial – inhibits odor-causing bacteria

Sweat control – keeps skin dry

Gentle – does not cause irritation or darken underarms

👉 Suggestion from Breeze (Italy) – alcohol-free, sensitive skin friendly:

Breeze Neutro Roll-On 50ml: Unscented, suitable for people with heavy sweat 🛒 See here

Breeze Dry Protection Spray 150ml: Strong deodorant, alcohol-free, for active people 🛒 See product

Breeze Squeeze Donna/Sporting: Non-gas, aluminum-free, neutral Italian scent spray 🛒 Try now

3. 🥦 Adjust your diet

Drink enough water (1.5–2L/day) to help eliminate toxins

Eat lots of green vegetables and fruits

Reduce strong-smelling foods: garlic, onions, red meat, fish sauce

Avoid eating spicy/hot foods before strenuous exercise.

💡 Additional tips:

Change clothes every day, choose sweat-absorbent materials like cotton

Exfoliate underarms 1-2 times/week

You can use diluted baking soda or apple cider vinegar as a gentle underarm wash every week.

🔁 Conclusion

A sour body odor is a sign that your sweat glands are overactive and bacteria on your skin are "coordinating" to create the odor.

Don't worry, with proper hygiene, choosing the right deodorant and eating a balanced diet – you can keep your body smelling fresh and confident every day.