You've probably heard the old axiom that you are what you eat. You probably know that what you can play a large role in your overall health, energy level and even your mood. But did you know that what you eat can also affect the way you smell?
While it's not exactly clear why certain foods cause unpleasant body odors, experts are clear about which foods you should avoid if you think what you're eating is affecting the way you smell:
Food that are high in sulfur
Sulfur is a powerful mineral. It's so pungent that if you chop up a garlic and rub it on the bottom of your foot, you'll be tasting it in your mouth within 30 minutes–because it's chuck full of sulfur. Sulfur in food permeates your body, carrying the food's smell throughout your system and back out through your pores, mouth and nose. If you eat a lot of sulfur-rich broccoli, cabbage, garlic and cauliflower, you might have a sulfur-like body odor.
Red or white meat
In general, men like to eat steak and pork–especially when they can grill it. That might not be a good thing for their body odor, according to a 2006 study published in "Chemical Senses." Researchers asked a small sampling of women to smell the armpit body odor of men who ate meat and compare it to that of men who didn't eat meat. The women reported that the men who didn't eat meat smelled better. Researchers don't know why, and they don't know if fish and poultry affect body odor.
Beer and booze
If you over-indulge, chances are good you're going to smell like alcohol. Most of the alcohol you consume is metabolized into the liver, but some escapes through your sweat and respiratory system, meaning everyone you come into contact with will know exactly what you've been up to.
Herbs and spices
Herbs and spices pack a punch and add flavor to your meals. They can also seep out of your pores and give you a mildly strange smell–a whiff of garlic or a touch of basil for example.
What foods do you consume that you find give you a funny smell?
