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5 body odors that could indicate health problems

As much as you like to always smell fresh, it’s normal to exhale some unpleasant odors after a hard workout or after eating a plate full of garlic.

Typically, these unpleasant odors disappear after showering or brushing your teeth. The problem is when they persist even when you’ve taken all the necessary measures.

Body odors are taboo in our society because they are associated with poor hygiene habits. However, this is not always the cause of these strange smells.

When our body odors change, they can be a sign that something is wrong.

Here are five body odors that should not be ignored, as they can be a sign of some diseases:

1. Fruity breath can be a sign of diabetes

If you notice or if someone warns you that you have a fruity odor on your breath, this could be a sign of diabetes. This symptom arises due to diabetic ketoacidosis, a complication of this disease.

Diabetic ketoacidosis happens when the body has a drop in insulin or a spike in blood sugar. As the body cannot obtain energy properly, it starts breaking down fatty acids as a compensation.

One of the products resulting from this breakdown is acetone (the same as nail polish removers), which can leave a fruity odor on the patient’s breath.

Diabetic ketoacidosis can cause frequent vomiting and urination, leading to fluid loss and even death. So, if you notice this odor on your breath, associated with other symptoms of diabetes, such as fatigue, blurred vision and weight loss for no reason, always seek medical attention.

2. Foot odor may indicate athlete’s foot

Bad foot odor is very embarrassing, as it is usually associated with poor hygiene. This, however, is not entirely true: the cause for this bad smell could be athlete’s foot, also known as chilblains.

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Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection – a ringworm – that can be easily spread to other parts of the body or to other people through touching or sharing shoes, towels and bedding. For this reason, it is always safer to use flip-flops when showering or changing in places such as gyms.

Therefore, if you notice that, in addition to the foot odor, your feet have dry skin around the toes, redness and blisters, it is recommended to see a dermatologist to diagnose and treat the infection.

3. Very smelly stools can be a sign of lactose intolerance

Okay, there are no scented stools, but if they have a more unpleasant odor than usual, it could indicate lactose intolerance.

Other symptoms of this problem that usually appear concomitantly are abdominal bloating, smelly gas and decreased stool consistency.

Lactose intolerance happens when the small intestine cannot produce enough of the enzyme lactase and is therefore unable to digest lactose. In this way, lactose does not pass into the bloodstream, but into the colon, where it is fermented by intestinal bacteria.

The result of this process is precisely the most unpleasant odor in the feces and the other symptoms of lactose intolerance.

4. Urine with a very strong odor can mean urinary tract infection

Urinary tract infections can lead to the production of urine that has a pungent odor, almost reminiscent of a chemical. This happens when bacteria like Escherichia coli enter the urethra and multiply in the bladder, causing an infection.

Urinary tract infections are more common in women than men because our urethra is shorter, making it easier for bacteria to enter. So, if you notice a different odor in your urine, be sure to see a doctor.

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5. Bad breath can be a sign of sleep apnea

Do you have good oral hygiene habits and always brush your teeth before bed, but your morning breath is still very unpleasant? This could be a sign of sleep apnea, a disorder that causes people to stop breathing sporadically while they sleep.

Sleep apnea can lead to excessive snoring, causing you to breathe through your mouth during the night. This ends up causing the oral mucosa to dry out, which favors the multiplication of bacteria and the production of sulfur gas, which has the odor of rotten eggs.

If morning breath is accompanied by daytime sleepiness and excessive snoring, it’s worth seeing a doctor. In addition to presenting these unpleasant symptoms, sleep apnea has been linked to heart disease, hypertension and diabetes, reinforcing the need for treatment.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.

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