Sweating is an unavoidable part of participating in sports. Whether you’re hitting the gym, running a marathon, or playing your favourite game, your body naturally responds by producing sweat. While sweat itself is mostly water and odourless, the body odour that follows can be an uncomfortable issue for many.

If you’re conscious of your body odour during or after sports, don’t worry—there are ways to help you manage it effectively, which we are going to share with you.

But why do we sweat and smell during sports?

When you engage in physical activity, your body heats up, so sweating is a natural process that your body uses to cool itself down. This process is perfectly natural and essential for regulating your body temperature. However, it’s not the sweat that causes the smell—it’s the bacteria on your skin breaking down sweat into acids. The areas of your body that are prone to moisture, such as your armpits, feet, and groin, are where sweat is most likely to interact with bacteria, leading to body odour.

In addition to bacteria, hormones and certain foods can also influence the way your sweat smells. For athletes and sports enthusiasts, maintaining freshness during and after activity becomes a priority, not just for personal comfort but also for social reasons, such as playing in team environments.

Common remedies for managing body odour in sports

Body odour during sports is something every athlete has to contend with, but there are several ways to manage it:

1. Hygiene: Regular showers, especially after working out, help remove sweat and bacteria from your skin. Use antibacterial soaps and exfoliate to clean deeper into your pores.
2. Breathable Clothing: Wearing moisture-wicking fabrics helps reduce the buildup of sweat and bacteria, minimising odour.
3. Deodorants and Antiperspirants: While deodorants mask odours, antiperspirants reduce the amount of sweat. Both can be helpful but often provide only short-term relief, requiring reapplication.
4. Diet Considerations: Foods such as onions, garlic, and spices can intensify body odour as they release compounds through sweat. Adjusting your diet might make a difference in how you smell after sports.
5. Natural Supplements like Bodiscent: For those looking for a long-term, effortless solution, Bodiscent offers a natural approach. Taken as a once-a-day capsule, Bodiscent works from within your body to neutralise odours before they even form. By targeting the source of body odour internally, you can confidently engage in your favourite sports without worrying about unwanted smells.