Underarm odor: what it really says about you - the whole truth

Body odor is one of the most awkward aspects of everyday life. We try to hide it with deodorants, antiperspirants, and fragrances, but there's much more behind this phenomenon than just hygiene. It turns out that underarm odor can reveal much more about us than it seems at first glance.

Few people know that sweat itself is practically odorless. It's all about the bacteria that live on our skin. They break down components of sweat, especially fats and proteins, and in this process, volatile compounds are formed - these are what create that specific aroma. Interestingly, the composition of microbes is unique to each person, as is the result of their "work".

Some people naturally don't smell at all. They lack the active ABCC11 gene responsible for secreting substances that bacteria "like." This characteristic is found, for example, in most Koreans. It's also related to the fact that they more often have dry earwax - an interesting detail that directly indicates the absence of body odor.

There's another peculiarity: the left armpit in most people smells stronger than the right one. Possible reasons include different activity of sweat glands, asymmetrical ventilation, or simply that one arm is often more active than the other.

What we eat also affects our smell. Spices, garlic, onions, red meat, and alcohol can make the odor sharper. On the other hand, a diet rich in vegetables, greens, and fruits makes it less noticeable. Sweat can even smell differently depending on the time of day, stress level, and hormonal background.

Underarm odor is not just a physical reaction; it also plays a role in subconscious perception. Scientists have long proven that people instinctively choose partners with a certain body odor that signals genetic compatibility. This is part of an evolutionary mechanism - a kind of "nose for health."

In some cases, a change in odor can signal health problems. The smell of ammonia may indicate liver or kidney dysfunction, a sweet aroma might point to diabetes, and a sharp acidic smell could suggest metabolic disorders. So sometimes your sense of smell can actually save your health.

Even the hygiene products we use affect the smell. Deodorants and antiperspirants can change the skin's microflora, suppressing some bacteria and creating conditions for others to grow. Sometimes after prolonged use of such products, the odor can become even stronger if you suddenly stop using them.

Underarm odor is not just an awkwardness. It's a complex mixture of biology, genetics, lifestyle, and even subconscious signals. So the next time before reaching for a deodorant, remember: your smell is part of your individuality. The main thing is to learn to understand it.