How Diet Shapes the Way We Smell
Every culture carries its own culinary traditions—and with that comes unique aromas that can sometimes be noticed beyond the kitchen. South Asian cuisine, for example, is celebrated around the world for its bold flavors, rich curries, and aromatic spice blends. Garlic, onions, cumin, turmeric, and chili are used daily in these dishes. While delicious, these very ingredients are also known to influence body odor in noticeable ways.
Garlic, Onions, and Spices: The Sulfur Effect
Garlic and onions contain sulfur compounds that pass through digestion and release through the skin and breath. Spices like cumin and curry also linger in the body longer than many other foods, and when combined with natural perspiration, they can create a stronger scent on the skin.
This doesn’t mean it’s “bad”—it’s simply biology. Just as eating asparagus can make urine smell, or alcohol can seep through the pores, sulfur-rich foods leave a signature behind. For those who eat these foods frequently, the scent can become part of their natural aroma.
Red Meat and Body Odor
Dietary choices beyond spices also play a role in how the body smells. Red meat, for example, is harder for the body to fully digest compared to plant-based foods. Fatty acids and proteins break down slowly, producing byproducts that interact with bacteria in the gut and on the skin.
This process doesn’t just affect digestion—it can also impact sweat. Research has shown that people who avoid red meat often have sweat that smells lighter and is perceived as more pleasant compared to heavy meat eaters. The “meat sweats” are not a myth; they’re a direct result of how the body processes protein- and fat-rich meals.
Why This Matters
What we eat doesn’t just affect our health—it changes the way we smell. For people who enjoy garlic, onions, and rich spice blends, that means carrying some of those flavors with them even after the meal ends. And for those who consume large amounts of red meat, it can mean stronger or heavier sweat.
The good news? Odor from food is natural—and manageable. Staying hydrated, adding citrus fruits to the diet, and choosing a deodorant that neutralizes odor without masking it with perfume (like Miraxil) can help you smell fresh while still enjoying the foods you love.
Because at the end of the day, food is culture, tradition, and joy. And your deodorant should let you celebrate it—without letting it linger on your skin.