Mr. Li's wife feels that Mr. Li's body odor seems to have undergone some subtle changes recently. The change wasn't sweat in general, but a slightly sweet smell that she hadn't noticed before. Over time, the smell becomes more and more pronounced. At the same time, Mr. Li also noticed a slight loss in weight, but he did not deliberately diet or increase the amount of exercise.
These circumstances reminded Mr. Lee of what he heard at a health talk where the speaker mentioned that changes in body odor can sometimes reflect health problems within the body. Mr. Li and his wife realized that it might not just be a matter of personal hygiene, but some kind of signal that the body was sending out. So, Mr. Li decided to have a comprehensive medical check-up.
The results of the examination showed that Mr. Lee's blood sugar level was abnormally elevated, and he was eventually diagnosed with early-stage diabetes. Doctors explain that diabetics produce too many ketones in their bodies due to poor blood sugar control, and these ketones produce a characteristic sweet odor when excreted through breathing. Fortunately, due to early detection, Mr. Lee's diabetes was effectively controlled by adjusting his diet and lifestyle.
Mr. Lee's case is a reminder of the close link between human odor and health. In fact, changes in body odor are often health signals that we overlook, and it can be related to a variety of factors, including diet, personal hygiene, and even underlying medical conditions.
1. Human body odor and health
Odor emitted by the human body is a complex biomarker that is significantly influenced not only by an individual's genetics and environment, but also by health status. This odor is mainly due to various chemicals released from the skin, breath and excretion, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), acids, ketones and alcohols. The types and concentrations of these chemicals constitute a complex chemical signaling system that can reflect physiological and pathological changes within the human body.
In certain disease states, such as metabolic and infectious diseases, metabolic pathways in the body are altered, affecting the composition of these chemicals. For example, in diabetic patients, due to the lack or inadequacy of insulin, the oxidation of fatty acids in the body increases, producing more ketone bodies, which are excreted through breathing, resulting in a peculiar sweet or fruity smell in the patient's breath. Similarly, in some liver and kidney diseases, the patient's breath or skin may emit a characteristic odor due to the accumulation of metabolic waste.
In addition, infectious diseases can also alter human body odor. For example, bacterial and viral infections can lead to an inflammatory response in the body, and chemical signaling substances produced by these inflammatory processes may be excreted through the skin and breath, altering body odor. In some cases, this change in smell can even be detected by trained animals, such as dogs, to aid in the diagnosis of certain diseases.
Second, the four smells that doctors warn about
The link between cancer and changes in body odor is an area of concern, as this change may be a response of the body to the disease in its early stages. Here are four possible cancer-related changes in body odor that can be early warning signs from your body:
Sweet smell – diabetes and certain cancers
Diabetics have too many ketones in their bodies due to poor blood sugar control, and these ketones produce a characteristic sweet smell when excreted through breathing. It is important to note that certain cancers, such as pancreatic cancer, may cause similar abnormalities in blood sugar. Pancreatic cancer can be difficult to detect in its early stages, but if it is accompanied by weight loss, abdominal pain, or a sweet smell in body odor, it can be an important warning sign that should be medically examined as soon as possible.
Fishy smell – trimethylaminuria
Trimethylaminuturia is a metabolic abnormality in which the breakdown of trimethylamine in the patient's body is blocked, resulting in a fishy odor in the body odor. Although not cancer per se, the condition may be associated with abnormal liver or kidney function, and diseases produced by these organs are sometimes associated with cancer. Therefore, if a persistent fishy smell occurs, an in-depth examination should be performed to rule out the possibility of liver or kidney disease.
Rotten egg smell – intestinal problems
A rotten egg-like odor is usually caused by too much hydrogen sulfide. Hydrogen sulfide is a gas produced by intestinal bacteria, which may produce too much hydrogen sulfide when the intestinal flora is out of balance or when certain digestive disorders, such as enteritis, develop. Since the gut is home to a variety of cancers, including colorectal cancer, this change in smell should be taken very seriously.
Putrefactive smell – oral or respiratory problems
Diseases of the mouth or respiratory system, such as chronic sinusitis, inflammation of the tonsils, and even certain types of head and neck cancers, can cause a putrid taste in the breath. This odor is usually produced by bacteria breaking down food debris, dead cells, or tissues. This odor is caused by bacteria in the mouth that break down food crumbs, dead cells, or tissues.
Body odor is not just a matter of personal hygiene, it can be a reflection of your physical health. In order to prevent and treat body odor, we should pay attention to the following:
Eat a healthy diet
Diet has a significant impact on body odor. A balanced diet contributes to good health and can also reduce the production of bad body odor. It is advisable to eat more fresh vegetables and fruits, which are rich in fiber and water, which helps with gut health, reduces digestive problems, and thus reduces certain bad body odors. Reduce your intake of processed foods and high-fat foods, which may lead to the production of more volatile compounds in the body. In addition, limiting the intake of strong-smelling foods such as garlic and onions can also help control body odor.
Regular medical check-ups
A sudden change in body odor, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms, such as weight changes, persistent fatigue, or digestive problems, should prompt a medical examination. Regular checkups can help detect potential health problems early, including those that may affect body odor. For example, diabetes, kidney disease, and certain metabolic disorders can all cause changes in body odor.
Professional consultation
If you are concerned about changes in your body odor, it is wise to consult a doctor or professional. They can provide more accurate diagnoses and recommendations. In some cases, your doctor may recommend specific medical tests, such as blood tests or urinalysis, to determine the cause of the change in body odor. In addition, certain specialized odor detection technologies, such as electronic nose technology, are being developed and may be used in the future to more accurately diagnose and monitor health problems related to body odor.
In addition to this, personal hygiene is also important to avoid body odor. Wash your body daily with warm water and mild soap, paying special attention to areas where you sweat frequently, such as your armpits, feet, and pubic areas. For people who sweat easily, antiseptic or deodorizing bath products and antiperspirants can be used to reduce body odor. Also clean your clothes, sheets, and towels regularly to prevent bacteria from growing, which is also a good way to get rid of body odor.
As we continue to explore the complex physiological mechanisms of the human body, the connection between body odor and health is gradually becoming more and more important. As Mr. Lee's case shows, subtle changes in body odor can sometimes be important health messages that the body is trying to convey. By paying attention to these subtle signs, we are not only able to better understand our own physical condition, but may also be able to detect and respond to potential health problems early in some cases.