#189 PRIORITIZE PERSONAL HYGIENE
Some keto dieters notice an increase in body odor. There’s no real scientific explanation for why this happens, but some researchers believe that it’s connected to the ketones leaving your body through your skin. When these ketones and other compounds come into contact with bacteria that live on your skin, they can create stinky byproducts that result in body odor.
If you’re noticing an unpleasant smell, some things you can do to help are:
- Showering immediately after exercising or any period when you’ve been sweating a lot
- Changing your clothes as soon as you finish your workout if you can’t shower right away
- Supporting your body’s natural detoxification processes by sweating more, eating cruciferous vegetables, supplementing with glutathione, and drinking lemon water
- Taking Epsom salt baths with added essential oils, like tea tree or lavender, to help fight off excess bacteria that may be causing your odor
- Slightly reducing your protein and increasing your carbs (as a last resort if you’ve been on keto a while and you’re still experiencing problems with body odor)
- Using an aluminum-free deodorant, like the Lume Unscented Deodorant Stick, that’s safe for your underarms and your private parts (two areas more prone to odor)
Like bad breath, body odor is usually temporary and will go away as your body adjusts to your new lifestyle. Try to be patient and give yourself some time to get through it.