B0rderline

Hi guys! Obviously, I'm new here...I went teetotal just over a month ago, after several failed attempts as being "a moderate drinker" and wanted to ask if anyone else has had this sort of gross problem. Since a few weeks back I've been having this really strong, sour sort of smell, coming mainly from my underarms. I'm not sweating excessively, It's just like super pungent BO, I guess. It literally starts about 20 mins after I jump out of the shower! I'm having to take like 2 or 3 showers a day and it still smells in between. Is this a side effect of my body detoxing itself? I've been drinking LOADS of water, like at least 3 500mL bottles worth every day...and I've been eating healthier, too. If it is a result of detoxing, how long should I expect it to last? I don't want to use anti-persperants because I've learned that the chemicals in them are super toxic and because of the trans-dermal efficiency of your underarms, you're getting 65% more of these toxic chemicals directly in your bloodstream than if you actually swallowed the same amount of chemicals. Freaky. Anyway I'm using non-toxic scented moisturizer currently, and I'm gonna get some natural stuff next week but atm I'm too poor (ah, student life!)
So any advice/help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

-Lisbeth

ReadyAtLast

Yes it's very common.It's your body purging the toxins and learning how to re-regulate itself.I always used to think I had excess perspiration but a few weeks after quitting it totally stopped. We probably smelled more than we realized when drinking but were immune to it

FeelingGreat

Hi Lisbeth, it doesn't sound like the detox that's causing it. It might be that you're noticing it more. Get your doctor to do a skin swab as you could have some nasty smelling flora growing on your skin.

jazzfish

Why not try a deodorant? There are natural ones as well, but I think the mainstream ones will work just fine. As to the main point, I have had some funky smells and other strange bodily reactions when I quit (actually probably worse when I drank, but I was too numb to notice). They go away fairly quickly for me though. It is also not necessary to drink too much water, which can actually stress your kidneys.

EDIT: I just checked and the recommended intake for fluids is 2,200ml per day. All fluids count.

B0rderline

Wow, thanks for the responses, guys! Okay, I'll go to the docs if it persists for more than a week. I thought that maybe the alcohol in your system kills some of the bugs on your skin when you sweat that cause BO. That's just a theory though. When i was hungover I often smelled...but only of alcohol. And from everywhere, not just under the armpits.

jazzfish

Body odor is mainly caused by the growth of bacteria breaking down your sweat. To minimize it, be sure to dry off really well.

I just remembered a "trick" from my time in SE Asia, use baby powder under your arms and anywhere else that tends to get moist.