Ancient Greeks Were Right: Changes in Body Odor Can Indicate Health Issues
It turns out that the ancient Greeks were onto something when they believed that changes in body odor could indicate the onset of a pathology. Recent research has confirmed that bad smells coming from our body, such as bad breath, acidic sweat, or a particular skin odor, can sometimes be a sign of a disease we are suffering from.
The Discovery of the Ancients on Smell
Since the time of the ancient Greeks, it has been understood that when a person is sick, they may emit a different smell than usual. Diseases such as liver failure, diabetes, and infectious diseases can give the breath a characteristic odor.
Diagnosing Diseases from Breath
In 1971, chemist Linus Pauling discovered that there are 250 different gaseous chemicals in our breath, with some only detectable by special instruments. Changes in these volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can reveal the presence of skin, respiratory, neurological, or intestinal diseases. For example, fruity-smelling breath can indicate diabetes.
The Importance of Sweat
The smell of the skin is also important as the epidermis secretes waste toxins through sweat. Changes in the smell of sweat can indicate intestinal problems or other health issues due to variations in chemical composition.
Bad Foot Odor and Foul-Smelling Stools
While bad foot odor is often associated with poor hygiene, it can also be a sign of fungal infections. Similarly, very smelly stools can indicate health issues such as lactose intolerance or urinary tract infections.
Therefore, instead of being embarrassed by bad smells, it’s important to pay attention to them as they could be our body’s way of alerting us to potential health problems. By listening to what our body is trying to tell us through changes in odor, we can potentially prevent or address underlying health issues before they become more serious.