Have you ever detected a shift in the way your body naturally smells? While body odor is a normal part of being human, at times, it can signal that something deeper is happening within your system.
In this article, we’ll explore 7 possible meanings behind different types of body odor and what they might indicate for your overall wellness.
THIS CONTENT IS INTENDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT REPLACE MEDICAL ADVICE. ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT ANY HEALTH CONCERNS OR MEDICAL CONDITIONS.
Fruity or sweet-smelling odor
If your breath or sweat takes on a fruity, sweet scent, it could be an indicator of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)—a serious and potentially life-threatening complication of diabetes.
When the body lacks sufficient insulin, it starts breaking down fat for energy, leading to the production of ketones. One of those ketones, acetone, gives off a distinct fruity smell.
This odor is most noticeable in the breath but can also be detected in sweat. DKA usually presents alongside symptoms like extreme tiredness, frequent urination, and intense thirst. Recognizing it early and seeking prompt treatment is critical. Keeping blood sugar levels in check is crucial to preventing this condition.
Fishy odor
A lingering fishy smell may be due to trimethylaminuria (TMAU), a rare inherited metabolic condition. In people with TMAU, the body cannot properly break down trimethylamine—a compound found in foods like fish, eggs, and legumes.
As a result, trimethylamine is expelled through the breath, sweat, and urine, producing a strong fish-like odor. While it doesn’t pose a physical health risk, it can have a major impact on mental and emotional well-being. Management may include reducing choline in the diet, taking certain antibiotics, and using supplements such as activated charcoal. Emotional support or counseling may also help those affected.
In women, a fishy vaginal odor can be associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV), which might also relate to poor hygiene or pH imbalance. A healthy vaginal environment relies on maintaining the right bacterial balance. When that balance is disturbed, odors—often described as fishy or musty—can arise. Gentle hygiene and avoiding irritants are key to preventing BV and the associated odor.
Garlic-like smell
When you’re under stress, your apocrine glands—especially those in the armpits, scalp, and groin—kick into action. These glands produce a milky, protein-rich sweat that bacteria on your skin break down.
This breakdown leads to the release of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), which can carry smells similar to garlic or onions, depending on your individual skin microbiome.
Additionally, a breath odor resembling ammonia or bleach may suggest impaired kidney function. This happens when the kidneys can’t efficiently remove urea from the blood.
This scent may become more noticeable after strenuous exercise or a high-protein meal. If the ammonia-like odor continues, it’s important to get checked through blood tests and kidney function evaluations.
Sour or vinegar-like odor
If your sweat smells tangy, like vinegar, it could be linked to hormonal changes such as those during puberty, menstruation, or menopause.
It can also be a sign of poorly managed diabetes. When glucose isn’t used properly by the body, fat becomes the main energy source. This process produces byproducts like acetone, which can be excreted through breath and skin. While acetone is typically described as fruity, it may occasionally resemble a vinegary odor.
Excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis, may also make the scent more intense.
