Why You Smell -- Odor Surprises

It’s bad enough that you’re stressed, but you might smell funky, too. Sweat itself doesn’t smell -- it’s the bacteria on the skin that causes it. Stress sweat has a lot of stuff that bacteria like to feed on, and that makes the odor riper.

You smell body odor, but you’ve done a quick pit check and passed. If you can’t figure out where the B.O. is coming from, check your bra. It can get stinky, just like other dirty clothes. It doesn’t need to be washed as often as your undies, but don’t wait too long.

People who have this rare syndrome -- called trimethylaminuria -- give off a scent like dead fish. It happens because their bodies can’t break down a certain chemical that’s found in seafood. A few things can help: Bathe or shower with an acidic soap, wash clothes often, and don’t eat too much marine life.

If you eat too few carbs, your body may have to burn fat for energy, and that creates acidic chemicals called ketones. These can make your breath smell fruity or like nail-polish remover. This is called ketosis, and it can become dangerous if too many ketones build up in your body.

This could be a symptom of diabetes. When your body can’t break down sugar, it builds up in your blood -- and in your urine.

A UTI happens when bacteria gets into your urinary tract. Other things that can cause one include sex and wiping from back to front. If your pee smells bad or is cloudy or milky, or if it hurts or burns when you go, you could have a UTI. See your doctor. Medication can kill the infection.

Vinegar helps get rid of bacteria that causes the smell. Epsom salts work well, too. Other things you can do: Keep your tootsies clean and dry, wear cotton socks, and put new insoles in older shoes. It’s also a good idea to wear a different pair of shoes every day. That gives them time to air out before you wear them again.

Your body can’t digest and absorb some of the carbohydrates in foods, including apples, raisins, and prunes. Those carbs make gas, which causes you to fart. Other foods that might make you toot include artichokes, Brussels sprouts, and lentils.

When you have a beer, a glass of wine, or a cocktail, your liver turns most of the alcohol into acid. But some of it comes out through your sweat and your breath. If you drink too much, your breath can smell and the odor also might come out of your pores.