Understanding how body odor relates to health conditions
Changes in body odor can be linked to several health issues, including disorders of the thyroid gland, liver, kidneys, and diabetes. This perspective comes from clinicians at the Hemotest laboratory, including Dr. Olga Ulankina, who has spoken publicly about how metabolic and organ-specific problems can influence scent and breath.
When the liver or kidneys are not functioning properly, waste products can accumulate in the body and release distinctive odors. Ammonia can become noticeable on the skin or breath in such cases, signaling that detoxification processes may be impaired and warrant medical evaluation. It is important to consider this symptom in the context of other signs of kidney or liver disease, and to seek professional assessment if it persists or worsens.
In diabetes, a specific and often telling odor can appear. Acetone, a type of ketone, may build up in the blood and be exhaled or excreted through the skin. This occurs when insulin is insufficient or the body develops insulin resistance, causing a shift away from glucose utilization toward fat breakdown for energy. The resulting ketone bodies can produce a distinctive breath and body odor, which serves as a potential indicator of need for blood sugar management and medical review. A sour or vinegary scent can also emerge in connection with endocrine disturbances, certain infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, and vitamin D deficiency. If a person notices a clean body giving off a vinegar-like odor after a shower, it may warrant attention from a healthcare provider. Normal changes after physical activity can include sweaty, sour skin and odor, particularly when sweating is profuse during or after exertion.
Troubles with the thyroid gland can lead to increased sweating and, consequently, stronger body odor. The thyroid plays a key role in regulating metabolism and thermoregulation, so its dysfunction can intensify sweating and odor emission. It is also noted that the odor can be influenced by everyday factors such as diet, with high consumption of spices, processed foods, and sugary items potentially elevating odor intensity. These lifestyle elements can interact with underlying conditions to alter how body odor presents itself.
In summary, changes in body odor are not a diagnosis by themselves but may accompany conditions affecting the liver, kidneys, thyroid, or metabolic processes tied to diabetes. A clinician can evaluate these signals in the broader context of the person’s medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests. Early recognition of unusual odors can prompt timely investigations and management to protect overall health.
Content derived from clinical discussions at the Hemotest laboratory and insights provided by Dr. Olga Ulankina. These observations emphasize that odor changes should be interpreted with care and alongside other symptoms and risk factors.