What causes sweat to smell?

Sweat itself is odorless. It's the bacteria on our skin that feed on the sweat and produce waste products that smell. Different types of bacteria produce different smells, which is why everyone's sweat smells different.

The type of food we eat can also affect the smell of our sweat. Certain foods, such as garlic, onions, and curry, can cause our sweat to smell stronger.

Stress can also affect the smell of our sweat. When we're stressed, our bodies produce more of a certain hormone called cortisol. This hormone can cause the sweat glands to secrete more sweat, which can create a more favorable environment for bacteria to grow and produce odor.

Genetics also play a role in how our sweat smells. Some people are simply more prone to having smelly sweat than others. This is due to the different types of bacteria that live on our skin.