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Chances are, you smell.
It happens to everyone, whether you’ve just eaten a garlic-heavy meal or got done working outside in the hot sun, at one time or another, you and I have emitted unpleasant smells!
On most occasions, brushing your teeth or taking a shower takes care of it.
However, there are times when a bad odor is your body telling you something might be very wrong with your health, Men’s Health reports.
Which ones are important?
Here are a few you need to especially be aware of:
My Breath Smells “Fruity”
A complication of diabetes called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) occurs when your body runs low on insulin and your blood sugar spikes. Long story short, your body can’t create the energy it needs so it begins to break down fatty acids and one of those, acetone, can leave a fruity smell on your breath. It is a very noticeable smell and one of the main symptoms doctors look out for. Research has long shown that U.S. Latinos face higher rates of diabetes. DKA can be serious and even deadly!
Smelly Feet = Athlete’s Foot
If you your feet and your shoes always smell “funky” no matter what you do, you might have a fungal infection to blame. Check your feet. If you have dry or scaly skin around your toes or redness and blisters, you might have athlete’s foot. The bad smell is caused by a combo of bacteria and fungus that erodes your skin in between your toes. If untreated, it can spread and you will become prone to repeated bouts of the infection.
Bad Breath? Might Be Sleep Apnea
If you wake up each morning and have chronic bad breath—even if you brush and floss your teeth regularly—you could be dealing with an undiagnosed case of sleep apnea. This disorder causes your breathing to be sporadic while you sleep. It also makes your mouth exceptionally dry, and that is a common cause of bad breath. Dry mouths allow bacteria to breed more rapidly. Sleep apnea can be dangerous, too. If you feel sleepy during the day (and wake up consistently for bad breath), it’s important you consult your doctor.
There are more smells to be aware of. Read the full list here.
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