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What’s That Smell?

You take your shoes off after a long day at work and your spouse moves to the other side of the room. Even the dog runs for cover! What causes your feet to smell so bad? And a better question, what can you do about it?

Extreme foot odor, also known as bromhidrosis, is usually caused by excessive perspiration or moisture, producing an environment perfect for the growth of bacteria and fungus. This bacteria and fungus create the room clearing foul odor when you take off your shoes. Worse, it can lead to fungal infections such as athlete’s foot.

Here are some practical tips:

• Dry your feet well after showering
  
  
• Wear sandals in the warmer summer months
  
  
• Change your shoes and socks frequently
  
  
• Rotate your shoes, wearing different ones each day
  
  
• Invest in insoles that help keep odors at bay
  
  
• Use a foot powder to keep feet moisture free
  
  
• Brew some tea and soak your feet in it! (The tannic acid in tea helps reduce foot odor)
  
  
• Monitor what you eat – spicy foods may cause your feet to sweat more

Foot odor, while unpleasant, is nothing to be overly concerned about. However, if it lingers, even after you have tried the solutions above, ask yourself this: Why is my body unable to control this bacteria and fungus? Managing bacteria and other unwelcome guests is the function of your immune system, which receives direction from your nervous system, which is naturally the focus of your chiropractic care.