Human odors depend on many extrinsic (such as food or clothing) and intrinsic factors - localized or systemic.
In recent years, microbes responsible for localized malodors - bad breath caused by oral bacteria and axillary odor - have been mapped by using next generation sequencing approaches. However, intestinal microbes responsible for systemic malodor (whole-body and extraoral halitosis), remain to be identified.
Our preliminary analysis of culture-, PCR- and 16S-RNA-based data donated by MEBO and PATM community members show that there are no easy answers.
Science explains why some people smell worse than others despite keeping themselves squeaky clean.
The body is crawling with microbes that have evolved with the person, depending on the innate metabolism, history of infections, microbiome swaps, diet and lifestyle.
The body's ecosystem of microorganisms can increase the risk for dangerous diseases for which we have unreserved levels of sympathy. It can also lead to unlikable conditions such as unpredictable and embarrassing outbursts of odor emitting through the pores - odor so bad it ruins social lives and careers.
Analysis of our metabolism is crucial to comprehending the responses of our genes and microbes to the stresses of daily life, and to elucidating the causes and consequences of health and disease.
We applied metabolomic approach to an elusive condition that has always evaded diagnosis: socially and psychologically distressing odors that occur without a known or apparent cause. Learn about our preliminary results and participate in our anonymous survey to help us better understand and help with this condition.
In a Skype call held on May 7, 2017, by MEBO Research, moderated by María de la Torre, the main objective was to discuss strategies for managing body odor (associated with conditions such as TMAU or other metabolic disorders) through lifestyle and dietary changes.
Key points discussed:
Hormonal influence: The discussion covered how hormonal changes in adolescents (up to around age 21), women (during the menstrual cycle), and stressful situations (through adrenaline release) can influence or trigger odor symptoms (1:08–2:07; 14:31–15:24).
Diet and nutrition:
Natural, whole foods are preferable to processed foods in order to avoid unnecessary chemicals (3:33–4:05).
Foods high in sulfur (such as garlic and onions) should be limited or thoroughly cooked (for example, sautéed) so that odor-causing compounds evaporate before consumption (4:05–5:23).
It was emphasized that choline is an essential nutrient and should not be completely eliminated from the diet, as a deficiency can cause serious damage to the nervous system and increase anxiety (9:58–11:30).
Body detoxification process: It was explained that the body needs time to eliminate odor-causing chemicals that have accumulated in fatty tissues over the years. Drinking plenty of water and engaging in cardiovascular exercise can help speed up this process by mobilizing these compounds so they can be eliminated through sweat, urine, and breathing (5:26–7:43; 12:51–13:47).
Emotional well-being: The discussion addressed how social fear and anxiety about possibly smelling bad can create a vicious cycle that negatively affects psychological well-being (10:38–11:30).
One of our community members found this TMAU short film and shared it with me. For the first time ever, it was actually optimistic and full of hope.
I do believe we have come a long way, as we continue steadfastly on the path looking for answers that we hope will arrive sooner than later. There is currently more hope now because there are many "fronts" from which we are expecting new discoveries, and that is most promising, uplifting and inspiring.
Thank you TheoMeta for doing this film and for allowing me to post it in the MEBO Blog! Sharing the hope saves lives. We must keep sharing.
Danny Kunz has donated a very interesting PowerPoint presentation for the MEBO Conference 2017 consisting of metabolic pathway simulations on Apocrine Bromhidrosis compared to Trimethylaminuria. This presentation also discusses the role of the eccrine glands in bromhidrosis.
We are most grateful to Danny, who is a part of this, "loosely coupled group of patients (and non-patients) with academic degree and without academic degree integrating our separate research capabilities and representing an addressable unit."
This theory is supported by high throughput simulations backed by large enzyme databases, which makes it a very persuasive presentation. In other words, this group has done a computer simulation of bromhidrosis backed up by large enzyme databases, as Danny explains in the presentation. Their theory is that bromhidrosis is an apocrine and eccrine sweat glands metabolic disease.Danny also says in his presentation that thyroid function with and without elevated hormone, TSH, may plays a role in bromhidrosis, and the group recommends supplementation and diet for this.
Even though the simulations discussed in this PowerPoint presentation do not have the aspect of medical proof yet, it provides a very compelling theory that calls for further research.
TOPIC OF THE PRESENTATION:
1.Fecal (indole) breath and body odorand it's recommended supplementation and diet,
2.Apocrine and eccrine sweat glands metabolicdisease in bromhidrosis,
a.Discussions on isovaleric acidand amino acid leucinein eccrine bromhidrosis,
b.Recommends aThyroid functions blood test, with and without elevated Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH),and recommended supplementation and diet.
This very interesting presentation raises question on whether TMAU2 to TMAU1 relation pattern could be transferred to the Bromhidrosis pattern as well.
Nobody likes strong smells coming from other human beings. It's just that social convention: you are nice, if you smell nice, and you are a monster - like Shakespeare's Caliban - if you smell bad.
But it could be the brunt of the genetic or environmental misfortune
