odor

[Maddwraph]

when you do more sports and martial arts (like me doing bjj) does your tendency to smell and sweat and body ordor get worse? it might just b my head, but it seems i have teh tendency to sweat more and get more body order since ive been doing bjj.

[Sohan]

This is a very common problem with an easy solution.

When you exercise, you need carbohydrate for energy. When your glucose (blood sugar) runs low, you start burning protein for energy. Protein has the same carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen that carbohydrate has, but it also has nitrogen, which must be cleaved off each molecule so that the body can use the rest for your energy needs. Nitrogen must be eliminated from the body---the easiest way being through urine and sweat. Now, since you sweat a lot during your workout, if your carbs are low, you will acquire a lovely ammonia smell as the nitrogen in your body binds with hydrogen to create ammonia. You can easily remedy this by drinking sport drink before and during your workout and not letting your blood sugar drop. When I started doing this, my stink factor dropped dramatically. This is quite common in people on high protein/lower carb diets, but it can happen to anyone who works out without consuming carbs during training (ie a runner who only drinks water during a 1 hr run).

Another common cause of body odor during workout is excess bacteria on your body and on your gi. Make sure that you have showered before your workout (at least in the AM), wear a clean gi, and use deodorant, and this should be managed well.

With respect,

Sohan

[Shui Tora]

^ Yeah; basically what Sohan!

[bushido_man96]

You never cease to amaze me, Sohan! I just thought some people had a little more BO than others when they worked out. Didn't know that bit about the carbs. Cool info. Personally, I like my bread and tators, so I don't think I stink as bad!

But, is this a good thing?

[Sohan]

You never cease to amaze me, Sohan! I just thought some people had a little more BO than others when they worked out. Didn't know that bit about the carbs. Cool info. Personally, I like my bread and tators, so I don't think I stink as bad!

But, is this a good thing?

Life without my sweet rolls and mashed potatoes wouldn't be the same!

Funny, I used to really battle with this ammonia smell during and after my MA and running workouts where I sweat a lot. Pretty embarassing stuff and somewhat unavoidable since we train a lot in the heat. When I put things together and realized the cause, I started making sure I had Gatorade or Powerade at every workout. The smell went away immediately.

I used to just drink water during MA workouts, thinking I'd burn a few more calories this way. But all I ended up doing was burning more protein for energy as my glucose levels dropped. Any carbs will help, even fruit or a jam sandwich or a candy bar, but I think sport drink is best for its ability to be easily absorbed without stomach upset.

With respect,

Sohan

[bushido_man96]

Huh, that is interesting. I will have to start having Gatorade after my workouts. I find that when I come home from a TKD workout, I am so very thirsty, and I end up chugging the water in the evening to refresh myself. It is like I can't kick the thirst.

[Sohan]

Huh, that is interesting. I will have to start having Gatorade after my workouts. I find that when I come home from a TKD workout, I am so very thirsty, and I end up chugging the water in the evening to refresh myself. It is like I can't kick the thirst.

The key is to drink sports beverages before and especially DURING your workout, to maintain your blood glucose levels. As your glucose drops, protein metabolism for energy goes up, and that's when the stink monster takes over.

Try Gatorade powder in the large container. It's a lot cheaper, and essentially the same stuff. In a bind, fruit punch with a pinch of salt works great too if you add at least one part water to it.

With respect,

Sohan

[bushido_man96]

Thanks, Sohan. I don't get to have a drink in the class with me, but when we break to do forms, I could steal a drink or two. I try not to binge too much on the liquid, cause then I get waterlogged!

[Shotokan-kez]

Maddwraph, thank you so much for bringing this up! I have the exact same thing and was embarressed about it. I had a bath and even though i had washed i still had body odour from my armpits i was mortified. So Sohan's advice has helped the pair of us, thanks to both of you

Kez xx

[Sohan]

Maddwraph, thank you so much for bringing this up! I have the exact same thing and was embarressed about it. I had a bath and even though i had washed i still had body odour from my armpits i was mortified. So Sohan's advice has helped the pair of us, thanks to both of you

Kez xx

What I said about carbs curing ammonia smell is different from the insidious BO caused by bacteria on your skin. I just wanted to emphasize that carbs won't help that. Best bet is to shower immediately following your workout to rid yourself of odor-causing bacteria, never wear a gi to two or more workouts without washing it in hot water (no bleach--bleach can destroy a gi), and shower earlier in the day as well if possible. If you continue to have BO issues, try an alcohol rubdown. It will help kill odor-causing bacteria and can also help you recover as well.

With respect,

Sohan