Sniffing out health: How your body odor can signal serious diseases

A shift in body odor can be a sign of diabetic ketoacidosis, which is associated with diabetes. Ketones are a type of chemical compound created by the liver during fat breakdown, and their high concentration - usually caused by insulin deficiency - results in acidic blood and a sweet, fruity body odor.

Kidney failure happens when the organ's function decreases to less than 15 percent of the norm. As the kidneys fail, toxins start accumulating in the body, giving it a resemblance to the smell of ammonia.

When the liver malfunctions, toxins build up in the urine, sweat, and breath, leading the skin to give off a musty, garlic-like or rotten egg odor. If not addressed promptly with a medical expert, this could progress to organ failure.

Excessive weight leads to the formation of skin folds where bacteria can accumulate. Consequently, overweight and obesity increase the risk of unpleasant skin odors. Research also indicates a correlation between obesity and a reduced sense of smell; as such, those who are above normal weight might not detect the unpleasant odor until later. If you've recently gained weight, you may find that you need to bathe more often than before.

Alterations in the smell of your skin or sweat might also be related to your diet (like, a lack of carbohydrates) or hormonal imbalances. However, if an unusual body odor persists for an extended period and the cause is unknown, it's recommended to consult a doctor immediately.

Foul breath can also be a symptom of cancer, so such signs should not be ignored. A metallic smell could be a sign of lung cancer or other cancers that have spread to the lungs. Similarly, a moldy smell might be associated with lung or throat cancer, and a musty odor can suggest liver or kidney cancer.