What’s That Smell?

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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.

Dr. Stonebarger Asks some important questions of interest to Durant residents - Chiropractor Durant Dr. Stonebarger Asks...

Do nerves actually get pinched?
Chiropractors recognize two types of nerve disorders involved in subluxation. The least common is a pinched nerve that diminishes nerve supply to an affected organ or tissue. More common is the irritated nerve (facilitative lesion) which overexcites nerve communications to an affected organ or tissue. Chiropractic care has been shown to help with both types.
Is a muscle spasm a cause or an effect?
With the knee-jerk use of muscle relaxers, you'd think it was a cause. But it's an effect. Chiropractors know that bones don't move unless muscles move them. And muscles don't contract unless commanded by the nervous system. That's why your nervous system is the focus of our Durant chiropractic practice.