Body odor is the result of one or a combination of various causes such as perspiration, irregularities in digestion and other intestinal problems, organ and metabolic malfunctions, infections, and emotional stress.

Perspiration is the most common culprit of body odor. The body perspires to cool the skin and to release wastes and toxins from the blood. The body also perspires as a natural reaction to nervous stress. When perspiration and skin oils react with the bacteria that are typically present on the skin, the result is a rancid or acrid odor.