When you exercise or otherwise get overheated, your sweat glands produce a watery substance designed to regulate body temperature. But emotional stress triggers different glands—the apocrine glands, which are found mostly in the underarms and groin area—and they secrete a milky fluid. This fight-or-flight-related liquid is made up of water and lipids, so it’s a veritable feast for odor-causing bacteria. Meditation, yoga, and other calming practices may help.
Even guys may want to abandon au naturel underarms. Bacteria thrive in warm, moist environments, and armpit hair can create an ideal swampy habitat. Hair, along with the dirt and oil that accumulate in it, may promote the growth of odor causing bacteria.
4. Apply apple cider vinegar.