From the Guidelines
To determine what has a better odor, it is essential to focus on personal hygiene and scent management, as there is no direct comparison between specific odors in the provided evidence. When considering odor management, regular showering with a mild soap, using an effective antiperspirant or deodorant, and wearing clean clothes are essential basics 1. Consider applying a light fragrance like cologne, perfume, or scented body lotion, but don't overdo it as excessive scent can be overwhelming. Some key points to consider for better odor management include:
- Staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet, as certain foods like garlic, onions, and alcohol can negatively affect body odor
- Avoiding smoking, which leaves a lingering unpleasant smell on breath, hair, and clothing
- Practicing good oral hygiene—brushing twice daily, flossing, and using mouthwash to prevent bad breath
- Considering consulting a healthcare provider for persistent body odor issues, as some conditions may require medical treatment These practices work because they address the root causes of unpleasant smells: bacteria breaking down sweat, food compounds being released through skin and breath, and accumulated environmental odors on clothing and hair. While the provided evidence does not directly compare the odor of specific substances, it highlights the importance of personal care products and their potential environmental impact 1, as well as the management of smell and taste disturbances in patients with COVID-19 1. However, the most relevant and recent evidence for odor management comes from the study on personal care products and their effects on the environment and human health 1.
From the Research
Odor Comparison
- There is no direct comparison of odors in the provided studies to determine which has a better odor.
- The studies focus on olfactory training and its effects on patients with post-infectious olfactory dysfunction, rather than comparing the odors themselves 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The odors mentioned in the studies, such as strawberry, cheese, coffee, lemon, phenyl ethyl alcohol, eucalyptol, citronellal, and eugenol, are used as part of olfactory training programs, but their relative odors are not compared 2, 4.
Olfactory Training
- Olfactory training has been shown to be effective in improving olfactory function in patients with post-infectious olfactory dysfunction 3, 4, 5.
- The studies suggest that olfactory training can lead to significant improvements in olfactory function, although the optimal duration and protocol for training are still being researched 2, 3, 4, 5.
- The addition of supplements such as melatonin, multivitamins, and topical sodium citrate to olfactory training did not show significant differences in improving olfactory function in one study 6.