Smelly Feet

Smelly feet aren't the end of the world, but they can certainly make people self-conscious. Considering that there are more than a quarter of a million sweat glands in two feet - more than in any other part of the body, including the underarms - and that these glands release about a gallon of moisture per week, it's not surprising that over-the-counter treatments for foot odor are numerous and profitable.

If your feet are particularly odoriferous, it may due to bromhidrosis, an inherited condition responsible for excessive and smelly perspiration from feet. Or, common bacteria living in your shoes may be to blame. Regardless of the source, there are ways you can address pungent smelling feet - try the following:

Minimize consumption of animal foods, coffee or other forms of caffeine, all of which can affect your metabolism and how your feet produce sweat.

Let your shoes air out between wearings - avoid wearing the same shoes two days in a row to help dehydrate and kill bacteria and cut down on the odor they can cause.

Try shoe inserts or deodorant crystals.

Periodically wipe the interior of shoes clean with a wet cloth, then let them dry thoroughly.