Top 7 Tips To Treat And Prevent Foot Odor

Right now, as you read this, millions of microscopic creatures are living on your feet. It might give you the heebie-jeebies to think about it, but these little guys, called bacteria, are perfectly normal inhabitants for feet to have. In fact, they know something that never occurred to you. Your feet are a great feasting ground. But if you overfeeds them, they can really start to stink up the place. That would be fine if they cleaned up after themselves. But instead, the feasting bacteria produce organic substances called fatty acids, and those are the leftovers that start to reek on your feet. In other words, if you stick your foot into a leather shoe and go cut the grass during a warm day, you are creating a land of plenty for these microscopic creatures. It is a kind of like feeding a bunch of cowboys an endless supply of beans while they lounge around in a room with little air circulation. However, here are some ways that you can keep these little habitants in check and your feet smell fresh.

1. Throw Out Those Stinking Shoes
   
   No matter what you do to make your feet smell better, if you shove them back inside a pair of smelly shoes, they will stink all over again. If you have smelly shoes, get rid of them and treat yourself to a new pair.
   
   
2. Change Shoes And Socks Often
   
   Aim to change your shoes and socks at least once a day. But gauge your shoe and sock changes by how much your feet sweat. As soon as you notice that they are wet, it is time for a change. Wash each pair of socks after wearing them. Try to rotate your shoes so they have a day to dry out between wears.
   
   
3. Buy Absorbent Socks
   
   Thick, soft socks will soak up the sweat, keeping it away from your skin. Stay away from nylon, which does not breathe or absorb moisture but does pick up odor fast.
   
   
4. Apply Some Powder
   
   Dust your feet with baby or foot powder. The powder will absorb some of the sweat.
   
   
5. Buy Breathable Shoes
   
   Although you always believed a good leather shoe was the best thing you could put on your foot, it is not. Once odor gets into leather shoes, it won’t get out. They are ruined. Plus, leather makes your feet sweat. So, opt for canvas or nylon shoes that have as little leather as possible.
   
   
6. Wash What You Can
   
   In addition to washing your socks, also remember to take out any inserts, or pads in your shoes and wash those regularly too.
   
   
7. Take A Tea Bath
   
   If your problem is excess sweating, soak your feet in a bucket of strongly brewed black tea. The tannic acid in the tea will kill the bacteria and close down your pores, keeping your feet dry longer. Use two tea bags per pint of water and boil for 15 minutes. Then remove the bags and add two quarts of water to the tea. Soak your feet for 30 minutes daily for about a week.

Raymond Lee is one of the foremost experts in the health and fitness industry and is the Founder of Bodyfixes Group specializing in body health, muscle development and dieting. He is currently the author of the latest edition of "Neck Exercises and Workouts." Visit http://www.bodyfixes.com for more information.