Randy Chandler
It's a well-known fact that cheese can sometimes smell like feet. But why is that? It turns out that cheese and feet share some of the same types of bacteria. Specifically, a bacterium called Brevibacterium is often found on both cheese and human feet. When this bacterium feeds on the dead skin on our feet or the proteins in certain types of cheese, it produces a gas called methanethiol, which has a strong, pungent smell. While the bacteria on cheese are safe to eat, the bacteria on feet are not, so it's important to maintain good foot hygiene by regularly washing and drying your feet and choosing shoes that allow your feet to breathe.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for cheese and feet smelling similar | The presence of similar bacteria |
| Bacteria involved | Brevibacterium |
| Gas produced by the bacteria | Methanethiol |
| Foot characteristics | 250,000 sweat glands |
| Odor prevention | Washing feet, using antiperspirant, wearing socks, toenail maintenance, breathable shoes |
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What You'll Learn
Bacteria on feet and in cheese
Human feet have about 250,000 sweat glands, making them one of the sweatiest parts of the body. While sweat itself is odourless, the real culprit behind the smell is bacteria. These tiny creatures thrive in moist environments, and sweaty shoes provide the perfect breeding ground for them. Foot odour is primarily caused by bacteria breaking down sweat on the skin, producing a cheese-like smell due to isovaleric acid.
Similarly, bacteria are also responsible for the smell of cheese. Certain types of cheese, such as Munster and Limburger, contain proteins that are broken down by bacteria, resulting in a strong, pungent odour. This bacterium, known as Brevibacterium, is often found on both cheese and human feet. When Brevibacterium consumes dead skin on our feet or the proteins in cheese, it releases a gas called methanethiol, which has a distinct and potent smell.
The connection between stinky feet and cheese goes beyond their shared bacterial inhabitants. The environment in which bacteria thrive also plays a role. In the case of feet, wearing the same pair of shoes daily can contribute to the growth of bacterial colonies. The warm, moist conditions inside shoes provide an ideal habitat for bacteria to proliferate, leading to an increase in foot odour. Similarly, cheese that is left open or exposed can absorb odours from its surroundings, intensifying its smell.
To combat foot odour, maintaining good foot hygiene is essential. This includes regularly washing and thoroughly drying the feet, paying special attention to the areas between the toes. Additionally, wearing socks, preferably cotton or moisture-wicking materials, helps absorb sweat and reduce the amount that reaches the shoes. Alternating between different pairs of shoes and ensuring they dry completely between wearings can also inhibit bacterial growth.
In the case of cheese, proper storage is crucial to prevent it from spoiling or absorbing unwanted odours. Once opened, cheese is susceptible to normal environmental bacteria, which can cause it to go bad. Storing cheese in the freezer and following package instructions on consumption and storage can help maintain its freshness and minimise odour absorption.
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Sharp cheddar and foot odour
The human foot is home to approximately 250,000 sweat glands, making it one of the sweatiest parts of the body. While sweat itself is odourless, when combined with bacteria, it can produce a strong, pungent smell. These bacteria flourish in the moist environment created by sweaty feet, breaking down the sweat and dead skin cells and emitting a gas called isovaleric acid, which has a distinct cheese-like odour.
Similarly, cheese also provides an ideal habitat for bacteria, particularly a type called Brevibacterium, which is often found on both cheese and human feet. This bacterium feeds on the proteins in cheese and the dead skin on our feet, resulting in the production of methanethiol, a gas with a sharp, unpleasant smell. This explains why sharp cheddar, with its strong aroma, can sometimes evoke the scent of feet.
While it may be off-putting to think about, the bacteria found on cheese are generally safe to consume, although they may contribute to an intense aroma and a slightly altered taste. If you encounter a particularly pungent batch of cheese, it's best to trust your senses and dispose of it, especially if it has been opened for a while, as it can spoil without showing signs of mould.
To summarise, the similarity between the smell of sharp cheddar and foot odour is due to the presence of bacteria that thrive in both environments, breaking down proteins and emitting gases with strong, unpleasant odours. While it may be an unappetising comparison, it's a natural and harmless part of the human experience.
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Foot sweat and its link to bacteria
The human foot is home to about 250,000 sweat glands, making it one of the sweatiest parts of the body. While sweat itself is odourless, the bacteria that thrive in sweaty environments are responsible for the strong, pungent smell associated with foot odour.
Foot odour is primarily caused by bacteria breaking down sweat on the skin, producing a cheese-like smell due to isovaleric acid. One such bacterium is Brevibacterium, which is often found on both cheese and human feet. When Brevibacterium consumes dead skin on the feet or proteins in certain types of cheese, it produces a gas called methanethiol, which has a strong, unpleasant odour.
Foot sweat and the bacteria that feed on it can be mitigated through proper foot hygiene. This includes regular washing, thorough drying, and wearing clean socks daily. Allowing shoes to dry out completely between wearings can also help prevent the buildup of bacteria, as they thrive in moist environments. Alternating between different pairs of shoes and choosing shoes designed for breathability can also help reduce foot odour.
In addition to proper hygiene, foot odour can be combated with the use of antiperspirants or foot powder to reduce sweat. Removable insoles, especially those with anti-microbial features, can also help deter bacteria. Soaking feet in a solution of baking soda and water can help restore pH balance and reduce bacteria.
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How to reduce foot odour
The human foot is home to about 250,000 sweat glands, making them one of the sweatiest parts of the body. While sweat itself is odourless, the bacteria that thrive in sweaty environments are the main culprits behind foot odour. These bacteria break down sweat on the skin, producing a cheese-like smell due to isovaleric acid.
To reduce foot odour, good foot hygiene is essential. Here are some tips to keep your feet fresh and odour-free:
- Wash your feet regularly, once or twice a day, or as needed.
- Soak your feet in warm water instead of quickly washing them in the shower.
- Use antibacterial soap or a gentle cleanser to eliminate bacteria.
- Dry your feet thoroughly, especially between the toes, before putting on socks and shoes.
- Change your socks daily, and multiple times a day if necessary.
- Opt for socks made of natural fibres like cotton, which allow your feet to breathe.
- Choose comfortable, well-fitting shoes that aren't too tight.
- Alternate between several pairs of shoes to allow them to dry completely before wearing them again.
- Air out your feet whenever possible, and go barefoot or wear open sandals in the summer.
- Use anti-odour insoles in your shoes to absorb perspiration and odours.
- Apply aluminium chloride-based solutions to the soles of your feet to reduce perspiration. These are available at pharmacies without a prescription.
By following these simple steps, you can effectively reduce foot odour and maintain healthy and fresh-smelling feet.
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Is cheese safe to eat if it smells like feet?
It is not uncommon for cheese to smell like feet, and this is due to the presence of bacteria called Brevibacterium, which is often found on both cheese and human feet. This bacterium feeds on the dead skin on our feet or the proteins in certain types of cheese, producing a gas called methanethiol, which has a strong, pungent smell. While it may be safe to consume cheese that smells like feet, it is important to exercise caution and consider the following factors:
Firstly, check the expiry date of the cheese. If it is past its expiry date, it is best to discard it, as spoiled cheese can be unsafe for consumption. Secondly, examine the appearance of the cheese. If it looks normal, it is less likely to be spoiled. However, some types of cheese, such as shredded cheese, can spoil even before the expiry date if not stored properly.
It is recommended to follow the package instructions on how quickly to consume the cheese after opening. Storing shredded cheese in the freezer can also extend its freshness. Additionally, it is a good practice to smell the cheese before consumption. While cheese naturally has a strong odour, spoiled cheese may have a noticeably stronger or different odour. If the cheese smells like feet, it is advisable to err on the side of caution and discard it, especially if it also has a strange taste.
It is worth noting that consuming small amounts of spoiled cheese may not always lead to illness. In some cases, individuals have reported consuming cheese that smelled and tasted slightly off without experiencing any negative consequences. However, this does not guarantee that everyone will have the same experience, and it is generally recommended to avoid consuming spoiled food to prevent potential health risks.
To summarize, while cheese that smells like feet may be safe to eat, it is important to consider the factors mentioned above to make an informed decision. When in doubt, it is always best to discard the cheese and opt for a fresher option to ensure food safety and maintain your health.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese and feet can smell similar because they share some of the same types of bacteria. Specifically, a bacterium called Brevibacterium is often found on both cheese and human feet.
Foot odour is primarily caused by bacteria breaking down sweat on the skin, producing a cheese-like smell due to isovaleric acid.
To prevent foot odour, it is important to keep your feet clean and dry. This includes regular washing, thorough drying, changing your socks daily, and allowing your shoes to dry out between uses.
To prevent cheese from smelling like feet, follow the package instructions on how quickly to consume it. You can also store shredded cheese in the freezer to extend its freshness.
Shredded cheddar cheese may smell like feet due to the presence of bacteria that thrive in moist environments, such as Brevibacterium. These bacteria can produce a strong, pungent smell similar to that of foot odour.
