What to eat to avoid mosquito bites

MANILA, Philippines - Aside from the rain brought by the habagat, the wet season also brings mosquitoes. And when mosquitoes are abound, we are prone to malaria or dengue.

Mosquitoes track down their victims through smell. Aside from the stagnant waters and filthy environment that attract them, the smell of a human also does. Their sensory organs are trained to zero in on sources of carbon dioxide and lactic acid because these chemicals lead them to warm-blooded animals, which includes humans.

The usual remedy that people use when it comes to avoiding mosquito bites is a mosquito repellent. The chemical DEET is very effective at masking the smell of carbon dioxide and lactic acid. Lemon eucalyptus and picadirin are also effective repellents.

But too much exposure to DEET may be harmful to your health. According to chemistry professor Anne Helmenstine, eating certain foods, especially salty food or and food high in potassium, also increases the amount of lactic acid that you off-gas. 

The following may greatly decrease chances of mosquitoes feasting on you:

Garlic - It contains a chemical compound that seeps from the skin pores and masks the natural body odors like carbon dioxide, sweat, and lactic acid.

Citrus fruits - oranges, limes, and lemons

Vitamin B1 “Thiamine” - lean pork, trout, macadamia nuts, sunflower seeds, wheat bread, green peas, squash, and asparagus.

Onions - rubbing a slice of onion over your skin can be a good way to keep away mosquitoes and other biting insects.

Spicy food - most spicy foods have base ingredients containing onions, chilies, garlic and coriander spices, which are all reputed to have mosquito repelling qualities.

Vanilla - dilute 1 tablespoon vanilla extract with 1 cup water and wipe the mixture on your exposed skin to discourage mosquitoes, blackflies, and ticks.