Brazilian jiu-jitsu star Nick “Nicky Rod” Rodriguez has made the bold decision to forgo the use of deodorant. The 28-year-old grappling sensation, known for his impressive performances on the mat, has apparently embraced a more natural approach to personal hygiene.
Rodriguez, who recently secured another victory at the UFC Fight Pass Invitational 8, has been making waves in the professional grappling world. However, his latest choice is causing quite a stir among his fellow athletes and fans alike.
According to a video clip from the team’s channel, Nicky Rod’s decision stems from concerns about hemical absorption through the skin. “He doesn’t want the chemicals to absorb,” revealed a training partner who wished to remain anonymous. “He’s been raw-dogging it for months now, and honestly, it’s pretty intense.”
The effects of this lifestyle change have not gone unnoticed. During episode of his popular podcast The Simple Men, where Rodriguez appears shirtless alongside other guests, the atmosphere was described as “foul” and “nasty” by one of the co-hosts.
“The whole room just smelled terrible,” one podcast host commented. “It’s crazy because he doesn’t seem to care at all.”
Many deodorants contain chemicals like parabens, phthalates, and aluminum compounds, which are suspected to act as endocrine disruptors. These substances can mimic or interfere with hormone functions, potentially leading to altered testosterone levels. Endocrine disruptors have been associated with a range of health issues, including fertility problems and metabolic disorders.
Studies on parabens and phthalates have indicated that these chemicals can disrupt the endocrine system. A 2018 study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that higher levels of certain phthalates were linked to lower testosterone levels in men, particularly in those over 40. The researchers hypothesized that prolonged exposure to these chemicals, which are common in deodorants, may contribute to hormonal changes over time.
The direct link between deodorants and reduced testosterone is still under investigation. Animal studies suggest that parabens may have an impact on reproductive health by mimicking estrogen, which could disrupt the balance of male hormones. However, human studies are limited. A review in Toxicology Letters (2020) highlighted the need for more extensive, controlled studies to establish a clear cause-and-effect relationship.
There is no strong evidence directly linking aluminum-based antiperspirants to lowered testosterone production. However, a 2017 study published in Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry raised concerns about aluminum exposure’s potential to disrupt hormone balance, though more research is needed to establish its effects on testosterone.
So Rodriguez’ decision isn’t entirely bro science based. While some studies suggest that the chemicals found in deodorants may have an effect on testosterone levels, the evidence is not yet conclusive. Large-scale, long-term studies in humans are still lacking. The chemical concentrations in deodorants are generally considered low, and many researchers argue that the short exposure times make it unlikely for these products to cause significant hormonal disruptions.
When confronted about his new hygiene regimen, Rodriguez remained unapologetic. “I’m smelling money, dog,” he quipped, possibly referring to his recent $1 million tournament win at the Craig Jones Invitational.
This unconventional approach to personal care comes at a time when Rodriguez’s career is soaring. He has expressed contentment with his chosen path in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, stating, “I’m a millionaire without CTE — I think I’m good.” This statement highlights the growing financial viability of professional grappling as a career choice.
While Rodriguez’s grappling skills continue to impress, his aromatic presence is becoming a topic of discussion in the BJJ community.
