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Do you sweat too much? Learn how to keep cool and dry all day long!

Do you sweat too much? Learn how to keep cool and dry all day long!

Are you worried that you sweat too much? People vary naturally in the amount that they perspire. However, for some people, excessive perspiration is a real problem, causing discomfort, anxiety and embarrassment.

If you are sweating more than the average person, then you could be suffering from a condition called hyperhidrosis (also referred to as excessive sweating).

Read on as we discuss excessive sweating and what you can do about it.

Why do you sweat?

Everybody sweats! It is a normal and natural response of the body to cool itself down and regulate temperature. You may not be aware of it but your body is always sweating.

There are millions of sweat glands in the skin and all over the body. So, when you sweat, the sweat is secreted through the pores of your skin which moistens the body. As the sweat evaporates, it cools your body down.

As each person’s body is different, they will also sweat differently.  Some people sweat more than others, depending on what they are doing. Where some people will sweat a few litres per day, others may sweat less than a litre. Men, for instance sweat more than women. At the end of the day, it will basically depend on the demands of your body. Are you doing manual labour or are you are working in an air conditioned office? 

Soaring temperatures, vigorous exercise, feeling nervous, hormonal changes, having a fever or even eating spicy food will definitely make you produce more sweat – tell-tale signs like beads of perspiration may appear on your face and body or sweat stains will seep through your clothing. Even if you are sweating more than your friend during a workout, this is considered perfectly normal!

However, when you start sweating excessively – even when it is not hot or you are not exercising,  then you may be showing symptoms of a condition called hyperhidrosis. While this condition can be very embarrassing and debilitating, it’s not life-threatening and various treatments are available to keep excessive sweating under control.
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What is hyperhidrosis?

Excessive sweating, also called hyperhidrosis is when your body sweats far more than it needs to.  If for example, you are feeling calm and working at your computer, and start sweating – then that may be due to hyperhidrosis. Your body’s cooling mechanism is so overactive that it exceeds the amount of sweat you need, producing four or five times more.

A common sign of hyperhidrosis is that you will often sweat profusely in concentrated areas of the body such as palms of your hands, soles of the feet or armpits. When you have this condition, you may not sweat all the time but you will be sweating when you shouldn’t actually be sweating (when you aren’t hot, exercising or stressed!)
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What are the causes of hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis can also be caused by underlying conditions such as a fever, infection, anxiety, menopause, low blood pressure, thyroid problems, obesity, cancer as well as certain medications. 
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Conventional treatment for hyperhidrosis

Many people with excessive sweating problems resort to stronger and stronger anti-perspirants, often resulting in skin irritation and even underarm rashes that can become painful and inflamed. While some prescription anti-perspirants can be stronger than others, if this approach does not work, then it is important to treat the causes of the problem, rather than only the excessive perspiration itself.

Here are some medical treatment approaches to hyperhidrosis.
1. Iontophoresis: No-one really knows how iontophoresis works, but it is thought that it helps to block perspiration from getting to the surface of the skin. Treatment with iontophoresis involves sitting with hands and feet in a bowl of water for about half an hour while a low electrical current travels through the water. This can be done by a dermatologist or also at home, but it needs to be done a few times every week. Iontophoresis is contra-indicated during pregnancy and for people with epilepsy, heart conditions, pacemakers or metal implants.

2. Botox (Botulinum toxin): Botox injections under the arms, under the feet, or on the palms of the hands can also be used to control excessive sweating.

3. Anticholinergic prescription drugs are prescribed when treatments like anti-perspirants, botox or iontophoresis have not worked. These drugs can help to stop the sweat glands from functioning, but side effects include heart palpitations, blurred vision and problems with urination.

4. Surgery for hyperhidrosis: This is only recommended in severe cases when all other treatments have not helped. Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy, or ETS, involves cutting the nerve in the armpit that is responsible for activating sweat glands. While it can be effective, it also leaves scars and may result in compensatory perspiration – when your body starts sweating in other areas.
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Natural treatments for excessive sweating: (How to keep cool and dry all day long)

There are various ways to control excessive sweating and stay cool and dry:

• Use natural deodorants and sprays

People who sweat excessively usually use a variety of antiperspirants and deodorants to stay cool and dry, and smell fresher for longer.

What most people don’t know is that these antiperspirants and deodorants contain toxic chemicals such as aluminium and ingredients which can be harmful. 

Choose natural and eco-friendly soaps, deodorants and fragrances which are healthier and much safer for you. 
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• Drink plenty of water

Start drinking lots more water to regulate your body temperature and cool you down.

Many people with hyperhidrosis try to restrict their fluid intake, hoping that it will reduce sweating. This does not work. When you are hydrated, it lowers the body temperature and you sweat less.

Avoid drinking hot beverages as they will aggravate sweating, especially coffee!
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• Wear the right clothes

Wearing the right clothing can help to control excessive sweating.

Choose natural fibre clothing such as cotton, linen, hemp, silk or wool as these are  breathable and allow a free flow of air to the skin.

Wear loose clothing instead of tight clothing, which doesn’t provide proper air circulation. Dress in layers and as you become warmer, you can remove as needed to feel comfortable and cooler.
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• Reduce stress and anxiety

Excessive sweating can occur as a result of nervousness, anxiety, stress or tension. Certain situations, emotions or memories can trigger the sweat glands and cause you to sweat more in some areas of your body.

Try to understand what is making you anxious and learn to deal with your emotions. There are a number of ways to relax and keep calm. Practice deep breathing exercises, go for a walk, listen to soothing music or do yoga or pilates.

Take a few doses of a natural remedy for anxiety such as PureCalm by Feelgood Health, to relieve anxiety, stress and nervousness naturally.
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• Avoid spicy foods and caffeine

A hot curry, spicy taco, jalepeno peppers or strong coffee can stimulate your sweat glands and make you break out into a sweat.

Cut spicy foods and caffeine from your diet to stay sweat-free!
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• Natural hormonal and menopause treatment

If the menopause or a hormonal imbalance is causing hot flashes or excessive perspiration, natural herbal remedies like Don Quai and MellowPause can help to address the hormonal imbalance and therefore reduce excessive sweating.
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• Homeopathic remedies for excessive sweating

Homeopathic remedies for excessive perspiration can be very effective without having to resort to surgery or other conventional medical treatments for hyperhidrosis.

Use a 100% homeopathic remedy called SweatLess specially formulated to reduce excessive sweating and hyperhidrosis. SweatLess balances fluid levels in the body naturally to control perspiration. Take SweatLess together with PureCalm for instant anxiety relief and to feel stress-free and sweat-free all day long!
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