What Are the Causes of Armpit Sweat?

Underarm sweating, although embarrassing at times, is a natural bodily function that helps your body stay cool in emotionally or physically stressful situations. Most people sweat through their armpits when they are hot, exercising or stressed, but excessive, unprovoked sweating might signal a more serious medical condition.

Physical Exertion and Heat

• When you exercise and get hot, or when you're environment is hot, nerve cells send a signal to your hypothalamus, an internal "thermostat." In response to the heat, your hypothalamus activates your sweat glands, reports WebMD.com.

Diet

• Spicy foods, certain vegetables and foods that are hot in temperature can elevate your temperature. These foods include garlic, onions, cruciferous vegetables, hot peppers, curry, cumin, soup and tea. Caffeine, which excites your nervous system, can also lead to excessive sweating. To reduce armpit sweating and accompanying odors, drink plenty of water or eliminate these foods from your diet.

Stress

• Emotional stress that comes with anger, anxiety and embarrassment increases your heart rate, which raises your body temperature. When your hypothalamus regulates this heightened temperature, it leads to armpit sweating.

Hyperhidrosis

• Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition marked by excessive, frequent, unpredictable and noticeable sweating. Primary or focal hyperhidrosis occurs for the same reasons as normal sweating, but overactive sweat glands make the perspiration heavier. Secondary hyperhidrosis occurs with another medical condition such as cancer, heart disease, lung disease, stroke or menopause, according to Medline Plus and MayoClinic.com.