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Diet for People With Excess Sweating

Excessive sweating, or primary hyperhidrosis, is a condition where the sympathetic nervous system overreacts to external and internal stresses and causes the body to sweat profusely. Excessive sweating can also be caused by certain medical conditions such as hyperthyroidism, diabetes, obesity or others. If hyperhidrosis is not caused by an underlying medical condition, there are simple dietary changes you can make to improve your situation.

  1. Causes of Secondary Hyperhidrosis

    • Excessive sweating is not a disease in itself, but a symptom of an underlying condition. As such, it is important to understand the cause of the problem before attempting a cure. The International Hyperhidrosis Society has compiled a nine-page list of medications known to cause hyperhidrosis, and another three-page list of diseases and conditions known to cause hyperhidrosis. Only a doctor can determine whether your hyperhidrosis is primary focal or secondary, but you can start by taking a look at the resources listed below this article.

    Primary Focal Hyperhidrosis

    • This type of excessive sweating is usually on one focal point on the body, and is symmetrical, meaning that if your feet are affected, both your right and left feet will sweat in similar amounts. Also, this type of hyperhidrosis is marked by the fact that sufferers do not usually sweat at night while they sleep. If this is the type of hyperhidrosis you suffer from, dietary changes may help.

    Lifestyle Changes

    • Because there is a link between how your body may react to anxiety and excessive sweating, certain lifestyle changes to go along with dietary changes may help. This includes learning relaxation techniques, breathing techniques and drinking more water (yes, more) to keep your body cool and relaxed.

    Dietary Changes: Foods To Avoid

    • The dietary changes that might work are similar to the lifestyle changes. Eliminate caffeine in the form of coffee, tea and soft drinks. Eliminate sugar, or greatly reduce sugar intake. Drink plenty of cool water, and try to avoid hot drinks. Eliminate spicy foods, and foods that are known to induce sweating, such as garlic, ginger and onions. Heavily processed foods may also trigger a sweat response in some people.

    Dietary Changes: Foods To Add

    • Adding certain vitamins and minerals to the diet can also help. Vitamin B complex is known to affect stress levels, and this can be easily depleted by drinking too much alcohol and caffeine. It is easily added to the diet by consuming whole grains, brown rice and red meat. It can also be taken as a supplement. This vitamin complex is water soluble, so your body eliminates it daily. Another dietary addition to consider is a calcium and magnesium supplement. These minerals also aid in keeping your stress levels regulated, and may help in keeping excessive sweating under control.

    Other Dietary Considerations

    • If you are overweight, losing weight through exercise and a healthier diet may help your excessive sweating. Also, if you have food allergies, these may be exacerbating your hyperhidrosis. Certain herbal teas may help your condition, including sage tea, which has antiseptic qualities.

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