Is Your Sweating Excessive?

If you find your sweating excessive, what should you do about it? Most people think of excessive sweating as merely an aesthetic problem. But they may not realize that it may point to an underlying medical problem. Here are some questions to help you decide whether you need to see a doctor.

1. In addition to your sweating, are you also losing weight with an increased appetite? Are your eyes bulging? Is your heartbeat faster than normal and do you feel weak? If so, you may be suffering from an over-active thyroid.

2. Do you have a persistent cough and do you sweat a lot at night, even if you use lighter bed linens? These symptoms point to Hodgkin’s disease, a form of cancer, or tuberculosis.

3. Do you have a fever? Then your body may be trying to ward off illnesses such as the flu, pneumonia, a urinary tract infection, stomach flu or even meningitis.

If you answer yes to these questions be sure to see a doctor for a thorough examination. But don’t worry as excessive sweating can also signal a turning point in your life. For example, if you are a woman, are your periods becoming less regular? Then your excessive sweating is probably a sign of peri-menopause. If excessive sweating mainly occurs during your period, then don’t worry, most women sweat more at that time.

Teenagers also experience excessive sweating as they go through puberty. This is because the armpit sweat glands reach maturity at this time.

If you are going through a particularly stressful time, you may find yourself sweating excessively. If so, try to find a way to deal with your stress, such as through meditation, deep breathing exercises or yoga. As your anxiety diminishes, so will your sweating.

If those around you think you’re sweating is excessive, there are many ways to deal with it. For example, eat more zinc-rich foods, such as whole grains, beans, nuts and turkey. Stay away from fish, garlic and other odor-producing food.

Be sure to shower often and make sure to dry yourself thoroughly, especially between your toes, in the groin and in the arm pits. These areas are prime locations for bacterial growth.

Use an antiperspirant/deodorant that contains aluminum chlorohydrate, which is excellent at stopping body odor.

Wear natural fibers such as cotton that allow your skin to breath. Change your socks and clothing daily or even more often. Do not share your clothing with others, to avoid spreading bacteria.

If you think your sweating excessively, remember that it is mainly your body’s attempt to regulate its temperature. Pay attention to it to ward off more serious health problems.

By:Anthony J. Carter