Why Do I Sweat So Much?

Sweating is a mechanism used by the body to get rid of excess heat from environmental factors (room is too hot) or from undergoing physical exertion (exercise). People also sweat when they are sick, experiencing stress, fluctuations in hormonal levels or from certain drugs.

The amount people sweat varies from person to person, due in large part to genetics and the number of sweat glands we inherit (anywhere from two to four million) as well as gender. While women have more sweat glands overall than men, male sweat glands tend to be more active and therefore more noticeable when triggered(1). Sweating may also be a function of the environment in which we have been acclimated. People who spend much of their time in very hot climates tend to sweat more than individuals who live in colder surroundings.(2)

During periods of exercise, whether someone sheens or drips water is not indicative of how hard we are working; it merely indicates how effectively we sweat.

Many people who sweat feel embarrassed by underarm wet patches, soggy palms and damp feet. Some of the more daring deal with obvious sweating problems through Botulinum Toxin injections (a costly procedure) performed by physicians in their offices. Most of us use antiperspirants and hope for the best.

The bottom line is that sweat works as the body’s personal fire department unit, safely and effectively bringing temperature down to safe levels and protecting organs from overheating. A few things that we can do to minimize excessive sweat production are as follows:

Use a deodorant/antiperspirant product. The deodorant only helps control odors, whereas the antiperspirant helps block sweat.
Sprinkle cornstarch or talcum powder in problem areas to absorb moisture.
Layer clothing so you can control your temperature and reduce the body's need to sweat. Since the head is an important temperature control point, wear a light-colored hat to reflect sunlight on hot days.
Change your socks often and make sure that your feet (and toes) are dry before putting socks on.
Alternate shoes and avoid wearing the same pair day after day. By switching from one pair to another you give shoes a chance to dry out between uses.
Wear natural fabrics such as wool, silk and cotton that allow air to circulate around your body easily.
Drink plenty of fluids because they help regulate body temperature and reduce sweating.
Relax as much as possible in order to reduce stress triggered sweating.
References:

Aad.org
Health.howstuffworks.com/sweat.htm

The Better Life Experts | December 1, 2008