Does Caffeine Make You Sweat? Here's What to Know

For many of us, we can’t face the world without our morning boost of caffeine or get through an afternoon lull sans caffeine. Ingesting caffeine can result in more than jitters. You may sweat more than usual, which may leave you perplexed. Why does caffeine make you sweat? Keep reading as we answer that question and others related to coffee sweats.

Why Does Caffeine Make You Sweat?

Studies show that 80-90% of adults consume caffeine in some form. Caffeine is a stimulant, which means it affects your central nervous system. It sets your central nervous system into motion, increasing your heart rate and blood pressure. Your body then begins to simulate the flight or fight response. Hormones like adrenaline and cortisol are released, and your sweat glands start to cool down your body.

When consumed in moderation, you may experience a boost of energy, better concentration, and heightened alertness. However, if heavily consumed, your body sends your central nervous system an SOS signal. Your body goes into overdrive to calm and cool itself down.

So, does coffee make you sweat more? When drinking hot coffee (or tea), the heat also raises your internal body temperature. This triggers your sweat pores to open even further.

Avoid Caffeinated Products to Reduce Caffeine Sweating

The most effective way to reduce sweating from caffeine is to avoid products that contain it. Most of us are aware of the big offenders, like coffee and energy drinks. But others, like chocolate and pain medications, may come as a surprise.

To limit caffeine intake, avoid these common products that induce caffeine sweating:

• Black and green teas
• Chocolate
• Coffee
• Energy drinks
• Over-the-counter stimulants
• Some over-the-counter pain medications, especially those that treat headaches
• Soda or pop
• Weight loss supplements

You may find comparable products that are decaffeinated or have a reduced amount of caffeine. Be sure to read the product labels or packaging.

Caffeine, Sweat Sensitivity, and Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis is when your body continuously produces sweat, regardless of the temperature outside or your activity level. While the cause of hyperhidrosis is not definitive, there is some evidence that it may result from a hyperactive sympathetic nervous system. Since caffeine also affects the nervous system, it may worsen the symptoms for someone with hyperhidrosis.

Whether or not you suffer from hyperhidrosis, you may break a sweat more frequently when you drink coffee or eat spicy foods. Some foods have a thermogenic effect: as the food breaks down, a portion is released as heat during digestion. As your body temperature rises, it also works to cool it down by producing sweat.

Additionally, some underlying medical conditions may also contribute to caffeine hyperhidrosis. Conditions such as diabetes, hypoglycemia, obesity, and autoimmune disease may cause your body to react to caffeine.

How can you manage sweating and still enjoy caffeinated drinks?

Become your own barista.

• Cut down brew time. When brewing your coffee with a French press or pour-over method, reduce the amount of time your grounds and water sit.
• Measure the grinds. Follow the instructions accompanying your coffee beans or grounds to ensure you are not using too much. This ensures you receive the same amount of caffeine each time you brew.
• Look for beans with lower caffeine content. Some coffee beans naturally contain less caffeine. If you’re not ready to convert to decaffeinated coffee, spend some time researching coffee beans before your next brew.

Studies show that 80-90% of adultsconsume caffeine in some form. may also improve the performance of your chosen product.

Reduce your intake.

The best way to reduce caffeine sweating is to reduce your caffeine intake. To start, write down all of the ways you ingest caffeine each day. Then slowly reduce the amount you intake each day, and record it for the first week. This helps you monitor your caffeine intake while you determine how much you can have without breaking a sweat.

Switch to decaf coffee or tea.

Depending on how bad you sweat, you may wish to find a decaffeinated alternative for one or more of the caffeinated beverages you drink.

Eat with your caffeinated beverage.

If you absolutely can’t get through the day without caffeine, consider eating while you drink. Having food in your stomach helps slow down the absorption rate of caffeine

Look for alternative ways to energize yourself.

Instead of grabbing an energy drink or an extra cup of coffee for a boost, look to foods or beverages that naturally boost your energy. Additionally, make sure you are well hydrated with water to keep your metabolism on track.

Protect your clothes from sweat marks.

Wearing an Ejis sweat proof undershirt or a pair of sweat proof boxer briefs (buy in our shop or on Amazon) won’t keep you from sweating. But it will protect your clothes from sweat marks when you do experience coffee sweats or caffeine hyperhidrosis.

Ejis sweat proof products have a sweat proof layer and anti-odor technology to stop sweat and odor from reaching your clothes.