How to Stop Sweating So Much: 6 Remedies for Excessive Sweating

Sweat, we all do it. In fact, we need to do it. Sweating is a necessary function of the body designed to help regulate your body temperature. For most, this natural process largely goes unnoticed. However, in some cases, too much sweat is produced, which leads to soaked clothes and even social anxiety. When sweating is extreme, it becomes a condition called hyperhidrosis. If this speaks to you, don’t fret! Keep reading to learn how to deal with excessive sweating.

First of all, remember that you are not alone. Many remedies have been tried and tested over time by others learning how to stop sweating so much. These remedies include lifestyle changes, natural tonics or speaking with a doctor to decipher the next step for you. Everybody is different; and it’s worth keeping in mind that no one remedy works for everyone. It can take a little time to figure out the best solution for you.

1. Antiperspirants

The first step on how to control excessive sweating is to enter the world of antiperspirants. You will most likely have used deodorants in your lifetime. But as the name hints, these products control odor rather than the sweating itself.

Antiperspirants actually stop sweat and are most effective when they contain a high percentage of aluminum chloride or derivatives. Look for products containing the words ‘clinical strength’ for extra strong options. The science behind aluminum-based antiperspirants is that the ducts of the sweat glands are blocked while the astringent effect simultaneously closes the pores. This results in an effective excessive sweating treatment in many cases.

Make sure your antiperspirant is working to its full potential by applying it before bed rather than first thing in the morning. This gives the aluminum time to absorb into the skin and work its magic throughout the night.

2. Dietary Adjustments

While learning how to stop excessive sweating, consider what you are putting into your body. When we eat, there is a lot going on inside which we may not be aware of. Signals are sent via nerves from the mouth to the brain, and as we digest food, our body temperature rises and blood pressure increases. These processes, while a normal reaction, also signal our bodies to produce sweat. As such, some foods may make you sweat even more.

While you can’t stop eating entirely, you can make more mindful choices when dining.

Spicy foods trigger your sweat glands to work harder to cool you down.

• Try to avoid spicy foods, which send signals to your brain that you are hot. This triggers your sweat glands to work harder to cool you down.
• More work means more sweat. Limit hard-to-digest greasy and processed foods to make it a little easier for your body. Conversely, add leafy greens and other natural foods that promote digestion.
• Reduce the number of alcohol and caffeinated beverages you consume. Both contribute to your sweat production. Alcohol increases your body temperature, and caffeine, a stimulant, speeds up the central nervous system.

3. Medical Treatments

Doctors can advise you on how to stop sweating so much. They may suggest a medical treatment or medication, depending on the cause and location of your excessive sweat. When meeting with your doctor, be sure to discuss the pros and cons of recommended treatments.

• In some cases, Botox can be used to treat excessive sweating. It is a quick procedure and involves a shallow injection made to the area where your sweat occurs. The most effective results have been noted with armpits; although other areas of the body (forehead, hands and feet) have also been treated. This is a temporary fix, and more injections are typically needed every 3-6 months.
• Another alternative and relatively new procedure is miraDry. Electromagnetic currents are employed to block sweat glands. Just note that the long-term side effects are not yet known.
• For sweaty hands and feet, there is Iontophoresis. This treatment involves the patient placing his hands and feet into an anticholinergic solution while a mild electric current passes through it. Dryness, peeling and blistering may occur.
• Anticholinergic medications, medicated wipes and antiperspirants are also available by prescription to stop sweating. Potential side effects vary.

4. Stress and Exercise

Another tip on how to prevent excessive sweating is to reduce your level of stress. Yes, relaxing can actually help you to sweat less! The brain responds to stress by instructing the body to sweat it out. By incorporating relaxation techniques, such as meditation and spending more time in nature, you can better manage your stress and consequently, your sweat.

Regular exercise can also help you to feel more relaxed. It optimizes the body’s stress response, making it less likely to sweat due to stress. More sweat during exercise and less while resting is another theory on how to prevent excessive sweating.

5. Natural Remedies

If you prefer to stay away from chemical antidotes, you’ll be pleased to know that there are some natural remedies to help with excessive sweating. Apple cider vinegar, witch hazel and black or sage tea can all be used as topical astringents. When used this way, they cause the blood vessels found in pores to contract and tighten up, helping to reduce sweat.

• Apple cider vinegar can be rubbed directly onto the skin as a topical agent.
• Witch hazel can also be applied directly to the sweaty area.
• Sage and black tea both contain astringent tannic acids and can be brewed as teas, then applied directly to the area required. Be sure not to drink the black tea as this contains caffeine, which can cause more sweating!

6. Assess Your Wardrobe

Finally, when wondering what to do about excessive sweating, take a little time to consider your wardrobe. Are your clothes and shoes made from fabrics and materials that breathe? Fabrics that are breathable allow air to flow through them. In turn, this speeds up the evaporation of sweat.

Your clothing choices can’t stop your body from sweating, but you can choose underwear that prevents sweat marks from occurring. Look to Ejis sweat proof undershirts and boxer briefs (buy in our shop or on Amazon) to protect your clothes from sweat and odor. Our sweat proof basics feature a silent water proof layer in the places you need it and antimicrobial technology to fend off odor-causing bacteria. We’ll keep your clothes dry while you try out these remedies for excessive sweating.