We all sweat. However, some of us may sweat excessively.
This might result in embarrassment when our underarms, palms, and other body regions are obviously sweaty.
Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, is a disorder in which your sweat glands are overactive. It can lead you to sweat in places where other people wouldn’t, and at inconvenient times.
Hyperhidrosis affects 2% to 5% of the population in the United States. However, because many people don’t communicate about their symptoms, even if they have difficulties managing their sweat, that number could be greater.
Why do people sweat?
Water makes up the majority of your perspiration, but it also contains chloride, calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
When your body temperature rises too high, your sweat glands begin to work to cool you down. The ideal temperature for your body is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius).
“Sweating actually helps with your body’s heat regulation, skin hydration, and fluid and electrolyte balance,” Holtz notes.
Your sweat glands work too hard when you have hyperhidrosis, creating sweat that you don’t need.
“It’s assumed that excessive sweating is an aberrant or exaggerated central response to normal emotional or physical stimuli,” Holtz explains. “The glands themselves are usually normal. “All you’re doing is having an excessive reaction to ordinary things.”
People can sweat more for a variety of reasons.
Exercise raises your body’s warmth while you work out and raise your heart rate. Your sweat glands are activated, and you begin to perspire. When you exercise, you may expect to shed roughly 2 liters of fluid on average.
Water is essential for restoring lost fluids and cooling down your body before, during, and after your activity. It can also aid in the prevention of dehydration.
Weather
We’ve all experienced those hot, humid summer days when even a brief walk outside turns us into a sweaty mess. When the temperature rises, we are more likely to sweat. In addition, hot, humid air makes it more difficult for sweat to evaporate.
Alcohol
Even a single drink of alcohol can raise your heart rate and dilate blood vessels in your skin. This may cause you to perspire. Excessive perspiration and even night sweats might occur when you’re going through alcohol withdrawal.
According to Holtz, “alcohol intake affects connection between the neurological and endocrine systems.” “This causes hormonal imbalances, which might result in excessive perspiration.”
Medications
Antidepressants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), blood pressure meds, and diabetes medications all have the potential to make you sweat.
If you suspect this is the case, talk to your doctor about your choices.
Anxiety
Your sweat glands might be triggered by stress hormones. They raise your heart rate and blood pressure, causing your body temperature to rise. Sweating on the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet can be a sign of emotional stress.
Hormones
You’ve probably heard of hot flashes, and you may have had them yourself. Your estrogen levels fluctuate during menopause. This makes it harder for your hypothalamus, a temperature-controlling part of your brain, to determine whether or not it needs to cool your body down.
Your sweat glands go into overdrive because your body thinks it’s overheating, resulting in hot flashes. It’s possible that you’ll feel hot, clammy, and sweating.
Fevers
When you’re unwell, your body temperature rises a few degrees. Chills may occur at first as your body attempts to combat whatever sickness you may have.
As your fever passes, you’ll feel hot and sweaty as your body attempts to return to normal temperature regulation.
Caffeine and spicy meals
Are two of the most addictive substances on the planet.
The amount of sweat you produce is influenced by what you eat and drink. Caffeine-containing beverages engage your central nervous system, which regulates your sweat glands.
Spicy foods, such as chili sauce and jalapenos, can also activate your sweat glands.
“If you consume two cups of coffee, drink two glasses of water to balance it out and stay hydrated,” Holtz recommends.
