Sweating and bad body odor are probably two of the most common problems people suffer from during the summer. Sweating is a protective action our body performs to keep our core temperature lower than the hot environment, but it can have some undesirable side effects. To help you avoid sweat stains, bad body odor, sweaty hands and similar problems, here is a list of 10 things you can do to reduce your sweating.
Avoid spicy, sugary and chemically-processed foods:
Spicy foods may be tasty and healthy but they make your body sweat more frequently. The same goes for artificially sweetened food that contains high amounts of fructose syrup. These type of products, and other manufactured pre-made, packaged and frozen foods, are high on chemical toxins that will aggravate sweating.
Boost your deodorant and antiperspirant:
Applying talcum powder or baking soda to your underarms will help soak up moisture and prevent odor. They both have a very mild and pleasant smell that will not collide with anything else you are using. You can also put some powder in your shoes or gloves if you are doing any work that requires them.
Shave hairy areas:
Accumulation of sweat tends to occur around the hairs, in places like your underarms, groin and bearded neck. As a result, bacteria will soon start feeding on them, which will result in an unpleasant odor coming from the toxins discharged by the bacteria. The hairy areas are also less exposed to fresh air and so the sweat and moisture take much longer to dry. This means the body cools slower, and sweats more trying to cool itself. Shaving those areas is one of the most effective natural methods to overcoming excessive sweating.
Wear natural fibers and not nylons or polyesters:
Cotton, silk, hemp and wool are fabrics that enable the skin to “breathe”. They provide ample space around the armpit area which allow for evaporation of moisture and free flow of air. In contrast, synthetic fabrics are made with much tighter weaves that trap heat and make your body sweat more. Another plus of the natural fibers is that they absorb moisture well, which prevents bacteria from feeding on your sweat and causing a stink. While it may result in sweat stains if you are in a very hot environment, the next two tips will help you deal with that.
Choose loose fitting clothes:
If your clothes are too tight then they are depriving your skin from enough air to circulate around it, and absorb all the moisture meant to cool your body. This increases sweating and triggers the sweat glands in your body to produce more since they think the skin is dry. If you know you are going to be hot and sweaty it’s a good idea to open up an extra button on your collar, and wear simple, light clothes.
Wear undershirts:
If you are still suffering from heavy sweating and your shirt is sticking to your armpits and chest, you might want to put on another layer of clothes. It might sound counterintuitive, but wearing more cloths can keep you cooler and less sweaty. You can take any plain wool or cotten shirt, cut the collar to make it less tight, and wear it under your normal outfit.
Use the power of fruits:
Eating healthy improves all aspects of your life and sweating is no different. You can even use the power and benefits of such fruits as lemons to directly reduce sweating. Cut a lemon in half and gently rub it under your arms until the skin is coated in a thin layer of juice. Let it dry and the citrus will work as a natural deodorant with its acidic juice that can help stop sweat from being produced.
Relax and stay calm:
Sweat is sometimes more related to your state of mind then the temperature of your body. Being in a state of stress and anxiety will instantly trigger your sweat glands. Try your best to stay calm and not to drink or eat anything with caffeine or similar materials, they will convince your nervous system you are stressed and this will of course cause more sweating.
Clean your skin and relax your body with alternative options:
Acupuncture treatments have been known to provide relief for some people with problems of excessive sweating. Other treatments with essential oils can also clean your skin, relax your body and leave a pleasant smell to hide body odor. The most common kinds are rose, lavender and orange oil. Even a simple massage can help free your body from toxins, and help you lose all that unwanted stress.
See a doctor:
Excessive sweating or sweating at unusual times might indicate a deeper, bigger problem. Sweating can be a symptom of various health problems including heart disease, leukemia, menopause, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, tuberculosis and several stress and anxiety related disorders. It's also important to note that certain medications like beta blockers can also cause excessive sweating as side effects and there might be a replacement for them.
