People who find themselves in acutely embarrassing situations due to excessive sweating or are reduced to fatigue simply by trying to wash off sweat stains from their clothes or changing their clothes frequently, often are moved to ask the question ‘why do I sweat so much?’. The answer to this seemingly innocuous question is not as simple as it would appear for there is more than one reason for excessive sweating. It could be a combination of many factors, some of which are uncontrollable while others are not.
Sweating is the normal function of our body as it is the way through which the body regulates its temperature and keeps itself cool. Usually the sweat glands do not produce more sweat than necessary but during puberty, this tends to go a bit haywire because of hormonal changes in the body. The sweat glands may start producing extra sweat but in most cases this condition rights itself as the body matures.
Other common reasons include sweating more than usual in hot and humid weather and also if we are involved in any manual labor. Even while exercising, our body tends to give out more sweat tan normal. But, the crucial difference between this sweating and excessive sweating is that the former type of sweat is climate or activity oriented while the latter has no obvious reasons.
Climate-related or activity oriented sweat can be taken care of by following normal practices of good hygiene whereas unknown excessive sweating requires medical investigation. Medical reasons for sweating too much can be due to menopause if you are a woman and in that age bracket, or it may be a warning for liver or kidney problems. Obesity, diabetes or thyroid problems may also be reasons why you sweat so much. So it is advisable to rule out any medical causes before taking up any treatments.
Surprisingly, in some cases, your diet may be the culprit. Hot and spicy food triggers off excessive perspiration in many people as does allergies to certain food. If allergic it helps to keep a diary of your food and drink intake. If you have been having too much of alcohol, it can lead to digestive problems which also cause extra sweating.
Stress is also a major cause of the sweat glands going into over production. Being tense about an interview or meeting new people can result in excessive sweating, particularly in the palms. Learning how to relax and indulging in activities like walking, swimming or taking deep breaths will help release the tension.
If you wear mostly synthetic or tight-fitting clothes, you may sweat more as the flow of air is restricted in such clothing. Natural fibers like cotton are the best especially if you live in a hot and humid climate as they allow the body to breathe.
Sometimes, sweating too much runs in families and is hereditary. Talking to other family members with a similar problem may help as they may have zeroed onto a solution.
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