EXCESSIVE SWEATING (HYPERHIDROSIS)

Written by Slawomir (“Swavak”) Gromadzki, MPH

In normal circumstances, we sweat as a result of increased temperature, physical activity and other causes, but in hyperhidrosis, the sweat glands manufacture surplus sweat for no apparent reason, and often continuously.

Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), can affect entire body or certain areas, especially palms, feet, underarms or face.

PREVALENCE

In the United States hyperhidrosis affects over 15 million people.

CAUSES, TRIGGERS & RISK FACTORS

Overactive sympathetic nerves. Although, it is still unclear what causes this condition, it is possible that nerves responsible for triggering sweating overreact, causing excessive perspiration even when it’s not needed.

Hyperhidrosis may be associated with dysfunctional hypothalamus as it is the part of the brain that is accountable for all sweat associated functions of the body. It activates the sweat glands by sending signals through the nervous system.

Other factors may include the following: Heat, Infectious diseases, Hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose levels) and diabetes, Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and Graves’ disease (autoimmune), Menopause (oestrogen deficiency), Stress & anxiety, Gout, Monosodium glutamate (MSG), Caffeine, Tea & Chocolate, Spicy food, Curry, Cumin, Alcohol and withdrawal from alcohol or other addictive substances, Tumours and Leukaemia, Endocarditis (an infection of the inner lining of the heart), HIV/AIDS, Medication such as beta blockers, antidepressants, pilocarpine (for dry mouth) etc., Zinc supplements can sometimes trigger excessive sweating, Obesity, Tuberculosis, Mercury poisoning, Head trauma, Hyperpituitarism, Pregnancy, Hodgkin’s disease, Having a family member with hyperhidrosis symptoms.

TREATMENT

In order to speed up the recovery it is crucial to implement principles included in HEALTH RECOVERY PLAN >

SUPPLEMENTS & HERBS

– Schisandra. Apart from supporting adrenal function, reducing inflammation, detoxifying and improving liver function, Schisandra has been known to help stop excessive perspiration and night sweats. In a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Schisandra may be an effective in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, spontaneous sweating, night sweating and other conditions (>).

–  Sage. Tieraona Low Dog, M.D. has successfully used sage for her patients with excessive perspiration. Sage leaf is approved by German health authorities for the treatment of hyperhidrosis. You can try drinking sage tea 2-3 times a day between meals or dried sage leaf in capsules (1,000 mg twice a day). Although sage is safe yet it is not recommended for pregnant women because it may increase uterine contractions.

– Detoxify your body from fluoride and heavy metals, especially mercury, by drinking more water and herbal teas between meals, and especially by taking Super Greens and Chlorella > (most effective in removing fluoride).

– To increase your ability to control stress take Ashwagandha, Magnesium, and Daily Essentials (Phoenix Nutrition), Learn how to effectively control Stress > and recover from Anxiety >

– If your excessive sweating is associated with Menopause, use supplements such as Menovital which contains sage, soy isoflavones, black cohosh, evening primrose oil, zinc and vitamin B6 which regulates hormonal balance.

EXTERNAL APPLICATIONS

– Use natural antiperspirants such Magnesium chloride > oil or spray, etc.

Lemon may help reduce excessive sweating. Rub half a lemon on your underarms (while gently squeezing it) or mix some lemon juice with baking soda and apply it with a cotton pad. Leave it for at least 30 minutes, and rinse.

Apple cider vinegar applied directly to the skin help remove bacteria and close up pores.

ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS

– Some sources suggest that drinking tomato juice may help shrink pores and reduce chronic sweating.

– Wear leather shoes and 100% cotton socks that draw moisture away from the feet.

– Avoid synthetic fabrics and wear loose-fitting clothing.

Avoid dehydration by drinking 2-3 glasses of filtered or even better distilled water.

Avoid spicy food, alcohol, caffeine, tea, green tea, chocolate, cola drinks, refined foods, etc.

– Read labels and avoid MSG, artificial sweeteners, high fructose corn syrup, and sugar.

– Sweat-inducing exercise every day for at least 60 minutes and water treatments such as sauna > to stimulate sweating (remember to drink plenty of water, take cold shower every 5 minutes and apply cold compress on head and neck).

– Treat Hypoglycaemia >

– Treat Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and Graves disease (autoimmune) >

SYNTHETIC ANTIPERSPIRANTS

Aluminium chloride is the common ingredient in antiperspirants prescribed for excessive sweating. They are applied at night only, to dry skin under the arms, on hands and feet. These antiperspirant are applied on top of skin and when you sweat, they are pulled into the sweat glands plugging them. When the body senses that the sweat glands are plugged, it may stop producing too much sweat. Unfortunately, these antiperspirants often lead to burning sensation, skin irritation and other side effects. Some people are also concerned that these antiperspirants can contribute to breast cancer and Alzheimer’s disease as they are based on aluminium. There are aluminium chloride antiperspirants which contain Aloe vera which reduces inflammation and irritation.

Instead of harmful synthetic use natural antiperspirants such Magnesium chloride > oil or spray, etc.

HYDROTHERAPY (WATER TREATMENTS)

Hydrotherapy (Water Treatments)

– Keeping your feet for about 30 minutes in hot water (with some sea salt) can be very helpful in treating excessive sweating, detoxifying the body, boosting immunity and reducing congestion and pain from any area of the body. The very important benefit of water treatments such as hot foot bath is its ability to move blood from different parts of the body such as brain, chest, abdomen, etc. which is very helpful when the blood in brain and internal organs is congested, inflamed and often overloaded with toxins and impurities. It might be very beneficial in case of pain, sinusitis, headaches, cancer, arthritis, any inflammation or even fibromyalgia which is believed to be caused by too much blood in the brain which overstimulates the nervous system leading to increased sensitivity to pain. Hoot bath can be very beneficial in those conditions because high temperature of water dilates blood vessels in feet. As a result the congested blood moves from the upper parts of the body including chest, brain, internal organs and any part of the body to the lower parts bringing great relief. At the same time you need to wring out two clothes in ice water and put them on your forehead and neck, as it will constrict the blood vessels in the head, which also helps to ease the congestion. If you are a diabetic use thermometer or ask someone to check the temperature as diabetics have lower sensitivity to heat and may burn themselves.

Let me remind you that it is very important to drink plenty of water (possibly distilled or at least properly filtered) before and during this and any heating treatment, because heating raises body temperature and causes sweating, thus dehydrating the body. And, if you are a spiritual or believing person, don’t forget to pray before and after the treatment, asking the Great Physician to bless your efforts in sustaining the gift of health or cope with your health problems.

In order to increase the benefits of hydrotherapy use it together with sage tea, ginkgo biloba (blood circulation booster), alpha lipoic acid (most powerful antioxidant), milk thistle or activated charcoal (to improve detoxification), and one of super grasses such as chlorella, spirulina, alfalfa, moringa, etc. (to boost energy, provide chlorophyll and nutrients).

– Alternative (contrast) hot and cold showers can help eliminate excessive sweating and will give a tremendous boost to the blood circulation, improve metabolism, the elimination of toxins, and stimulate both the nervous and the immune system.
Always start with hot shower and after about 3 – 5 minutes when your body is warm enough take a 3 – 5 min cold shower slowly reducing the temperature until it is really cold. After that, repeat this procedure alternating the flow of water from hot to cold, back and forth 3-5 times in a row. You can also start the whole treatment with hot shower followed by prolonged cold bath.

ABDOMINAL ADHESIONS (SCAR TISSUE) AFTER MYOMECTOMY AND OTHER SURGERIES
Cold water stimulates blood to flow toward the internal organs whereas the hot water directs blood toward the skin. Hot water enlarges blood vessels while cold water causes them to shrink. Therefore, the alternating hot and cold makes the circulation move in and out like an accordion. This has the effect of increasing the rate of detoxification and moving nutrients more readily to various parts of the body. Hot and cold showers can be taken 1 to 2 times a day.
The cold shower or bath, which is even more beneficial than hot, will not harm you if you precede it with good hot shower. Cold water by cooling our body forces it to burn more calories by activating the brown fat which boosts fat burning. Brown fat can play a very important role in controlling body weight because it is a heat-generating type of fat which burns energy instead of storing it. Although it is called “fat” it actually works more like a muscle than fat.

– Also hot treatments such as sauna can be beneficial in treating excessive sweating, inflammations, infectious diseases, skin problems, poor blood circulation, obesity, etc. as it boosts immune system and helps in eliminating toxins from our body. In addition it is also effective in removing excess fat which can be explained by the fact that fats become water-soluble when they are exposed to the temperature higher than 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit) thus forcing the body to eliminate the excess fat together with water during the process of sweating triggered by sauna or another prolonged hot treatment such as hot foot bath, hot shower, etc.
Sauna is recommend especially after exercising.
If your main goal is to lose more fat it is suggested that you should drink a lot of water (1 to 2 litres) about 30 to 60 minutes before sauna and 30 minutes after but not during the time you stay in sauna.
Also remember that although sauna or other hot treatments can be beneficial and help to lose weight it must be frequently interrupted with cold showers. Apart from that, during any prolonged hot treatment a cold compress on the forehead and neck should be applied constantly.
If you experience any health problems please consult the use of sauna and other prolonged hot or cold treatments with your physician.

Find out more about HYDROTHERAPY >

 

In order to speed up the recovery it is crucial to implement principles included in HEALTH RECOVERY PLAN >

 

HEALING RECIPES >

 

Share this article!

 

Any information or product suggested on this website is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Consult your primary healthcare physician before using any supplements or making any changes to your regime.

 

© 2016 Slawomir Gromadzki – All Rights Reserved