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Summer time is, officially, just about here! Most of us are delighted to enjoy the sunshine and warm weather. However, excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis, is an issue that afflicts many more people than you might think and can stem from a large number of underlying triggers. Though it may seem like a trivial matter, it can cause a handful of setbacks: stained clothing, physical discomfort, and social embarrassment, among others. Deodorant may seem like the obvious fix, but this household staple is in fact teaming with harmful toxins such as parabens, propylene glycol, aluminum compounds, and many others. To remedy the burden of hyperhidrosis sans carcinogens and other toxic ingredients, go for a natural fix.
Dr. Christopher Calapai, D.O., a New York City Osteopathic Physician board-certified in family and anti-aging medicine, suggests the following natural solutions to finally enjoy the warm weather in comfort:
- Apply a Natural Astringent like Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is a commonly used natural herb often found in liquid form as a skin toner. The same potent astringent properties that make it a popular natural toner also make it a great sweat-reducer. When topically applied, witch hazel acts as an antiperspirant by tightening the pores. Wet a cotton ball with witch hazel and apply to your most problematic areas. Other natural astringents include black tea, tea tree oil, and apple cider vinegar.
- Supplement with B-Vitamins and Vitamin D
Excessive sweating may very well be a sign of an unhealthy endocrine system. To restore hormonal imbalances to optimal levels, B-vitamins will often do the trick. Likewise, vitamin D is an essential piece in hormonal regulation, and nearly half of Americans are deficient in it!
- Transition from Processed Foods to Natural Ones
Though highly processed foods may be practical and cheap, they are packed with toxic substances like artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors, and they are very hard for the body to digest. As your body tries to rid itself of these toxins and break down such unnatural foods, it has to work in overdrive, thus producing more sweat. Instead of going for pre-packaged or fast food, especially those high in fat, opt for fruits, vegetables, nuts, organic poultry or meat, and wild-caught seafood.
- Cut Back on Coffee and Other Caffeine-Loaded Drinks
As a stimulant, caffeine raises your heart rate and blood pressure, causing sweating to increase as well. Coffee can be double-trouble, as the warmth of the drink can exacerbate the hyperhidrosis problem. Swap out coffee for something a little less stimulating, such as an iced herbal tea like energizing ginseng.
- Utilize the Benefits of Baking Soda
Not only does baking soda neutralize odors, it also alkalizes (neutralizes the pH of) your sweat, decreasing the growth of the bacteria in sweat. Mix 1 part baking soda with 1 part cornstarch and add a couple of drops of your favorite essential oil to create a sublime natural deodorant.
- Try to Drink Less Alcohol
Alcohol both increases heart rate (and thus body temperature) and dilates the skin’s blood vessels. As a consequence, alcohol makes you sweat more. If excessive sweating is a real issue for you, consider limiting your alcohol consumption.
- Less Salt in, More Salt on
Very high dietary sodium has been linked to excessive sweating, as high sodium concentrations make our bodies try to excrete the excess salt in urine and sweat. On the other hand, applying salt onto the body has many benefits in regard to excessive sweating. Salt absorbs sweat, dries the skin, and closes your pores, all of which help to reduce sweat production.
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