How to sweat less in the heat? Doctor’s advice

Heavy sweating in the heat not only causes discomfort, but can also lead to various health problems, such as dehydration. Let’s find out together with an expert why people sweat a lot in the heat and how to deal with it.

What we will tell you about

Why does a person sweat?

Sweating is the body’s natural thermoregulation process, i.e. it is the main way our body regulates its temperature. Water is secreted through sweat glands located on the skin and then evaporates from it, taking heat with it. In this way the body cools itself.

Cooling is the main function of sweating, although it is not the only one. Without it, our body would not be able to release excess heat and a person would die of internal overheating.

MD, professor, integrative and anti-aging medicine specialist

“On hot days, it is important to maintain an optimal water balance and avoid overheating because we lose a lot of fluid through sweat. Otherwise, this risks dehydration.”

How to avoid dehydration:

• Drink water throughout the day, not just when you think you need it. The minimum in the heat is 50 ml per 1 kg of body weight;
• avoid caffeinated and alcoholic drinks, which can increase the effects of dehydration as they have a diuretic effect;
• choose water over sugary drinks;
• during intense exercise and heavy sweating, replenish lost electrolytes with beverages such as mineral water.

When can heavy sweating indicate illness?

Heavy sweating can in some cases signal serious and life-threatening illnesses.

Doctors call this pathological condition by the term hyperhidrosis.

Two types of hyperhidrosis are distinguished:

1. Primary or focal, when excessive sweating is noted only in certain areas of the body: the palms of the hands, axillae, soles of the feet. It is often associated with a violation of the function of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. A distinctive sign is the symmetrical appearance of sweat, and it often manifests on stress.

It is more of an aesthetic problem and is not life threatening.

2. The second type is general excessive sweating, it is called secondary hyperhidrosis. One of its obvious signs is excessive sweating at night. This process is called the “wet pillow” symptom.

There are many diseases that can be accompanied by the “wet pillow” symptom. Among them:

• age-related decrease in sex hormones (female and male menopause);
• thyroid disease;
• diabetes mellitus;
• infectious diseases such as tuberculosis;
• systemic connective tissue diseases;
• malignant neoplasms;
• lymphoma (cancer).

If you wake up at night wet, be sure to see a doctor and undergo a comprehensive examination. It is important not to miss the disease at an early stage of development.

How to prevent heavy sweating?

1. Apply antiperspirant at night

Use antiperspirant rather than deodorant, as the former simply neutralizes the smell of sweat, while the latter blocks the sweat glands, reducing sweating and odor.

It is best to apply antiperspirant at night, when sweating is at its lowest.

2- Avoid foods and drinks that cause sweating

Sodas, coffee and spicy foods stress the adrenal glands, causing a rise in body temperature.

3. wear clothes made of natural fabrics

Dress in spacious clothes (it is better to choose oversize) made of natural fabrics: cotton and linen are better in the heat. Synthetics do not let the body breathe and do not absorb sweat from the surface of the skin, which in high temperatures can be dangerous to our health.

Your feet need to breathe too. So avoid thick socks and bulky shoes during the warmer months.

4 Consult a specialist

If you can not cope with the problem on your own, consult a doctor. Remember that excessive sweating can be a sign of many diseases, so do not ignore this condition.