Hyperhidrosis, also known as excessive sweating, is a common condition that typically affects sweat production, independent of weather and exercise. While it can be impacted by other complications such as hormonal conditions, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injury, diabetes, and severe anxiety, heavy sweating can also have emotional and societal impacts. While there are effective prescriptions and even surgical treatments that can be used to treat hyperhidrosis, there are also natural ways to reduce heavy sweating:

1. Topical natural deodorants
Normal deodorants and antiperspirants use aluminum to effectively block the sweat glands from perspiring. While this may sound good on paper, using these can lead to much larger problems down the round, as well as messing with the ecosystem that exists in our underarms. Natural deodorants, like the brand Native, use coconut oil which is naturally antimicrobial, as well as hydrating to the skin and anti-inflammatory. You can even make your own deodorant at home using coconut oil, an essential oil for fragrance, and baking soda, which absorbs odors and any sweat that may occur.

2. Shave your armpits
Hairy armpits often sweat more than hair free pits. Having hair under your arms not only allows moisture to linger longer, it also contributes to the recognizable B.O. scent. As mentioned earlier, our armpits are hosts to an ecosystem composed of millions of bacteria, and just like in our gut, there are good bacteria and bad ones too. The microbes responsible for body odor use the hair under arms to help them multiply, thus no hair, means less stink. Plus, shaving your underarms makes it easier for the natural deodorant to stick.

3. Avoid sweat-inducing foods
Anyone who has ever chomped on a really hot pepper knows that it can cause you to start sweating bullets. The capsaicin in the peppers acts on nerve endings in the mouth to trick your brain into cooling down the whole body. Other foods that trigger this effect are ones high in fat, caffeine, and simple sugars that pump up the body’s internal thermostat, as well as foods served hot like soup, coffee, and tea. Also, alcohol can increase perspiration, and does so by increasing heart rate and bringing blood vessels closer to the surface of the skin. This increases body heat, and the natural cooling system kicks in. Remember that the symptoms of heavy sweating or hyperhidrosis can occur independently of external heat, so dietary measures that cause perspiration can be eliminated to help control episodes.

4. Stay hydrated
This advice is good for everyone, but especially those who tend to lose more water as they sweat more frequently. While sweating can be useful to the body by flushing out electrolytes and toxins, if not replenished, dehydration can result in exhaustion and even death. While some may be tempted to eliminate their water consumption in an effort to control hyperhidrosis, this is not recommended, as the body will suffer greatly in the long run.

5. Wear breathable clothing
Wearing tight fitted clothes may boost esteem, but they act as a second skin that can ramp up our body heat causing them to cling to skin with sweat. Instead, opt for loose-fitting clothes made from natural fibers, as these will help to wick away sweat. If possible, bring along a change of clothes and choose dark color tones which will be more forgiving and concealing of any sweat stains that may occur.

6. Skip the caffeine
Caffeine is a mild stimulant, meaning that it works our nervous system into overdrive, raising our heart rate and blood pressure, which in turn lets sweat flow. And coffee, which is typically served hot, can increase perspiration in both ways. For those who experience hyperhidrosis in addition to mild to severe anxiety, too much caffeine can exacerbate the two conditions. Remember that you have control of what you put in your body, and you might not know that there’s a connection until you put it to the test. If you think that caffeine may be playing a role in excessive sweating, try cutting out coffee and highly-caffeinated energy drinks and see how you feel.