In normal cases, sweating is used to cool the body so you do not overheat. Whenever the temperatures rise such as when you are exercising, excited or nervous your body will trigger the sweat glands to help keep your temperature at a healthy level. However, there is some case where you may be sweating more than necessary, which can be referred to medically as hyperhidrosis. In this case you may need to adjust your lifestyle and get medical help to sweat not so much.

Why Do I Sweat So Much?

1. Hyperhidrosis

Sweating excessively can be a health condition called hyperhidrosis, which essential means that your body is sweating more than it needs to in order to keep you at the proper temperature. For example, if you are sitting calmly without participating in any activity and are still dripping in sweat, you may be suffering from hyperhidrosis. In cases like this, the cooling mechanism your body used to keep your body temperature in check is overactive, causing you to produce 4-5 times the necessary sweat to keep you comfortable.

• Primary hyperhidrosis is a genetic condition that will begin in adolescence. Several triggers including smells, foods, caffeine, nicotine, anxiety and others can cause the body to start sweating profusely.
• Secondary hyperhidrosis is caused when other issues in the body like menopause, gout, diabetes mellitus, pituitary gland disorders or thyroid malfunction cause the triggers that control your sweat glands to function abnormally. 

2. Other Causes

• Physical triggers, such as wearing excessively tight clothing. Some also sweat when they are eating spicy foods or warm beverages.
• Side effects of certain medications, including antidepressants, mineral supplements as well as medications for dry mouth can also cause sweating much.
• In some cases sweating is a sign that you are running a fever, particularly if your sweating does not appear to match the stimuli around you.

Home Remedies for Excessive Sweat

After knowing why do I sweat so much, you should know how to keep the sweating at bay. 

1. Wear Proper Clothing

• Some fabrics are designed to absorb sweat to keep you comfortable while you are active. Light fabrics like linen can also provide more room for your skin to breathe so you do not sweat as much.
• Dressing in layers is also helpful, putting absorbent clothes near your skin to catch excess sweat.
• Avoid hats as this prevents your body from releasing excess heat through the head.
• Purchase shoes with breathable materials to allow your feet to air out. When possible go barefoot or wear sandals so your feet do not sweat as much.

2. Adopt a Healthy Life

• Maintain a healthy weight. Those that are heavier tend to sweat more because your body cannot cool itself as efficiently. Working to lose weight will help you get your sweating in check as well.
• Spicy foods can make you sweat more, so these should be avoided. Some foods such as garlic or onions can add an odor to your sweat that can make it more noticeable as well.
• Caffeinated beverages cause you to sweat more profusely, so those with a problem in this area should avoid them.
• Make sure you wash at least once a day, twice if you tend to be very sweaty. Deodorant soaps can help rid you of odors associated with this condition.

3. Use Natural Herbs and Oils

• Sage can help calm the fibers that cause you to over-sweat. Steep four tablespoons of sage in boiling water for five minutes and drink this tea. You can also combine sage leaves with valerian root and horsetail to make a tea that can help you prevent sweating.
• Tea that includes fennel seeds, peppermint leaves or lemon balm can help those that sweat when they are anxious.
• Washing the hands with a mixture of eucalyptus leaves, walnut leaves, witch hazel, oak bark and tormentil root can help with sweaty hands and feet.
• A mixture of sage, stinging nettle, strawberry leaves and walnut leaves can help you combat nighttime sweating.
• Apply tea tree, cypress or geranium oil to the hands and feet to stop sweating. You can also bathe with lavender, rose or orange oil to combat the smell of excessive sweating.

4. Use Antiperspirants

• While deodorant only blocks the smell associated with sweat, antiperspirants temporarily block the sweat glands so you are not as damp. Apply these products at night while you are not sweating as much so they can easily enter the pores and prevent excess sweating during the day.

Medical Treatments for Excessive Sweat