Sweating is a natural mechanism that serves to help maintain homeostasis of fluids and electrolytes (sodium, potassium and chloride) in our body. All healthy people sweat because sweating is necessary for our body to maintain normal temperature. The sweating process is carried out through the sweat glands under the armpit. Those with excessive sweating may be intimidated, especially in their social life as it is a very uncomfortable condition. To control excessive sweating, it is necessary to choose a correct approach. Certain changes in lifestyle along with topical and correct use of antiperspirants can make all the difference.

Why Do You Experience So Much Underarm Sweat?

There are two kinds of sweat glands in our body: apocrine sweat glands which are located in the armpit area and eccrine sweat glands that are scattered throughout the body and are more abundant. The apocrine glands tend to generate excessive sweating in response to different factors:

• Exercise: The intense exercise promotes the loss of fluids and electrolytes through sweat. It also increases body temperature. In this way, the sweat generated by exercise serves to reduce body temperature.
• Hyperhidrosis: Hyperhidrosis is a disease that have the symptom of excessive sweating which is not caused by high temperature or exercise. And it affects 1-3% of the general population. Sweat occurs more in the palms of the hands, underarm, forearms, feet and groin.
• Emotions: Emotions like fear, nervousness, excitement, anxiety or even positive emotions such as extreme pleasure can lead to a series of hormonal reactions, resulting in increased heart rate, energy burning and higher body temperature. In this case, your sweat glands are stimulated to help cool your body.

How to Stop Underarm Sweat

Excessive underarm sweating can be uncomfortable and embarrassing, so it's important that you learn some ways to stop it.

1.     Make Your Own Deodorant

While there are certain natural deodorants that do not contain fragrances, you may make your own deodorant with ingredients you can easily obtain.

• One of these mixtures is composed of equal parts of sodium bicarbonate and water. Mix it well and place for 20 to 30 minutes. Then you rinse your armpit with warm water and the mix.
• Another homemade recipe for sweat control is to use apple cider vinegar and apply it under the armpit to remove odor-causing bacteria. This also keeps armpits fresh for longer.
• Mixing lemon juice and tomato pulp is effective and you can use it before bedtime. Allow to act for at least 15 minutes.
• Another option is to mix in a mortar eucalyptus and walnut leaves or prepare a sage tea to maintain proper body temperature and prevent excessive sweating.

2.    Choose Appropriate Products

• It may be necessary to consult with your doctor about your problem so he/she will indicate the deodorant that suits you best. In this case, you may need a commercial deodorant or a specific prescription to be prepared in a pharmacy. It may also happen that you choose an antiperspirant and excessive sweating decreases. There are also some hybrids deodorants. Evaluate your case with your doctor.
• If your excessive sweating is accompanied by much odor, it is advisable to increase the hygiene and use a fragrance-free deodorant with effective and gentle ingredients that help you control excessive odor.
• If your excessive sweating is accompanied by spots, you can go for deodorants with aluminum chloride hexahydrate, which is effective in these cases.

3.     Take Shower More Regularly

To control excessive sweating you need to take care of your hygiene with good products and wash underarms properly about twice a day or more if necessary. During the summer, try to bathe with warm water and dry off well before putting on clothes.

4.     Wear Undershirts

If you want to know how to stop underarm sweat, use light-colored shirts and tank tops beneath your shirts. This will make the sweat less visible to your outer clothing. Also, keep them always clean and dry.

5.     Mind the Food You Eat

Avoid eating foods that can cause strong odors. Excessive sweat is bad enough; odor will make it worse and create more embarrassment.

• Foods containing sulfur compounds such as onions, garlic, scallions, and leeks can generate odor. Similarly, it happens with cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage, and certain spices such as curry and cumin. Avoid or at least limit your intake of these foods.
• Try to be moderate when consuming red meat, dairy and avoid alcohol as they can accentuate the smell of sweat.
• Capsaicin, meanwhile, is a compound responsible for the spicy taste of pepper and can increase body heat when consumed, therefore it will increase sweat. For this reason, avoid eating hot peppers.

6.     Keep a Healthy Weight

• Excess weight contributes to excessive sweating as the body surface is greater. In this sense, it may be useful to incorporate 30 minutes of aerobic exercise per day and reduce body weight or fat found in excess.
• Besides, reduce consumption of foods high in refined flour, sugar, and fats and opt for a diet based on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy and lean meats. This decrease in calories and better food choices will help you to lose weight.
• Drink plenty of water and incorporate morning and evening walks in your daily life.

7.     Decrease the Using of Soap

Avoid washing armpits with plain soap is also one of the ways on how to stop underarm sweat. This will not solve your problem. Use some of the methods mentioned above when taking a shower or use a mild soap without fragrance.

8.     Wear Breathable Clothes

Organize your wardrobe in such a way that you can wear the most suitable clothes for every occasion. Garments made of cotton, silk, linen and other natural fibers are ideal because they allow air intake and prevent perspiration buildup, odor or bacterial growth.

9.     Reduce Stress

Try to control or reduce stress through methods such as relaxation, deep breathing, and yoga. This will bring a calming effect and help you sweat a lot less.