When you exercise or even head outdoors with your friends, do you tend to sweat far more than you’d like? You’re not alone on this. Getting around this discomfort is possible. Here are some helpful tips to manage your sweat from a recent collaboration with Women Fitness Magazine.
How to Deal if You Sweat a Lot: Sweating, while totally natural, is not the greatest feeling. And for those of us who sweat more than others, it can be an uncomfortable hindrance to everyday life. There are options, however. Here are some ways you can work around the sweat:
Use an Antiperspirant at Night
This might seem counter-intuitive, but experts say applying your antiperspirant at night is much more effective than applying in the morning or right before a workout because the active chemical in antiperspirant, aluminum chloride, needs time to block sweat ducts. And speaking of aluminum chloride, look for products with a 12 percent aluminum chloride content or higher. If you can’t find one you like, you can also ask your doctor about trying an over-the-counter product.
Wear Moisture-Wicking Clothing
Whether you’re exercising or going to work, you want to look good and stay dry. Sounds impossible, right? It’s actually not — moisture-wicking clothing is your best bet. Breathable, moisture resistant clothing, like these bamboo shirts, can repel odors and allergens. Plus, they look good and can easily go from work to dinner to the gym.
Watch What You Eat
The food you eat could actually affect how much you sweat, according to some doctors. Spicy foods, like hot wings, and hot foods, like soup, can actually trick your body into thinking your body is overheated. Fruits and calcium-rich foods, however, can have the opposite effect and might help you sweat less.
Hit the Gym
Some research suggests working out regularly can condition your body and get it used to physical activity, which could cause you to sweat significantly less. You can also try to work out in colder weather, pools or air-conditioned gyms to reduce your body’s sweat levels. Begin slow with 30 minutes of cardio four to five times a week.
Stop Stressing
Seriously — stressing only increases sweat and, truthfully, everyone sweats. If you begin to feel nervous or anxious, find a few moments to collect yourself. Take a few deep breaths, take your mind off of sweating and carry on with your day.