Most people sweat when they are exposed to a hot environment or after vigorous exercise. Sweating is a natural bodily process, but some people sweat more than others. These variations in sweating can be caused by an individual possessing more sweat glands, hormonal, dietary, or even underlying health complications (i.e., diabetes or thyroid issues, etc.). Hyperhidrosis is abnormal and excessive sweating that is not necessarily related to heat or exercise.

This heavy sweating often leads to disruption of daily activities and can also cause embarrassment and anxiety. Symptoms of hyperhidrosis may include sweaty hands and feet, and frequent sweating that soaks clothes and bedding. This article explains some of the foods that can cause exacerbate sweating:

1. Hot soups
In most cases, soups, such as chicken broth or minestrone are served steaming hot. Warm or hot soup warms you up. Your body will always strive to cool the body down when the temperature rises. Due to this, the body temperature increases, and sweats, which is fine for most but can be uncomfortable for those with hyperhidrosis.

2. Caffeine
Caffeinated drinks like coffee, tea, and energy drinks are favorites in the morning and afternoon for a pick-me-up. Research has demonstrated that 80% of American adults consume caffeine every day. Coffee stimulates our central nervous system and increases heart rate, blood pressure, and can even trigger the sweat glands stimulating your body to produce more sweat to regulate the internal body temperature. All this energy can lead to excessive sweating.

3. High-fat milk
Foods with high-fat take longer to digest. When one consumes milk containing high fat content, their body experiences perspiration. This extended period in digesting makes your body use more energy than usual. It increases your body temperature, making you sweat more to cool the body.

4. Hot peppers
Eating spicy foods containing chili peppers can make your body sweat profusely. Peppers contain a chemical known as capsaicin, a chemical that arouses the nerve receptors in your mouth and persuades the nervous system that the body’s temperature is rising. The brain signals the sweat glands to cool the body, causing an increase in sweating.

5. White bread
White bread is an example of processed food low in fiber, making it difficult to digest. Digesting foods like white bread forces a body to work extra hard than expected. The body needs to use more energy to digest and process these foods, causing the body temperature to rise, which causes more sweating.

Diet is a crucial proponent that can exacerbate already heavy sweating. If you suffer from hyperhidrosis (or heavy sweating), your symptoms may be triggered or increased by certain foods. If heavy sweating symptoms persist, it is also essential to seek medical assistance in case of an underlying health condition.