Darrick Robles Sports, summer temperatures and sometimes even a glance at the clock can quickly bring beads of sweat to our foreheads. First of all, this is not bad at all, because it is a completely natural body reaction. However, if we can’t stop sweating on hot days and then an unpleasant smell spreads, it can become extremely unpleasant. That’s why we’ve put together a few tips to get you through the summer feeling refreshed.
Why do we sweat?
Sweat is a natural reaction of the body. Sweating is stimulated above all when our body runs “too hot” and the heat balance has to be regulated. Because sweat helps our body to cool down and protects us from dangerous overheating. Physical exertion, heat or great excitement are the most common causes of increased sweat production.
But other factors can also promote increased perspiration. These include obesity, hormonal fluctuations, some medications and certain diseases.
However, heavy sweating can also be pathological and due to a malfunction in sweat production. A so-called hyperhidrosis can occur as an independent disease (primary hyperhidrosis) or be a symptom of another disease (secondary hyperhidrosis).
Anyone who suffers from severe sweating for no apparent reason should consult a doctor immediately. With the help of a few specific questions, the doctor can narrow down the causes and, if necessary, order further tests.
By the way: Sweat itself is odorless. The cause of the unpleasant smell of sweat are bacteria. Because our sweat consists of 99% water, 0.5% salts and 0.5% urea, amino acids, lactic acid, protein, fat and sugar. Only when the bacteria on our skin start to decompose these substances does the penetrating odor appear.
This helps with sweating
Drink lukewarm
Ice-cold drinks usually only have a refreshing, cooling effect for a short time. Because the more we cool down our body with cold drinks, the more we stimulate energy production to compensate for the large temperature difference.
It is therefore advisable to rely on lukewarm drinks in summer. Water, juice spritzers and fruit or herbal teas are best. A special tip is flavored water. Ginger, cucumber, lemon, mint, but also berries transform water into a real miracle of refreshment.
Eat lightly
Food also affects how quickly we sweat. Because e.g. Spicy dishes, for example, send a stimulus to the brain via the nerves in the mouth, which is interpreted as “hot” and thus stimulates perspiration to cool down.
But even with hard-to-digest food such. B. greasy or high-sugar foods, our body has to do hard work and quickly brings beads of sweat to our foreheads. Therefore, especially in the hot season, it is better to rely on light and wholesome foods such as fresh fruit and vegetables, low-fat dairy products and lean meat or lean fish.
dress properly
Tight-fitting, constricting clothing made of polyester prevents your body heat from escaping and promotes perspiration unnecessarily. In addition, dark clothing in particular absorbs the sun’s rays more quickly, which means that you sweat more quickly underneath.
If it’s hot outside, light-colored clothing made of linen, silk and cotton is much better suited. Wide cuts also promote airflow, so that even a light breeze can provide the necessary cooling. Therefore, pay attention to breathable fabrics and air-permeable cuts in light colors.
Use antiperspirant
While deodorant only prevents the bacteria responsible for the smell of sweat from multiplying, antiperspirant has an antiperspirant effect. So if you sweat a lot, you should use an antiperspirant.
Use natural home remedies
Whether and to what extent herbal teas and tinctures are really effective is controversial and different for everyone. Above all, it is important to know that only regular use of natural remedies achieves the desired effect – if at all.
The regular intake of sage or wheatgrass tea has proven effective against increased sweating . They support the body’s natural temperature regulation. Sage is also said to have an antiperspirant effect, while wheatgrass is said to have a detoxifying effect. Sage is also suitable as a tincture or bath additive. A tincture of chamomile is also said to help with sweaty feet and hands.
Apple cider vinegar, lemon and centaury have shown promise against the unpleasant smell of sweat. While centaury is prepared as a tea, the acids found in apple cider vinegar and lemon are most effective when used as a tincture.
cool rooms
On very hot days in particular, it is advisable not to leave windows and doors open all day, as this will allow the sweltering midday heat to get inside. And especially in apartments and houses where heat builds up quickly, it is difficult to cool the room temperature down again.
It is therefore helpful to open the windows wide early in the morning and late in the evening and, if possible, to create a draft. During the day, the windows should remain closed if possible and the rooms should be darkened.
Refresh wrists, feet and face
Cooling water sprays that are sprayed on the face and décolleté are particularly suitable for a quick freshness kick in between. But holding your wrists under cold running water also helps to cool down faster. A refreshing foot bath in the evening can also work wonders and also cares for the skin if it is enriched with the right oils, herbs or soaps.
