local (focal) or generalized (diffuse). Sweating is a normal response and common during exercise and in hot environments. However, people with hyperhidrosis sweat excessively under conditions that do not cause sweating in most people.
Focal hyperhidrosis occurs most commonly on the palms, soles, armpits and forehead. The most common cause is idiopathic (unknown cause). Nevertheless, other possible causes of focal hyperhidrosis are emotional stress, anxiety, anger, fear, pretibial myxedema (over the shins), hypertrophic osteoarthropathy (on the palms), and blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome and glomus tumor (over lesions).
Gustatory sweating is a type of focal hyperhidrosis and occurs around the lips and mouth when having foods and beverages that are spicy or hot in temperature. Other possible causes of gustatory sweating are diabetic neuropathy, shingles, CNS injury or disease, and parotid gland inflammation.
Generalized hyperhidrosis involves most of the body. The cause is unknown in most cases. However, other possible causes of generalized hyperhidrosis are hyperactive thyroid, chronic infections (tuberculosis, Malta fever, and systemic fungal infections), diabetes, hyperactive pituitary gland, cancers (leukemia and lymphoma), anxiety, carcinoid syndrome, gout, hypoglycemia, menopause, alcohol withdrawal syndrome, opioid withdrawal, and drugs (cholinergic medications, aspirin, oral hypoglycemic agents, antidepressants, caffeine, and theophylline).
Nutritional Supports:
Restricted Foods:
- Sugar and sweets.
- Onions and garlic.
- Caffeinated beverages.
- Alcohol.
- Spicy foods.
- Sodas.
- Chili peppers.
- Energy drinks.
Recommended Foods:
- Plenty of water: at least 2 liters a day.
- Whole grains.
- Fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Olive oil and flaxseed oil.
- Apple cider vinegar.
- Sage tea. It contains high amounts of tannins and volatile oils which reduce sweat gland activities.
- Fruits high in volatile oils: guava, grapefruit, lemon, lime, orange, and tangerine.
- Vegetables high in volatile oils: basil, celery, coriander, parsley, peppermint, and spearmint.
- Cinnamon.
Recommended Supplements:
- Sage Leaf Extract: 300 – 600 mg a day.
- Magnesium: 200 – 400 mg a day.
- Schizandra Extract: 500 – 1500 mg a day.
- Calcium: 500 – 1000 mg a day.
- 5 – Hydroxytryptophane (5 – HTP): 100 – 150 mg a day.
- Vitamin B – Complex: A high potency product.
Miscellaneous Suggestions:
- Liver detoxification.
- Colon cleansing.
