Sweating is a natural bodily function that aids in regulating body temperature. Excessive sweating, known by the medical term hyperhidrosis, is a condition that affects about 1 to 3 percent of the general population, according to the Harvard Medical School. In some people, excessive sweating might result from dietary factors, though it might also be a sign of a more significant medical problem.
Hyperhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition in which people sweat or perspire unpredictably and excessively. This type of excess sweating typically occurs on a person's hands, feet and armpits, according to MedlinePlus, a service of the National Institutes of Health. The causes for this condition are often unknown, though the condition does tend to run in families. The condition can also occur over other parts of the body, known as secondary hyperhidrosis.
Drinks
One common potential cause of excessive or unexpected sweating comes when people ingest various drinks. Beverages that contain caffeine or alcohol can lead to sweating, according to MedlinePlus. Additionally, people who regularly ingest alcohol or narcotic pain killers and who subsequently stop ingesting these substances can also experience bouts of increased sweating. Decreasing your caffeine or alcohol intake might lead to a reduction in sweating or eliminate excessive sweating completely.
Spices
If you've ever eaten a spicy dish, you might already know that certain spices make some people sweat. Any food that contains onions, ginger, peppers and other traditionally "hot" spices can cause people to sweat. This phenomenon, known as gustatory sweating, is rarely a problem for people, according to the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. If you do sweat when eating spicy foods, consider reducing your spicy food intake.
Other Concerns
Excessive sweating can also be brought about by fairly benign causes, such as anxiety or fear, as well as more serious medical conditions. According to MedlinePlus, medical conditions such as menopause, heart disease, lung disease, stroke, cancer and infections can all lead to excessive sweating. People experiencing excessive sweating should consult a physician or medical professional about the condition.
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