Excessive underarm sweating is a medical condition that can cause discomfort and embarrassment. Excessive sweating, also known as hyperhidrosis, may occur for a number of reasons, including nervousness. Although fish oil provides certain health benefits, there is no evidence that it helps with hyperhidrosis. Under certain circumstances, taking fish oil capsules may actually make your sweat more unpleasant by causing an odor.
Hyperhidrosis
Sweating is your body’s natural method of staying cool. While most people notice an increase in underarm sweating during exercise or warm temperatures, people with hyperhidrosis tend to produce more sweat during normal activities and without provocation. Excessive sweating frequently occurs in the underarm area, but may also affect the soles of your feet and the palms of your hands. The exact cause of hyperhidrosis is not known, although genetics may play a role. According to the University of Chicago Medical Center, non-surgical treatment options for hyperhidrosis include Botox injections, antiperspirants and iontophoresis. There is no indication that fish oil products may help treat or prevent underarm sweating.
Fish Oil
Fish oil provides an abundant source of omega-3 fatty acids in the form of docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid, or DHA and EPA acids. Fish oil is effective for treating high triglycerides, a condition that may increase your risk of heart disease. According to MedlinePlus, fish oil may also be effective in the treatment of ADHD, menstrual pain, rheumatoid arthritis, kidney problems and endometrial cancer, although there is no mention of using this substance to treat underarm sweating.
Trimethylaminuria
Underarm sweat may cause body odor, especially in individuals with trimethylaminuria, a condition that occurs due to a genetic disorder. People with trimethylaminuria can’t properly break down the dietary compound trimethylamine. The inability to break down this substance in your body causes an unpleasant fishy odor. Columbia University Health Services warns about consuming seafood or taking lecithin-containing fish oil supplements due to an increased risk of body odor.
Precautions
Although fish oil supplements are safe for most people, there is no evidence that they can help control underarm sweating. Fish oil may cause nausea, nosebleeds, rash and bad breath. Regularly taking more than 3 grams of fish oil a day may lead to an increased risk of bleeding. Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition that may have serious underlying causes. Contact your doctor if you have excessive or unexplained sweating, especially if it is accompanied by weight loss or chest pain.
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