Excessive Sweating 101

Ok... A number of people sweat a lot. As uncomfortable as it may be for most people, it is actually a normal function that your body uses to cool itself off. Studies haven't really drawn up any concrete figures as to what is a normal or abnormal amount of sweat to secrete in a given amount of time, but there are ways to control hyperhidrosis:

• Zinc - This mineral is great! I'm sure you have seen it in some OTC cold and flu remedies, but it is also great for your skin. Zinc is often used to treat other skin maladies because it does a great job of keeping the moisture levels of your skin balanced. Your body loses zinc when you sweat, so if you are constantly sweating it may be a good idea to take a supplement of 30 - 50 mgs, a day (this may be a high supplemental dosage for some people, so consult with a physician before taking this much!) Another option is to load up your diet with some foods that are naturally high in zinc. Grab these foods at your next visit to the grocery store: beef, shellfish, parmesan cheese, pecans, fish, eggs, pumpkin seeds, and pine nuts.
• Magnesium - Magnesium helps to maintain your nervous system, heart rate, and blood sugar levels. Excessive perspiration may occur when these levels are not in line. Eat those leafy greens, black beans, and drink some soy to get more magnesium in your diet! (For more info...)
• Vitamin B Complex - My fav! This stuff is great because it aids it healthy cellular development and maintain proper metabolic functions. Also, physical and psychological stress can cause perspiraation as well, and Vitamin B can definitely help your body regulate itself properly. Oatmeal, whole grains, chicken, and bananas have lots of B vitamins, so get your grub on! (This vitamin makes you feel like you are a well oiled machine! It's great!)
• Botulinum Toxin - That's right! There is a specific type of Botox treatment that can be used to stop sweating. Not my favorite... so let's move on to the next one!
• Aluminum Chloride Hexahydrate - Sounds complicated. I think it is... but you find it in some OTC antiperspirants. This is ideal for people with mild cases
• Baking Soda - Naturally soaks up moisture and may stop you from having drenched clothes, but it may not be able to mask odor, so if you are going to try to make up your own antiperspirant, you may want to consider using fragrant oils as well unless you LOVE the smell of your own BRAND. ;)