Excessive Sweating - Ways to Cool Down

What is sweating?

Sweating occurs when the sweat glands in your skin secrete a salty fluid called sweat, or perspiration. Sweating is a normal function that serves to cool your body, often in hot or humid environments or when you exercise. How much you sweat depends on how many sweat glands you have. A person is born with about two to four million sweat glands which start to become fully active during puberty. Sweating is controlled by the autonomic nervous system, the part of the nervous system that is not under your control.

Women have more sweat glands then men, but men's glands are more active.

Reasons we Sweat

Sweating is the body's natural way of regulating temperature.People sweat more when it's hot outside, when they exercise, or in response to situations that make them nervous, angry, embarrassed, or afraid. Sometimes however sweating can become excessive.

Excessive Sweating

Excessive sweating means that you sweat much more than normal, even when you are not hot, anxious, or exercising, you make a lot of sweat. It can infringe on daily life and can be extremely distressing for sufferers

Reasons for Excessive Sweating

Primary Focal Hyperhidrosis (PFH) - This is the most common cause of excessive sweating and affects about 1% to 3% of the population, it usually starts in childhood or adolescence. Primary focal hyperhidrosis does not cause illness. Basically, you sweat excessively. Although it is a medical condition, it's not a sign of disease or a drug interaction. People who have it are otherwise healthy. The symptoms of PFH are fairly specific. It's called focal or localised because it only affects specific parts of the body, such as the underarms, groin, head, face, hands, or feet. Symptoms also tend to be symmetrical, occurring on both sides equally.Experts aren't sure exactly why this happens, but it seems to stem from a minor malfunction in the nervous system. There's some evidence that it could run in families.

Secondary General Hyperhidrosis - This less common form of hyperhidrosis causes sweating all over the body -not just on the hands or feet. Secondary general hyperhidrosis is also more serious medically. It's called secondary because it's being caused by something else, such as an underlying health condition.One telltale sign of secondary hyperhidrosis is excessive generalised sweating at night.

There are many possibilities and medical conditions and diseases which can cause this including

• Menopause
• Pregnancy
• Thyroid problems
• Diabetes
• Alcoholism
• Infectious diseases like tuberculosis
• Parkinson's disease
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Stroke
• Heart failure
• Cancers like leukaemia and lymphoma

Other Causes of Sweating

• Anxiety - People who are anxious or have actual anxiety disorders may sweat more than others. But experts say that anxious sweating isn't the same as hyperhidrosis.
• Medications - Medications can also cause general excessive sweating, such medications are
• Some psychiatric medications
• Some blood pressure medications
• Some medicines for dry mouth
• Some antibiotics
• Some supplements

Treating Excessive Sweating

While there is no cure for PFH, there are ways to help control the symptoms. They include:

Antiperspirants - Special over-the-counter or prescription sprays, lotions, and roll-ons can help control symptoms.

Iontophoresis - This treatment uses low-level electrical impulses to temporarily disable the sweat glands.

Medications - Some drugs can stop the sweat glands from kicking into action.

Botox - Injections of Botox can temporarily stop the nerves from triggering excessive sweating. It is approved for treatment of excessive underarm sweating.

Surgery - One approach is to cut a nerve in the chest that triggers excessive sweating. Another is to surgically remove some of the sweat glands.

Secondary hyperhidrosis can often be treated too, although the right approach depends on the condition causing it.

Alternative Options for Excessive Sweating

Drink more water - A lot of people are confused by this solution. They think if they drink more water, it will give them that much more fluid to sweat out. This is totally incorrect. Drinking more water cools your core temperature and will alleviate some of the excessive sweating.

Drink Green Tea or Sage Tea at night – These teas contain an astringent property which will dry out oils and prevent excess moisture from escaping the skin. It basically dries you from the inside out. In addition to helping your complexion, green tea will neutralise many of the toxins that create the pungent odour in sweat.

Avoid spicy foods, alcohol and caffeine - Onions, Garlic, Curry, Coffee and a whole host of other ingredients are powerful triggers for hyperhidrosis sweating. Cut out some of these culprits and see gradual but noticeable results.

Sage Leaf Supplement - It is well documented that Sage leaf helps to reduce menopausal sweats. In one study, excessive sweating was induced by medication The sweating was reduced when participants were given an extract of sage leaf. In a further study 40 patients were given dried aqueous extract of fresh sage (440mg) and 40 were given infusion of sage (4.5g) herb daily. Both groups of patients experienced a reduction in sweating.

The Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

What is Apple Cider Vinegar?

Apple Cider Vinegar is an effective natural bacteria-fighting agent that contains many vital minerals and trace elements such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, chlorine, sodium, sulphur, copper, iron, silicon and fluorine that are vital for a healthy body.

How is it Made?
Natural Apple Cider Vinegar is made by crushing fresh, organically grown apples and allowing them to mature in wooden barrels. This boosts the natural fermentation qualities of the crushed apples, which differs from the refined and distilled vinegars found in supermarkets. When the vinegar is mature, it contains a dark, cloudy, web-like bacterial foam called mother, which becomes visible when the rich brownish liquid is held to the light. Natural vinegars that contain the mother have enzymes and minerals that other vinegars in supermarkets may not have due to over-processing, over-heating, and filtration.

What are the Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar?

Natural Apple Cider Vinegar is a wonderful natural cure for a number of ailments which usually require antibiotics and other medications that have a number of side effects.

In particular, Apple Cider Vinegar has been known to:

• Reduce sinus infections and sore throats
• Balance high cholesterol
• Cure skin conditions such as acne
• Protect against food poisoning
• Fight allergies in both humans and animals
• Prevent muscle fatigue after exercise
• Strengthen the immune system
• Increase stamina
• Increase metabolism which promotes weight loss
• Improve digestion and cure constipation
• Alleviate symptoms of arthritis and gout
• Prevents bladder stones and urinary tract infections

Uses of Apple Cider Vinegar

Weight Loss - While it is not known why, many people claim that Apple Cider Vinegar promotes weight loss. Some theories suggest that ACV helps to speed up the metabolism, while others suggest that it burns calories. A number of nutritionists also believe that combining Vitamin B6 and Lecithin with Apple Cider Vinegar is highly effective for weight loss. A suggested remedy is to mix 2 teaspoons of ACV mixed with a glass of water and drink this before every meal or sip it slowly throughout the day

Bad Breath - Due to its acidic properties, Apple Cider Vinegar makes a wonderful remedy for bad breath or halitosis. Simply add 1/2 tablespoon of ACV into a cup of water and gargle the mixture in your mouth for 10 seconds at a time until the cup is empty.

Body Odour - Apple Cider Vinegar is an effective body odour remedy, since it can help adjust the skin's pH level which helps to eliminate odour-causing bacteria. For armpit odour, simply wipe them once each morning with undiluted apple cider vinegar (using a cotton ball). For foot odour, fill a pan with warm water and add 1/3 cup of ACV, then let your feet soak in this mixture for 15 minutes once per week.

Skin Problems and Infections - Apple Cider Vinegar is a natural cure for acne. It contains sulphur that fights the effects of aging, which makes it suitable for treating age spots..Many women have found that Apple Cider Vinegar can help reduce the appearance of cellulite and it has been found to be an effective treatment for yeast infections.

Diarrhoea - Apple Cider Vinegar is a fantastic natural remedy for diarrhoea since the high pectin concentration acts as a protective coating which soothes the irritated lining of the colon. A suggestion is to add 2 tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar to a large glass of water, and drink this 3 times daily while the symptoms persist.

Diabetes - Apple Cider Vinegar may help to control high blood sugar levels, which is why it is often used as a natural treatment for Diabetes.

What are the Side Effects of Apple Cider Vinegar?

There are no major known side effects of Apple Cider Vinegar when used in moderation. However, drinking vinegars, acids or even lemon juices on a regular basis can lead to a deterioration of dental enamel. This can give your teeth a yellowish look and make them more sensitive to heat and cold. To prevent this, the vinegar should always be diluted with water or a pinch of baking soda should be added in order to reduce the acidity level.

Where and How to Buy Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar can be found in almost any natural health or nutrition store, it can also be found in capsule form which help eliminate the strong sour taste associated with the liquid vinegar

Fruit and Vegetables Highest in Pesticides

What are pesticides?

A pesticide is a poisonous chemical or mixture of chemicals that is produced or manufactured for preventing, repelling, or killing any pest. Pests are living organisms that are present where they are not wanted or that cause damage to crops or humans or other animals. Examples include: insects, mice and other rodents, unwanted plants (e.g. weeds), fungi and microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses. Pesticides is a general term that includes insecticides (for insect control), herbicides (for weed control), rodenticides (for rodent control), fungicides (for control of plant disease fungi), miticides (for mite control), as well as wood preservatives, disinfectants, products that control algae, etc.

What health problems are associated with exposure to pesticides?

Pesticides can cause harm to humans and animals because they are designed to kill or otherwise adversely affect living organisms. Overseas studies have shown that young children, have an increased risk of getting leukaemia or sarconomas if they live in a home where pesticides are often used, either in the home or garden. Childhood brain cancer has also been linked to the use of some pesticides.

Symptoms of short-term exposure to pesticides include

• Dizziness
• Vomiting/ Nausea
• Headaches
• Difficulty sleeping
• Skin rashes
• Muscle twitches and pain
• Flu-like fever
• Breathing difficulties

Exposure to a high concentration of pesticide could result in death and long term exposure to pesticides can lead to more serious and permanent damage including: cancers, brain damage in children, lowered IQ, permanent kidney damage,

Most pesticides persist in the environment for a long time and can continue to have harmful health effects long after they have been applied.

Lists of Fruits and Veggies with the Highest Pesticides

Several organisations publish lists of produce with the highest pesticide levels. These vary somewhat in their findings, but some fruits and vegetable appear on both lists.

Strawberries - The Organic Consumers Association (OCA) in America lists strawberries as the fresh produce with the highest amount of pesticides. OCA looked at data from the Consumers Union and the Environmental Working Group (EWG) to compile its list. The EWG ranks strawberries as the third ‘dirtiest’ fruit or vegetable.

Celery - Celery, number one on the EWG's contaminated produce list, ranks as number seven on the OCA site. Look for organic celery, grown without pesticides and using natural fertilisers, manual weed control and natural insect control methods.

Peaches - Peaches occupy the second most contaminated spot of the EWG list, ranking in fifth place on the OCA site. Canned peaches, on the other hand, contain low levels of pesticides, according to the OCA. Peeling peaches also helps remove pesticide residue.

Peppers - Red peppers occupied the number two spot on the OCA list.

Spinach - Spinach, a green leafy vegetable, is number four on the OCA list and number eight on the EWG list of ‘dirty’ produce. Spinach is another easy-to-grow vegetable, according to the OCA.

Lettuce - Lettuce ranked number 13 on the EWG site, but missed the top 15 on the OCA site.

Cherries - Cherries ranked number four on the OCA's list of contaminated produce, and number nine on the EWG list. Cherries from the United States contain three times as much pesticide residue as cherries from other countries, which rank among the cleanest fruits and vegetables, according to the OCA. Buying cherries from outside the United States or Canada lowers the risk of pesticide residue, the OCA explains.

Apples - Apples rank number four on the EWG list of ‘dirty’ produce and number eight on the OCA list. Apple juice, unlike the apple itself, contains little pesticide residue, the OCA says, which makes it a good substitute for fresh apples. Peeling apples also helps remove residue.

Remember

When purchasing any of these fruits and vegetables try choose organic which will contain no chemical pesticides