You lift the same weight in the gym as your friend does. You run the same distance with the same intensities. You play the same sport as they do. And yet, when both of you are done, the friend might have broken a few sweats, but you, You are drenched in sweat. And you wondered why for years and eventually said, ‘it is what it is and moved on with your life’. But here we are today, wondering the same thing again. But, there is a difference, because today we have an answer for you. So, why do some sweat less and others more, and is there anything you can do about it? Let us find out:
Why Do I Sweat More Than Others?
The condition of sweating more than normal is called hyperhidrosis and excessive sweating in plain English. About 5% of the global population experience this condition, so you are not alone as you think you are. However, to understand why some people sweat more than others, we have to first understand the mechanism of sweating.
Also Read: Do Your Hands Sweat A Lot? Here's What You Should Know About The Condition
Why Do Humans Sweat?
According to Dr Shilpa Guha, Dermatologist, Ace Clinic, Punjab, “Our body is an intricately complex machine and it has its own mechanism to deal with anything that it feels is abnormal.” Imagine you are working out. When you are, your body temperature that is supposed to be around 37 degree celsius, naturally rises because the calories are burning. Now, if we didn't sweat, the body would literally start cooking itself. So, the body, realising the abnormality in the temperature, releases sweat through the small pores on our skin to bring the temperature back to normal. This process is called thermoregulation and it helps maintain the body temperature. “This liquid that we call sweat contains water (around 99%) and salt (sodium and chloride) and smaller amounts of other substances like potassium, urea, lactic acid, and small amounts of other minerals and vitamins,” Dr Guha adds.
Why Do Some Sweat More And Some Less?
There is not a solitary factor that determines how much one sweats. In fact, there are a plethora of reasons why you might be sweating more than others. According to Dr Guha some of which may include:
Body size: Larger people create more heat. Since there is more body mass to move, it means more potential heat and therefore more sweat. In addition to heat produced by more muscle mass, a larger person has a larger surface area that requires more perspiration to cool down.
Age: As you get older, your body becomes less tolerant to heat. "Sweat glands change with age and reduce the body's ability to cool down," says Webert.
Muscle mass: Muscle mass produces more heat than fat. So even if two people weigh the same, they will be affected by different rates of sweating depending on their muscle mass percentage.
Health status: Several health conditions and life stages can impact the amount of sweating you may experience. Colds, flu, as well as mental health ailments such as anxiety and depression, can all have an impact on sweating.
Hormones: Fluctuations in hormones are linked to increases in internal temperature, so it is no surprise that those going through (or about to go through) menopause or pregnancy have increased sweating.
Fitness: People who are fitter tend to sweat more than people who aren’t as athletic. You must have noticed professional athletes tend to sweat more than normal people do.
External Factors: according to research, external factors like eating spicy foods, taking caffeine, or excessive alcohol.
Also Read: Keep Yourself Refreshed With These 7 Home Remedies For Sweaty Hands And Feet
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Tips For Reducing Sweating
Dr Guha lists some tips you could follow in order to reduce sweating:
- Use an antiperspirant
- Wear breathable fabrics
- Stay hydrated
- Quit smoking
- Consider medical treatments
Bottomline
Sweating profusely is not only irritating and at times unhygienic, but also becomes a source of embarrassment for some. However, one must try and remember that it is a natural process of your body and there is nothing much one can do about it.