Heat, stress trigger sweating

Sweating and body odor are facts of life for most people. Heavy perspiration and body odor can happen when you exercise, when you’re too warm, or when you’re nervous, anxious or under stress.

Some people naturally sweat more or less than other people. See a doctor if:

• You suddenly begin to sweat much more or less than usual.

• Sweating disrupts your daily routine.

• You experience night sweats for no apparent reason.

• You notice a change in your body odor.

You can do a number of things on your own to reduce sweating and body odor:

• Bathe daily. Regular bathing reduces the growth of bacteria on your skin.

• Choose clothing to suit your activity. For daily wear, choose natural fabrics, such as cotton, wool and silk. These allow your skin to breathe. For exercise wear, you might prefer synthetic fabrics developed to wick moisture away from your skin.

• Try relaxation techniques. Consider activities such as yoga, meditation or biofeedback. These practices can teach you to control the stress that triggers perspiration.

• Change your diet. Caffeinated beverages and spicy or strong-smelling foods may make you sweat more or have stronger body odor than usual. Eliminating these foods may help.