Night Sweats in Men: Is This a Cause for Concern?
Night sweats in men is a subject that is receiving increasing attention in the medical community. If you sweat at night, should you be concerned?
Probably not. Medical experts are becoming increasingly convinced that men experience andropause the same way women experience menopause. Just as women experience hot flushes and night sweats because of the fluctuations in their hormone levels, so men also experience night sweats as their bodies adjust their levels of testosterone and other male hormones. The problem resolves itself over time, just as it does for women.
If you are a man in your late forties or older and you find yourself sweating increasingly at night, simply use lighter pajamas and bed linens and/or open a window to cool off. The problem should resolve itself over time.
In addition, it would be a good idea to limit your caffeine intake and your alcohol consumption as both of these can affect how much you sweat, particularly at night. Instead, take a cool shower and drink some water before you turn in for the night. But don’t drink too much water or you will end up getting up at night anyway.
However, there may be cases when night sweating in men can indicate a more severe medical problem. If you sweat so much that you have to change your bedding or your pajamas during the night, you should see a doctor to rule out another potential problem.
For example, night sweating in men can be a sign of tuberculosis, cancer, diabetes or HIV. Your doctor will probably request a battery of tests to rule out these serious problems. It can also be a sign of sleep apnea, a condition in which you temporarily stop breathing while you sleep. Night sweating is one of your body’s defenses in such a case.
While you await the results of the testing your doctor will require, try not to worry. Night sweats in men can also be an indication of a more benign problem. For example, if you are worried about something or are taking a new medication, you may find yourself sweating more, particularly at night. Your body may also be fighting off a minor infection, such as the flu and your night sweating will resolve as your body recovers.
Night sweating in men can be a sign of a more serious problem or it may be simply a sign of the aging process. If you are concerned, do not hesitate to consult a doctor. The sooner you do, the better you will sleep.
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Is Underarm Sweat Stopping Your Life?
Is underarm sweat stopping you from success in life? Here are seven easy steps to stop the stink.
1. Bathe at least once daily. Daily showering or bathing can go a long way toward removing the bacteria that causes underarm sweat. Use a loofah sponge instead of a washcloth as it seems to do a better job at removing bacteria. If you exercise hard or you live in a hot climate, bathe morning and evening.
2. Dry your armpits thoroughly. Bacteria like to grow in moist, dark areas, such as armpits.
3. Shave your armpits. Underarm hair is an ideal nesting ground for bacteria. Shave or at least trim the overgrowth regularly and regularly dispose of the razor.
4. Use the right antiperspirant/deodorant. Be sure to use a product with either aluminum chloride or aluminum chlorohydrate. (Be aware that these compounds can be irritating to skin. If you get a rash, switch to the other compound. Do not apply these products until 12 hours after you shave.) Also consult health food stores and medical supply stores for alternatives to the most popular brands. Don’t share deodorants or antiperspirants.
5. Wear cotton shirts. Cotton and other natural fibers allow your skin to breathe, keeping your underarms dry and odor free. Synthetic fibers force sweat to stay close to your body, breeding bacteria. Change shirts regularly and wash them thoroughly before wearing them again in order to wash away the bacteria. Don’t use someone else’s shirt without thoroughly washing it first. You don’t want to spread bacteria around.
6. See a doctor. If you find underarm sweat stopping your life, ask your doctor about it. He or she may be able to provide you a stronger variety of soaps and deodorant/antiperspirants. Your doctor may also run a battery of tests to rule out more serious underlying conditions. But try not to worry too much about the results: sweat is a natural reaction to fear and worry can exacerbate the problem.
7. Eat your zinc. Foods containing zinc, such as turkey, whole grains, nuts and beans, have been shown to help body odor problems. On the other hand avoid fish, garlic and cumin as these can cause body odor.
Sweat, including underarm sweat, is a natural function of the body. In most cases, eliminating sweat is a simple matter of personal hygiene. However, if you find underarm sweat stopping your career or social life, act now to prevent more serious problems.
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Home Remedies for Excessive Sweating
If you have a problem with sweat, you will be glad to know there are many inexpensive home remedies for excessive sweating.
You should first understand that sweating is a natural way for your body to cool off. Sweat glands located in the dermis (middle) layer of your skin produce liquid that is forced to the top of your skin as your body temperature rises. As this liquid (perspiration) evaporates on your skin’s outer layer, your body temperature cools to normal levels.
Because sweat is a necessary function, you should not try to eliminate sweating altogether. However, we all know what kinds of problems sweating can cause. Here are some home remedies for excessive sweating that you can use.
First of all, wear natural fabrics, such as cotton. Synthetic fabrics don’t allow your skin to breathe and force the sweat to stay on your skin without evaporating. Natural fibers allow the sweat to wick away from your skin, making it healthier.
Second of all, bathe regularly, using a loofah sponge to thoroughly scrub bacteria away from your body. In hot weather or if you are particularly active, bathe in the morning and the evening.
Third of all, thoroughly dry yourself off when you are done bathing. Pay special attention to your toes, your groin and your armpits, in which bacteria like to breed, causing those distinctive body odors. Dry thoroughly and consider using light amounts of talcum powder to keep the areas dry.
Fourthly, drink plenty of fluids, especially water. By drinking plenty of cool liquids, you will easily bring your body temperature down to manageable levels. Stay away from caffeine or alcohol, however, as these can raise body temperatures and promote sweat.
Fifth of all, avoid spicy foods. While you may love the taste of Thai or Mexican cuisine, stay away from it if you have a problem with heavy sweating.
Six, eat food rich in zinc, which has been proven to reduce sweat odors. Zinc rich foods include turkey, whole grains, nuts and legumes. On the other hand, avoid odor producing foods like fish and garlic.
Seventh, try changing your deodorant. If the popular brands don’t do the trick for you, try going to a health-food store or a medical supply store which may have other more effective products for you to try. Sometimes a simple change is all you need.
These seven home remedies for excessive sweating will help make life a lot more pleasant, for you and for those around you.
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