HEALTHY LIVING

7 Things To Know About Excessive Sweating

Published

11 months ago

January 20, 2024

7 Things To Know About Excessive Sweating | Fab.ng

Sweating is a normal response to heat or anxiety, but some people sweat excessively, causing stains and affecting social relationships.

This may be due to a medical condition called hyperhidrosis, which affects almost 4.8% of the population, or 15.3 million Americans. Hyperhidrosis is abnormally excessive sweating that is not necessarily related to heat or exercise and can cause stains on shirts and body odours. It can also result in embarrassment and social anxiety.

Primary focal hyperhidrosis is the most common type, causing overactive nerves that trigger sweat glands, while secondary hyperhidrosis is a more serious form, signalling a dysfunction of the central or peripheral nervous system.

This type of sweating is primarily caused by medical conditions, including:

Diabetes
Heart attack
Infections
Low blood sugar
Menopausal hot flashes
Nervous system disorders
Some types of cancer
Thyroid problems

Excessive sweating is not dangerous, but it can be unpleasant and make you feel uncomfortable and uneasy. Hyperhidrosis can be treated medically, but you must first see your primary care physician.

A study indicated that having primary hyperhidrosis increased the incidence of skin infections, including bacterial and fungal ones. So, if your excessive sweating appears to be too much, consult a doctor to get it under control and avoid infection.

Here are seven things to know about excessive sweating, including how to control it, where it’s most common, and identifying indicators of hyperhidrosis.

1. Armpit sweat makes it impossible to keep clothes dry

Axillary hyperhidrosis is a condition characterised by excessive underarm sweating. The way you dress can indicate a sweaty armpit condition.

If you avoid wearing light- or bright-coloured clothes because you’re scared the stains from your underarm sweating will be too visible, or if you avoid delicate fabrics like silk because you’re afraid they’ll be destroyed, you’re probably suffering from excessive armpit perspiration.

Men with underarm hyperhidrosis are also more likely to keep their suit jackets on, even when it’s warm, out of fear that others will see the shirt stains around their sweaty armpits.

2. Deodorants don’t do enough to block armpit sweat

Consult your doctor to find out why you sweat so much. There are some good answers. If you have very sweaty armpits, standard over-the-counter deodorants will not work, no matter how frequently you use them.

Antiperspirants with a high concentration of aluminium chloride can block sweat glands; however, this may not always be effective. To prevent underarm sweat, ask your doctor for a prescription-strength antiperspirant.

Antiperspirants can be effective for certain individuals who sweat excessively, but additional treatment may be required in some cases.

3. You ruminate about sweaty armpits

7 Things To Know About Excessive Sweating | Fab.ng

When you have underarm hyperhidrosis, it can be difficult to concentrate on anything else. You’re concerned that people will notice that your clothing is constantly damp.

You may get self-conscious and start to retreat, avoiding physical contact with others. You may even be hesitant to dance at parties or work out at the gym for fear that it would aggravate your armpit sweating.

4. Hyperhidrosis has nothing to do with good hygiene

There is no link between underarm hyperhidrosis and hygiene. Nonetheless, those with hyperhidrosis, particularly armpit perspiration, find that their shirts soak through quickly after they are put on, so they shower frequently and change their clothes multiple times per day.

This may keep you dry briefly, but if you have hyperhidrosis, bathing frequently, even with strong soaps and shower gels, will not solve the problem. You should consult a doctor or dermatologist for hyperhidrosis treatment.

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5. Medical Management can help you cope with symptoms of excessive sweating

Sweating excessively is neither harmful nor life-threatening, but it can be detrimental if it causes you to withdraw and disturbs your regular routines. If you notice any of these hyperhidrosis symptoms, such as sweaty armpits, soaked hands, or sloshy shoes, consult your doctor.

Popular therapies for excessive sweating include:

Prescription antiperspirants, creams, and wipes
Botox injections can disrupt nerve signals that cause sweat.
Anticholinergics are medications that block the body’s sweat glands.
Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) is a common surgical treatment.

If your doctor diagnoses hyperhidrosis, you’ll probably start with prescription antiperspirants, lotions, or even pills before considering Botox injections or other treatments. In the most serious cases, more permanent remedies, such as surgery, may be helpful.

6. Profusely sweaty hands are palmar hyperhidrosis

Individuals with underarm hyperhidrosis may have excessive sweating in other places of the body, including the hands, feet, and groyne, where sweat glands are concentrated.

Palmar hyperhidrosis refers to hyperhidrosis of the palms. Because your hands are slippery, you may have difficulty writing with a pen or pencil, driving a car, or typing on a computer keyboard.

7. You slosh in your sweaty shoes

Some individuals with excessive armpit perspiration may also experience plantar hyperhidrosis, which is excessive sweating of the soles of the feet.

When your feet sweat excessively, your socks and shoes become wet, leaving you feeling as if you’ve trodden in puddles. You may feel uncomfortable about removing your shoes and socks in public areas, such as the gym locker room or the shoe store, due to the resulting stench.

You may have removed sandals from your clothing list because your feet are too slippery, and going barefoot might be difficult when you leave damp tracks behind.

If you would like to read more articles on health and wellbeing, check here.

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HEALTHY LIVING

5 Ways To Stay Healthy This Christmas Season

Published

4 days ago

December 21, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

5 Ways To Stay Healthy This Christmas Season | fab.ng

The Christmas season is full of joy, food, and celebrations, but it can also be a time when health routines fall by the wayside. To stay healthy during the festive period, adopting mindful habits is key.

Here are five actionable strategies to ensure you enjoy the festivities while prioritising your well-being.

1. Make Balanced Food Choices

The holiday season is synonymous with indulgence. While it’s tempting to try everything on the table, opt for a balanced approach. Start meals with proteins and vegetables, which keep you full longer and stabilise your blood sugar.

Enjoy festive treats in moderation, allowing yourself small portions of your favourites without overindulging. By practising mindful eating, you can savour holiday flavours without guilt.

Staying hydrated is equally important. Drink plenty of water to counterbalance rich foods and avoid excessive sugary beverages or cocktails. Alternating alcohol with water is a good way to maintain balance during parties.

2. Prioritise Regular Exercise

Exercise doesn’t have to stop during the Christmas season. Incorporate simple physical activities like morning walks, quick home workouts, or even yoga to maintain your energy levels and reduce stress.

A 10–15 minute walk after meals can aid digestion and manage blood sugar levels. Staying active ensures you feel energised and offsets the effects of holiday indulgences.

3. Manage Holiday Stress

The Christmas season can be hectic, with endless to-do lists and social events. Combat stress by practising mindfulness and setting realistic expectations for your time.

Take breaks when needed, meditate, or engage in activities that help you unwind. Organising your tasks and delegating responsibilities can also alleviate pressure.

4. Get Adequate Sleep

Sleep is crucial for overall health, especially during a busy festive period. Poor sleep can lead to increased cravings and mood swings, making it harder to stick to healthy habits. Aim for 7–8 hours of rest each night.

Create a calming bedtime routine by avoiding screens, dimming lights, and reading a book to relax. Staying consistent with your sleep schedule will keep your energy levels high throughout the Christmas season.

5. Plan Ahead for Healthier Choices

With back-to-back events, it’s easy to fall into unhealthy eating habits. Preparing healthy snacks like nuts, boiled eggs, or fruit ensures you have nutritious options on hand.

Planning meals and snacks ahead of time helps avoid impulsive decisions, keeping your health goals on track even during the busiest days.

Enjoy the Festivities While Staying Healthy

By focusing on mindful eating, staying active, managing stress, sleeping well, and planning ahead, you can enjoy the Christmas season while maintaining your health. Balancing fun with wellness ensures you start the new year feeling your best.

If you found this article helpful, read more here.

FOOD

5 Health Benefits Of Cooking With Garlic

Published

3 weeks ago

December 7, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

5 Health Benefits of Cooking With Garlic | fab.ng

Garlic is more than just a flavour enhancer; it offers numerous health benefits that have been celebrated for centuries. Incorporating garlic into your meals not only enriches the taste but also boosts your overall well-being.

Let’s explore five key health benefits of garlic, emphasising why this simple ingredient deserves a spot in your kitchen.

1. Boosts Heart Health

Garlic is renowned for its heart-protective properties. It helps lower blood pressure and reduces cholesterol levels, which are crucial factors in maintaining cardiovascular health.

Allicin, a compound found in garlic, relaxes blood vessels, improving blood flow and reducing the risk of heart disease.

Regular consumption of garlic may also prevent artery hardening, a condition known as atherosclerosis. Clearly, one of the primary health benefits of garlic is its contribution to a healthy heart.

2. Strengthens the Immune System

Garlic acts as a powerful immune booster. Its antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties help the body fend off infections. Rich in antioxidants, garlic combats free radicals that can damage cells and contribute to illness.

Cooking with garlic regularly can support your immune system, making it more resilient against common colds and flu. This vital health benefit of garlic makes it a natural defence mechanism.

3. Improves Digestive Health

Garlic promotes healthy digestion by stimulating the production of digestive enzymes. Its antimicrobial properties can help balance gut flora, reducing harmful bacteria and promoting beneficial ones.

Additionally, garlic may reduce inflammation in the gut, alleviating symptoms of conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Including garlic in your diet can improve overall digestive function, emphasising another essential health benefit of garlic.

4. Enhances Bone Health

Surprisingly, garlic may also support strong bones. It contains minerals like calcium, manganese, and selenium, which are vital for bone density and strength.

Some studies suggest that garlic consumption can increase estrogen levels in women, potentially reducing the risk of osteoporosis.

This lesser-known health benefit of garlic highlights its role beyond the kitchen, contributing to long-term skeletal health.

5. Supports Detoxification

Garlic aids the body’s natural detoxification process by activating liver enzymes that help eliminate toxins. Its sulfur compounds enhance liver function, enabling the body to flush out heavy metals and harmful substances more efficiently.

Regularly cooking with garlic can provide a natural cleanse, supporting overall vitality. This detoxifying health benefit of garlic underscores its importance for maintaining internal balance.

Incorporating Garlic into Your Diet

Maximise these health benefits by adding garlic to soups, stir-fries, and sauces. Crush or chop it and let it sit for a few minutes before cooking to enhance its beneficial compounds.

Remember, the health benefits of garlic are most potent when it’s used fresh and minimally cooked.

Cooking with garlic not only elevates your culinary creations but also offers significant health advantages. Embrace this versatile ingredient and enjoy the multiple health benefits of garlic with every meal.

Would you like more articles or additional tips? Check here.

HEALTHY LIVING

How To Stay Healthy While Boosting Productivity

Published

4 weeks ago

November 30, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

Balancing health and productivity is essential for personal well-being and professional success. Integrating healthy habits into your daily routine enhances focus, reduces stress, and increases overall efficiency.

Here’s how you can maintain good health while staying productive:

1. Prioritise Physical Health

Exercise Regularly: Physical activity enhances both physical health and mental clarity. Simple practices like taking short walks during breaks or stretching between tasks improve circulation and energy levels.

Maintain Good Nutrition: Eating balanced meals fuels your body and brain. Choose healthy snacks and stay hydrated throughout the day to maintain consistent energy levels.

Sleep Well: Adequate sleep (7-9 hours) improves memory, focus, and mood, contributing to higher productivity. Establish a consistent bedtime routine to ensure restful sleep.

2. Manage Your Energy, Not Just Time

Identify peak productivity periods in your day. Allocate complex or creative tasks to those high-energy times, and save routine work for low-energy periods. This practice optimises your natural rhythms for maximum efficiency.

3. Practice Mindfulness and Stress Management

Take Short Breaks: Regular breaks prevent burnout and boost concentration. Even a five-minute pause every hour can refresh your mind.

Mindful Practices: Meditation or deep-breathing exercises reduce stress and improve focus. Incorporating these into your daily routine fosters mental clarity and emotional resilience.

4. Create a Healthy Work Environment

Ergonomic Workspace: Arrange your workspace to support good posture and reduce strain. Use ergonomic furniture and ensure proper lighting to prevent fatigue.

Limit Distractions: Reduce noise and digital interruptions to stay focused. Tools like “Do Not Disturb” settings and noise-cancelling headphones can help create a conducive work atmosphere.

5. Foster Mental Health

Set Boundaries: Separate work from personal time. Avoid checking work emails after hours to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Stay Connected: Engage in positive social interactions at work. A supportive environment enhances motivation and reduces feelings of isolation.

6. Optimise Productivity Techniques

Batch Tasks: Group similar activities together to avoid frequent context-switching, which drains mental energy. This method enhances focus and efficiency.

Use To-Do Lists: Organise tasks by priority. Focus on completing high-value activities first to maximise your productivity.

By integrating these health-focused strategies into your daily routine, you can maintain physical well-being, reduce stress, and improve productivity, creating a sustainable path to professional success and personal fulfilment.