Are you embarrassed to shake hands because your palms are always sweaty? Do you wipe them on your pants or tuck them in your pockets but they never feel quite dry? You’re not alone. It is estimated that 1 to 2 percent of the American population suffers from palmar hyperhidrosis or sweaty palms . Though surgery is offered for this condition, let’s take a look at some far less drastic natural methods to treat chronic sweaty hands.
Causes
The causes of sweaty palms are various. Some cases are caused by heredity and others by environmental and other factors. Let’s take a look at some of them in detail.
Undiagnosed Food Intolerance
If your sweaty palms are a result of undiagnosed food intolerance , common culprits are wheat, gluten and dairy. Try removing these foods from the diet for one to two weeks and take note if the condition improves. Then, reintroduce wheat and note any reaction. Next, reintroduce dairy and take note if symptoms recur. If sweaty hands return after one of these foods is eaten, you’ve found the cause and can reduce or eliminate the offending food from the diet.
Thyroid Condition
Those who have an undiagnosed thyroid condition such as hyperthyroidism often experience anxiety, heart palpitations, shaking and sweating hands. If you suspect a thyroid condition is causing your sweaty palms, make an appointment with a trusted healthcare provider who can make an official diagnosis.
Lymphatic Congestion
Our bodies are bombarded with toxins everyday from our food, air and water supply. Sometimes those toxins get stuck in the body and the body reacts by producing too much sweat. Dry skin brushing and soaking in Epsom salt are two excellent natural ways to detoxify the body and get sweating under control.
Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies
The modern American diet is high in fat and low in nutrition. If you are one of millions of Americans who regularly dine on fast and convenience foods, you may suffer from vitamin and mineral deficiencies. The most common deficiencies are vitamin D deficiency , calcium, magnesium and zinc deficiency.
If vitamin and mineral deficiencies are the cause of your sweaty palms, the most effective treatment would be a reduction of processed foods and an increase in whole foods such as organic vegetables, fruits, lean meats and whole grains. A trusted healthcare provider can perform lab tests to more accurately diagnose vitamin and mineral deficiencies and prescribe diet and supplements to help.
Natural Remedies for Sweaty Palms
Thankfully, there are natural remedies for sweaty palms. Let’s take a look at some of your options.
Sage Tea
Sage tea is a great natural remedy for getting rid of sweaty hands as the tannic acid reduces perspiration. Soak hands in sage tea for 30 minutes before bed-time. Drinking a cup of sage tea each day will help as well.
Apple cider vinegar acts as natural drying agent. Soak hands in solution of apple cider vinegar and water each night before bed.
Zinc
It is important to be sure you’re getting enough zinc in your diet. Zinc naturally reduces body odor and perspiration. Foods rich in zinc include oysters, sesame tahini, veal liver, roasted pumpkin seeds, organic dark chocolate, lamb and peanuts.
Milk thistle is a natural herb that helps to detoxify and cool the liver. If your sweaty hands are caused by environmental factors or processed foods, drinking a cup of milk thistle tea or taking this herb in supplement form may help control excessive sweat.
Lotions
Many of the commercial hand and body lotions out there are loaded with toxic chemicals that can cause the body to perspire in an attempt to detoxify. Read the label on your favorite moisturizer. If it contains mineral oil or parabens (anything starting with butyl, ethyl, methyl, or propyl), you’re putting yourself at risk for serious health problems, including cancer. Switching to a natural, organic lotion may help reduce sweating hands and help your body to heal.
People with sweaty palms find social situations a bit awkward. Hopefully, these natural remedies for sweaty palms are just what you need to be cool, dry and confident.
