Underarm sweat can have you soaked after vigorous exercise or exposure to hot, humid climates or stressful situations. Sweating is a sign of good health, according to the Mayo Clinic, which goes on to state that the body odor that results from underarm sweat is typically more problematic than the sweat itself. Antiperspirants and deodorants are considered the simplest and most effective way to reduce underarm sweat. However, there are natural way to tackle sweaty pits as well.
Diet and Drink
Modifications to what you choose to put in your mouth can help reduce underarm sweat, reports the Mayo Clinic. Caffeinated drinks, such as coffee and tea, stimulate your sweat glands, and pungent-smelling and spicy dishes, such as those that contain garlic and onion, can give perspiration a distinctly unpleasant smell. Eliminate these from your diet or consume them in moderation.
Natural Deodorants
In lieu of a commercial deodorant or antiperspirant, naturalist Andrew Weil, M.D., suggests splashing rubbing alcohol under your arms. Along with bathing, this reduces the number of bacteria on your skin which, when mixed with sweat, result in body odor. You can also try a natural deodorant selected from your health food market. Weil advises choosing a deodorant that contains extracts of tea tree oil, which acts as a natural antibacterial. This is far less irritating to your skin than the aluminum contained in most commercial antiperspirants.
Dress
To reduce underarm sweat, try dressing in natural fibers, such as cotton, wool and silk, that let your pores “breathe,” suggests the Mayo Clinic. But when you engage in exercise or high levels of physical exertion, you may want to wear a synthetic fabric that draws sweat away from your body.
Other Ways
If dark patches of sweat on your shirts cause embarrassment, use disposable sweat pads or sweat shields that can be affixed to the inseam of your garments with adhesive tape. You may also want to consider purchasing washable cotton dress shields that are secured using elastic straps or camisoles and T-shirts with sewn-in sweat-absorbent padding. (See Resources.)
About this Author
Lisa Sefcik has been writing professionally since 1987. Her subject matter includes pet care, travel, consumer reviews, classical music and entertainment. She’s worked as a policy analyst, news reporter and freelance writer/columnist for Cox Publications and numerous national print publications. Sefcik holds a paralegal certification as well as degrees in journalism and piano performance from the University of Texas at Austin.
