Sweaty Palms: Hyperhydrosis - The Real Cure

 The author is neither a professional medical doctor or registered dietician and the recommendations herin are from personal experience with the condition. All persons should consult a licenced medical professional before excercising these recommendations or making a lifestyle change.

01/09/10

This article is for the hardcore sweater who considers their sweaty palms not just burdensome but a torment. I know because I myself gave up the first 30 years of my life to this condition. Many people laugh off this condition and say its no big deal and everbody sweats but they just don't understand the severity of this awful condition. Hyperhydrosis is not just about the sweating either but about the heat and pressure in the body and sometimes the brain , leading to edema. The abilty to concentrate is lost ,almost to the point of hallucinating for a continual period of time as if on fire and the more sweat, the worse it gets as if on an accelerating rollercoaster.

Hyperhydosis is not so much a disesase as it is a condition caused by a hpersensitivity to sodium. Water tends to cling to positively charged sodium and carries it around the body wherever it goes. So how to get rid of the excess water in the system? Two simple rules to follow: reduce sodium intake so the body retains less water but more importantly to increase potassium so the level of sodium to potassium is balanced. Potassium is hydrophobic which means it repels water. When cells take in water they do so by accepting a positively charged sodium particle which carries water with it. The cell then undergoes it's chemical duties and metabolizes for whatever duty its trying to perform. The water in the cell becomes "dirty" metabolized water and needs to be refreshed. The action of repelling this metabolized "dirty" water from the cell and making room for new "clean" water is done by the repelling action of a positively charged potassium particle. Negaitively charged chloride ions play a role but will not be discussed in this article. Once the water is repelled a new sodium ion carries with it ,new water into the cell and the pump action is complete and continues so long as potassium is present. Like two terminals going to a real motorized pump; without the action of one of the positive or negative wires the pump will not run. Without one or the other , the pump action of metabloism is not working and an excess of sodium will stop the pump wich leads to hyperhydrosis (edema) or an excess of potassium will lead to the body repelling water out of the cells and into the bloodstream to be excreted via the kidneys leading to dehydration. The ratio of sodium to potassium has to be way out of line , one way or the other to cause either condition. Because people with hyperhydrosis tend to hold or retain excess sodium ( high testosterone (men) / estrogen (women), than abnormal levels help retain sodium which helps retain water, rather than excrete like normal, and the individual will need to keep the potassium intake high while reducing sodium.

The ideal ratio would be 1:1 , however I will use a few examples of real products to show you how imbalanced a water sensitive person with hyperhydosis can get:

The first is gatorade or powerade: notice the next time you go to the store ( and from here on out ,on all things you buy) what the ratio of sodium to potassium is. You'll notice the ratio is about 4:1 or 5:1 in favor of sodium. These type of drinks are touted for their ability hydrate. It's no wonder because there's so much sodium , which water clings to. These drinks are aimed at people who are dehydrated and is no wonder why someone with hyperhydrosis would become edemic immeditely upon drinking one of these. If sodium in the body is already too high then one of these drinks would double the effect bringing sodium to potassium levels way out of balace.

The second are fruit juices. Fruits are high in potassium content so its no wonder fruit juices are too. Notice the label of a particulrly high potassium drink such as cranberry or cherry. You'll notice the ratio is exactly opposite. the ratios are usually between 1:4 or 1:8 in favor of potassium. These drinks can take a person in an edemic state to a normal state by reversing the ratio and bringing the ratio back in balance. The intake of potassium again completes the circuiut and the metabolism pump is initiated again releiving the body of undue excess pressure and water buildup.. You'll notice yourself having to go to bathroom more often however and overconsumption can actually lead to dehydration as the the potassium will act as a diuretic, if you tip the ratio scale the other way. Initial intake of potassium will actually leave you feeling rehydrated by allowing the sodium in the pump to run but excess will leave you suddenly feeling dehydrated as the cells start to repel water into the bloodstram to be excreted. Potassium is a potent actuator and intake should be handled cautiosly. Cranberry has a tart ,acquired (acrid) taste which may seem unpleasnt at first so it is recommended to try a mix such as cranberry/apple until you're used to the taste.

This condition may seem minor to others but it can truly be frightening to have if it is severe like mine was, especially at a young age. My first instance of this happening was as a fourth grader taking a spelling test. I remeber looking at my test as if it were a wet bathroom tissue and trying to write as the paper tore and I was froze. When the teacher asked for everyone to hand the test forward I was not able to as the test was torn to shreds and clung to the desk like a wet tissue paper. The teacher saw and asked what I had done and if i had brough a cup of water to my desk and spilled it. I could not reply as I was in edemic shock. After i made gestures the teacher realized something was wrong and led me to a drinking fountain which made things worse. I remember sitting in that office realizing things were going to be different for me growing up. Some of the other uneasy stuations for a person with hyperhydrosis are:

Shaking hands with others; especially for an interview where you want to make a good first impression. I can't count the number of times I've had the response of "Gee, your hands are wet, is something wrong with ya"!: Hint: drink potassium to flush your system before going to an interview, you'll fell much better about the whole process!

Holding hands with your loved one or on a date: Hint: drink potassium to flush your system before heading out the door on your date and the night will go much better!

Signing a check at the bank or taking a test on paper: Hint: drink potassium to flush your system before leaving to the to bank or test site so you can feel more cognitive and less stressed about the situation. I can't count how many checks i've smudged the ink off of and how many tests I had to use a folded up handkerchief for , just keep from sweating all over it. Teachers always seemed to think I was using it as a way to cheat so I actually had to get a signed paper from counselors to give to each teacher at the beginning of the year. What a hassle!

For seven years I've been able to control my hypersensitivity to sodium by keeping my electrolyte ratio in balance and I'm sure after trying for a few days you'll realize the condition can be finally held in check if not cured completely!

Suffers of hyperhydrosis have an aversion to Polyesters. It is important to make sure all clothing is made of natural fibers such as cotton. Synthetic fibers cause a sensitivity reaction in the nerves and promote excess sweating. When wearing a polyester shirt always wear a cotton t-shirt underneath to keep your skin from direct contact with the polyester and wear cotton socks at all times. Many colored dress socks are made from synthetic fibers such as polyester or nylon and promote excess sweating.Always shop around to find a cotton alternative even if it means a slightly higher price. When wearing dress slacks you may notice as you place your hands on your lap that you start to sweat. This is a sign you are wearing polyester and must find slacks made of natural fibers such as cotton. Another important place to watch for poly ( esters ) is on pillow cases and blankets. A change to cotton pillowcases can promote better sleep and cause less facial sweating at night. An important note to female suffers is to check that all braziere's and undergarments are also made of cotton rather than silk, satin, nylon, or ployester to ensure comfort from sensitivity reactions.

If you found this article to be Informitive, helpful or entertaining ,please rate it up !