WHY DO YOU SWEAT WHEN YOU EAT?

Are you regularly wondering, “Why do I sweat when I eat?” You may be victim to mini sweats mid-meal, and it’s not just the hot sauce. Sweating while eating can happen for a few different reasons. If you want to know if it’s good or bad, or just want to know what’s going on with your body, we’ve got the answers.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN WHEN YOU SWEAT WHILE EATING?

First off, let's clear the air: sweating while you eat isn't necessarily a bad thing. It's a phenomenon known as gustatory sweating.¹ This happens when your sweat glands kick into gear because of the food you eat. It’s like your body’s way of saying, “Whoa, this is intense!”

WHY DO YOU OVERHEAT WHEN YOU EAT?

There are a few reasons why you might find yourself sweating during a meal: 

1. Spicy foods

This one's a no-brainer. Spicy foods contain capsaicin, which can trigger your sweat glands. It's why you might feel like you're in a sauna after a few bites of that hot curry.

2. Hot drinks and caffeine

Turns out, it’s not just what you eat but also how hot it is. Steamy drinks like coffee, tea, or even a bowl of piping-hot ramen can heat up your core body temp, making your body sweat to release some of that warmth. Caffeine adds another layer—it's a stimulant that revs up your system, potentially triggering more sweat.

3. Alcohol

Happy hour might make you feel warm and fuzzy, but it also makes your body literally warmer. Alcohol causes your blood vessels to widen (a process called vasodilation), which boosts circulation and ups your internal temperature. The result? That glisten on your forehead wasn’t just from the dance floor.

4. Sugar and processed foods

Foods high in sugar or heavily processed can cause your blood sugar to spike and crash, which may lead to sudden changes in body temp. Making you feel both warmer and sweatier.

5. Meats

Certain red meats—like steak, lamb, and fatty cuts of beef—can crank up your body’s internal furnace. These meats are rich in protein and saturated fats, which take more effort for your body to break down. That extra energy used for digestion raises your internal temperature, and your body responds the only way it knows how: by sweating.

HOW TO STOP SWEATING WHILE EATING

If sweating during meals is cramping your style, here are some tips to keep your cool:

1. Watch what you eat

Avoid known triggers like spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol. Reach for milder options that don't set off your sweat glands.

2. Stay hydrated

Water is your best friend when it comes to managing body temperature. Drinking cool water before and during your meal helps your body regulate heat and may reduce how much you sweat. Bonus: staying hydrated supports digestion and overall wellness too.

3. Dress lightly

You don’t have to show up to dinner in a tank top, but wearing breathable, lightweight fabrics (like cotton or linen) can help your body release heat more easily.

4. Relax

Feeling anxious or stressed can trigger your body’s stress-response sweat, especially if you’re already prone to sweating when eating. Try to slow down, take deep breaths, and actually enjoy your food—stress-free vibes only.

5. Consult a professional

If sweating while eating is affecting your quality of life or is accompanied by other symptoms, it's wise to seek medical advice. Conditions like Frey syndrome, diabetes, or nerve damage can sometimes be linked to excessive sweating during meals, and a healthcare professional can help determine the cause and recommend treatment.²

Sweating while eating can be a bit of a nuisance, but it's usually nothing to sweat about (pun intended). By understanding what triggers your sweat and taking steps to manage it, you can enjoy your meals without the added moisture. And remember, Degree deodorant is there to keep you protected, no matter what your plate holds. So go ahead, savor those spicy tacos, and let Degree handle the rest.

References

1. Medical News Today. "What Causes Sweating After Eating." 2024.

2. National Library of Medicine. "Frey Syndrome." 2023.