What Drinks Help Reduce Sweating?

January 6, 2026 •

4 min read

Over 5% of the world's population suffers from hyperhidrosis, a condition of excessive sweating, but simple dietary changes can offer relief. What drinks help reduce sweating by regulating body temperature, calming the nervous system, and supporting detoxification? The right beverages can be an effective and natural way to manage perspiration.

Quick Summary

Manage excessive sweating with strategic hydration and specific drink choices. Learn how water, certain herbal teas, and nutrient-rich juices help regulate body temperature, calm the nervous system, and aid in detoxification. Avoiding common sweat triggers like caffeine and alcohol is also crucial for minimizing perspiration.

Key Points

Stay Properly Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water, especially cold water, is the most effective way to regulate body temperature and reduce overall perspiration.
Incorporate Sage Tea: Sage contains tannic acid, which acts as a natural astringent to constrict sweat glands and minimize sweat output.
Swap Coffee for Green Tea: Avoid caffeine, a stimulant that increases sweating, by opting for decaffeinated green tea to calm the nervous system.
Try Nutrient-Rich Juices: Juices like tomato or wheatgrass help detoxify the body and regulate temperature, which can help reduce chronic sweating.
Avoid Alcohol and Sugary Drinks: Both alcohol and high-sugar beverages can raise body temperature and stimulate sweat glands, worsening the problem.
Replenish Electrolytes: For heavy sweaters, consuming drinks with balanced electrolytes (like sodium and potassium) is important for maintaining fluid balance.
Consider Apple Cider Vinegar: A diluted mix of ACV and water can act as a natural astringent and help regulate blood sugar, indirectly affecting sweat.

The Importance of Hydration for Sweat Regulation

While it may seem counterintuitive, proper hydration is one of the most effective ways to manage sweating. When your body is dehydrated, it works harder to regulate its internal temperature, which can lead to increased perspiration. Drinking enough water keeps your body cool, reducing the need for an excessive sweat response. Studies have shown that drinking cold water can be particularly effective at lowering sweating rates. A good general guideline is to aim for adequate daily fluid intake, which varies based on activity level and environment. For most people, carrying a reusable water bottle to sip throughout the day can make a significant difference in regulating body temperature and preventing excessive sweating.

Herbal Teas for Calming and Astringent Effects

Certain herbal teas contain compounds with calming or astringent properties that can help reduce sweat production. These teas can be a soothing and effective alternative to caffeinated beverages, which often stimulate sweat glands.

Sage Tea

Sage contains tannic acid, a natural astringent that constricts sweat glands and helps reduce perspiration. Strong sage tea is especially known for its ability to reduce sweating, with a long history of use for this purpose. It can be consumed as a warm or cool beverage.

Green Tea

Decaffeinated green tea is valued for its calming effects and its magnesium and B vitamin content. These nutrients help relax the nervous system, which can reduce stress-induced sweating. Green tea also contains catechins and antioxidants that aid in digestion and detoxification.

Hibiscus Tea

Hibiscus tea, made from the calyx of the hibiscus flower, has long been recognized for its cooling and diuretic effects. By helping the kidneys filter waste and excess fluid, it can assist the body in regulating its temperature and reducing sweat output.

Nutrient-Dense Juices and Elixirs

Specific juices can also support your body's functions in a way that minimizes sweating by providing essential vitamins and aiding detoxification.

Tomato Juice: Tomatoes are natural astringents that can help shrink pores and lower body temperature. Drinking a glass of tomato juice daily may help manage chronic sweating.
Wheatgrass Juice: A powerful detoxifier, wheatgrass juice is rich in vitamins and helps neutralize and dilute toxins in the blood that can contribute to body odor and sweat. A small amount daily can be very effective.
Apple Cider Vinegar Elixir: A mixture of apple cider vinegar and water helps regulate blood sugar, flush toxins, and act as an astringent. Some individuals find relief by drinking a diluted mixture before meals.

Comparison of Anti-Sweating Drinks


Drink Category	Primary Benefit	Notable Ingredients	Best For...
Water	Hydration & Temperature Regulation	Plain Water	Daily hydration and cooling the body.
Herbal Teas	Calming & Astringent Properties	Tannic acid, magnesium, B vitamins	Stress-related sweating or general regulation.
Juices	Detoxification & Pore Reduction	Lycopene (tomatoes), chlorophyll (wheatgrass)	Addressing sweat associated with toxins or diet.
Electrolyte Drinks	Fluid & Mineral Replacement	Sodium, potassium, magnesium	Post-intensive exercise or illness.

Drinks to Limit or Avoid

Just as some drinks can help, others can make the problem worse. Avoiding certain beverages is a key step in managing excessive sweating.

Caffeine

As a stimulant, caffeine can increase your heart rate and body temperature, triggering the sweat glands. This is why swapping your morning coffee for a decaf herbal tea is often recommended.

Alcohol

Alcohol dilates blood vessels and increases heart rate, which raises body temperature and stimulates sweating. This effect, combined with its diuretic properties, can lead to dehydration and increased perspiration.

Sugary and Processed Drinks

Drinks high in sugar and processed ingredients, such as many commercial sports drinks and sodas, cause your body to work harder to metabolize the sugar, which generates heat and leads to sweating. While electrolyte drinks are beneficial post-exercise, many everyday sugary drinks should be avoided for general sweat management.

Conclusion

Making strategic changes to your beverage intake can be a simple yet impactful way to help reduce sweating. Prioritizing consistent hydration with plain water is the foundation for temperature regulation, while incorporating herbal teas like sage and green tea can provide calming and astringent benefits. Nutrient-rich juices from tomatoes and wheatgrass offer detoxification support. Equally important is consciously limiting or avoiding common sweat triggers like caffeine, alcohol, and sugary drinks. For best results, combining these dietary adjustments with other lifestyle practices, such as wearing breathable fabrics and managing stress, can provide comprehensive relief from excessive perspiration.

The Role of Electrolytes and Nutrients in Managing Sweat

In addition to the specific drinks mentioned, ensuring a balanced intake of electrolytes and certain vitamins is vital for controlling sweat production. Sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium all play a role in regulating body temperature and nerve function.

Sodium and Potassium

These two electrolytes work together to regulate fluid balance in the body. While excessive sodium intake can increase sweating as your body tries to expel the salt, proper levels are essential, especially during heavy perspiration. Potassium-rich drinks, like coconut water, can help regulate fluid levels and combat dehydration.

Calcium and Magnesium

Calcium is a key mineral for temperature regulation. Magnesium helps control body temperature and can be depleted by excessive sweating. Including low-fat dairy or magnesium-rich beverages (from foods like spinach) can support these functions.

By focusing on these nutrient-rich options and avoiding triggers, you can proactively influence your body's sweat response. For those with hyperhidrosis, incorporating these dietary strategies alongside medical advice and treatments can lead to better management of the condition. Always consult with a healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes to address a medical condition. For more information on managing excessive sweating, consider visiting the American Academy of Dermatology's page on hyperhidrosis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Plain water is the best daily drink to reduce sweating. Keeping your body consistently hydrated with water helps maintain a stable internal temperature, reducing the need for excessive perspiration.

Yes, green tea can help reduce sweating, especially stress-induced perspiration. It contains magnesium and B vitamins that calm the nervous system and help constrict sweat glands.

You should avoid coffee because it is a stimulant that increases your heart rate and temporarily raises your body temperature, which triggers your sweat glands to become more active.

Some people find that a diluted mixture of apple cider vinegar in water helps regulate blood sugar and act as a detoxifier and astringent, which can aid in reducing sweat.

Yes, juices like tomato juice and wheatgrass juice can be beneficial. Tomato juice is a natural astringent, while wheatgrass juice helps detoxify the blood of compounds that can cause sweating.

For those who sweat heavily during intense exercise or due to heat, electrolyte drinks can help replace lost minerals like sodium and potassium, aiding in fluid balance. For average daily use, water is sufficient.

No, drinking more water does not cause you to sweat more; in fact, it can help reduce excessive sweating. A well-hydrated body is better equipped to regulate its temperature without an overactive sweat response.