Can Magnesium help with heavy sweating?

Yes, magnesium may help with excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) in some people, but the evidence is mixed. Here’s what’s known:

Why magnesium might help

Nervous system regulation: Magnesium helps regulate the sympathetic nervous system, which controls sweat glands. A deficiency may make the nervous system overactive, leading to more sweating.

Hormonal balance: It plays a role in balancing stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which can trigger sweat.

Electrolyte balance: Magnesium, along with sodium, potassium, and calcium, is key to fluid regulation. If out of balance, sweating patterns may change.

What the research says

There is limited direct research on magnesium as a treatment for hyperhidrosis.

Some anecdotal reports suggest magnesium supplements (particularly magnesium glycinate or magnesium citrate) may reduce stress-induced sweating.

In cases where sweating is linked to magnesium deficiency, supplementation could help.

Other considerations

Magnesium-rich foods: Green leafy veg, nuts, seeds, wholegrains, legumes, and dark chocolate.

Forms of magnesium: Supplements vary in absorption – glycinate and citrate are better tolerated than oxide.

Caution: Too much magnesium (especially from supplements) can cause diarrhoea, nausea, or abdominal cramps. People with kidney problems should be particularly careful.

When to seek medical advice

If excessive sweating is sudden, very severe, or accompanied by weight loss, palpitations, or fatigue, it may signal an underlying condition such as thyroid disease, diabetes, or infection – in which case it’s important to see a GP.

In short: magnesium might help regulate sweating if deficiency or stress is involved, but it’s not a proven standalone treatment for hyperhidrosis.

Here are some natural remedies and lifestyle tips that people often find helpful for managing excessive sweating, alongside considering magnesium:

Natural Remedies & Lifestyle Approaches

1. Dietary Adjustments

Stay hydrated – dehydration can paradoxically make your body sweat more to cool itself.

Limit triggers – spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol stimulate sweat glands.

Eat more calming foods – sage tea, green tea, and chamomile are known to reduce sweating in some traditions.

2. Herbal & Natural Support

Sage (capsules or tea): Has mild antiperspirant qualities and can reduce sweat output.

Witch hazel: A natural astringent – dabbing it on sweaty areas may temporarily tighten pores.

Apple cider vinegar: Taken diluted in water or used topically, it may help balance pH and reduce bacteria that worsen odour.

3. Stress & Nervous System Regulation

Breathing techniques (e.g., box breathing, 4-7-8 method) to calm the sympathetic nervous system.

Yoga or meditation – both lower stress hormones that drive sweat.

Magnesium + B vitamins – work together to support the nervous system.

4. Daily Habits & Topical Tricks

Antiperspirants with aluminium chloride – still the most effective over-the-counter topical treatment.

Apply antiperspirant at night – allows it to plug sweat ducts while you sleep, making it more effective the next day.

Dress in natural fabrics – cotton, bamboo, or linen allow the skin to breathe.

Foot powder / talc alternatives – cornstarch or arrowroot can help keep hands and feet dry.

5. Medical & Advanced Options (if natural methods aren’t enough)

Prescription-strength antiperspirants (higher concentration aluminium chloride).

Iontophoresis – a treatment that uses mild electrical currents in water to block sweat temporarily.

Botox injections – approved for underarm sweating, lasting several months.

Oral medication – for severe cases, but usually a last resort.

Tip: If sweating is very localised (e.g., palms, soles, underarms), that often points to primary hyperhidrosis. If it’s generalised across the body, it’s more often a sign of an underlying medical issue – worth mentioning to your GP.

How diet and supplements can help master excessive sweating

Excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis, can be uncomfortable and sometimes difficult to manage. 

While medical treatments are often necessary for severe cases, there are certain herbs, minerals, and supplements that are believed to help reduce excessive sweating. 

However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before trying any new remedy, especially if you have underlying conditions. Here's a list of some potential options:

Herbs:

Sage

Sage tea or supplements are often recommended for reducing sweat production, as sage contains tannic acid, which has astringent properties that may help reduce sweating.

Witch Hazel

Often used topically, witch hazel contains tannins that can tighten the skin and reduce sweat production. It's typically applied to the skin in the form of wipes or lotions.

Schisandra

This herb, commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine, is thought to help with stress-related sweating and improve adrenal function, which may reduce sweating overall.

Black Cohosh

Sometimes used to manage menopausal symptoms, black cohosh may also help regulate body temperature and sweating, particularly in women experiencing hot flashes.

Chamomile

Known for its calming properties, chamomile may reduce anxiety-related sweating. It can be consumed as tea or used topically as a wash.

Minerals:

Magnesium

A deficiency in magnesium has been linked to excessive sweating. Taking magnesium supplements or consuming magnesium-rich foods (e.g., spinach, almonds, avocados) may help reduce sweat production.

Zinc

Zinc plays a role in regulating the body’s sweat glands. A zinc deficiency can contribute to excessive sweating, so supplementation may help, especially if a deficiency is identified.

Food Supplements:

Vitamin B Complex

B vitamins are important for maintaining a healthy nervous system. Excessive sweating can sometimes be linked to stress, and B vitamins, particularly B12 and B6, may help manage stress and reduce sweating.

Calcium

Calcium supplements may help regulate body temperature and reduce sweating, especially in cases related to menopause or hormonal imbalances.

Wheatgrass

Known for its high chlorophyll content, wheatgrass is believed to help neutralise acids in the body and reduce excessive sweating. It's available as a juice, powder, or capsule.

Green Tea Extract

Green tea contains antioxidants and astringent properties that may help reduce sweating when taken internally or applied topically.

L-Glutamine

This amino acid may help reduce anxiety and stress, which are common triggers for excessive sweating. It supports overall nervous system function, potentially minimising episodes of sweat.

Evening Primrose Oil

Often used for hormonal balance, evening primrose oil may help alleviate excessive sweating caused by hormonal changes, such as during menopause.

Final Thoughts:

While these herbs, minerals, and supplements may help manage excessive sweating, it's important to remember that individual results may vary. Addressing the root cause of hyperhidrosis, whether it’s hormonal imbalance, stress, or a medical condition, is key to long-term management. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplements to ensure they’re appropriate for your situation.