Remedies for Sweaty Feet: Get Rid of Sweat Naturally

Remedies for Sweaty Feet: Get Rid of Sweat Naturally
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Sweating

Wear flip flops to help get rid of sweaty feet (image in the public domain)

The feet have more sweat glands than any other part of the body. Sweating is necessary at times because it helps the body stay cool, especially during warm temperatures and when exercising. However, some people may experience excessive sweating or sweating when at rest or when the climate is cool. This can be embarrassing and, although sweat is odorless, it does provide the perfect environment for bacteria which is the cause of foot odor. Before discussing natural remedies for sweaty feet, let us take a look at some do’s and don’ts:

  • Do keep your feet clean. Wash often with warm, soapy water. Gently scrub your feet, even between the toes, with a soft brush and thoroughly dry your feet afterwards.
  • Do alternate wearing shoes to allow them time to dry out.
  • Do wear flip flops when possible.
  • Do wear socks that are 60 to 70 percent wool combined with 40 to 30 percent man-made fiber. Socks made from the fiber of bamboo are said to be very effective in drawing sweat away.
  • Don’t wear tight, thick socks.
  • Don’t wear closed-in shoes all the time.
  • Don’t wear shoes made of plastic or other man-made materials.

Remedies

• This first remedy is an internal remedy. Be sure you get adequate amounts of zinc in your daily diet, 15-30 milligrams a day. Zinc deficiency is more of a problem than many people may think. Zinc can help reduce sweating but it can take a few weeks to take effect. Foods high in zinc include wheat germ, legumes, lean beef, and shell fish.

• Epsom salt can help get rid of sweat by reducing moisture. Soak your feet for 15 to 20 minutes in a basin of warm water with 1/2 cup of Epsom salt added to it.

• Kosher salt has a drying effect and is especially helpful for those who have extra sweaty feet. Add 1/2 cup of kosher salt in 1 quart of warm water and soak your feet for 5 to 10 minutes.

• Black tea contains tannins, an astringent, that helps close pores. Pour 2 cups of strong black tea into a basin of water and soak your feet for 10 minutes.

• Tea tree oil has antibacterial properties so not only will it help get rid of sweaty feet it will also destroy bacteria that can cause foot odor. Add 10 drops of the oil in a basin of warm water and soak your feet for 15 minutes.

• Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) also kills bacteria and absorbs moisture. Add 1 tablespoon of baking soda in 1 quart of warm water and soak your feet for 15 minutes. You can also sprinkle baking soda in your shoes.

• Bran and uncooked oat flakes are good at absorbing sweat. Place about a tablespoon of one or the other into your socks.

If the above natural remedies for sweaty feet do not work for you, you should consult with a health care provider.

References

Mother Nature: Foot Odor - https://www.mothernature.com/Library/Bookshelf/Books/47/64.cfm

Embarrassing Problems: Sweaty feet - https://www.embarrassingproblems.com/problem/sweating/sweaty-feet

Photo Credit

Image courtesy of https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Oaflipflops.jpg

Disclaimer

Please read this disclaimer regarding the information contained within this article.