# I can't stop sweating when I eat **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [August 17, 2005, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-cant-stop-sweating-when-i-eat/317450 "2005-08-17T16:38:34Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 5\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![who\_knows](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/2acd7d/32.png) [@who\_knows](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/who_knows)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2005, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-cant-stop-sweating-when-i-eat/317450/1 "2005-08-17T16:38:34Z")
about two years ago I had [this](http://www.parsec.it/summit/sympat1e.htm) surgery. At first, it was a success. Well, except that it turns out I was alergic to morphine and had trouble breathing during and after surgery. Anyway, over the past year I’ve developed a terrible problem of sweating while I eat. I’m not just talking about a little bit of sweat, I’m talking about sweating so much I have to use 3-4 paper towels when I eat (they get so drenched it’s ridiculous). I don’t eat fast, a lot, or spicy foods. I could simply eat a bowl of ice cream in a freezer and still sweat. I’ve scheduled an appointment with my doctor, but that’s not until after he gets back after labor day. Anyway, I was wondering if this was a common problem, or if any of you here suffered from the same problem. This is completely ruining my life in terms of banquets and dates, so any input would be greatly appreciated. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Lissa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/85f322/32.png) [@Lissa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lissa)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2005, 1:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-cant-stop-sweating-when-i-eat/317450/2 "2005-08-18T13:54:47Z")
I’ve seen many people who have this problem. Yes, talk to your doctor, but I don’t believe it’s dangerous. I’ve theorized that it’s a combination of quick activity (eating the food swiftly) and pleasure in what you’re eating. It doesn’t necessarily have to be vigorous activity-- it seems that with some people plain old _enjoyment_ makes them sweat. Try eating very slowly one evening, chewing each bite until it practically melts away. See if that cuts down on the sweating. ---
**Author:** ![An\_Arky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/87869e/32.png) [@An\_Arky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/An_Arky)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2005, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-cant-stop-sweating-when-i-eat/317450/3 "2005-08-18T14:23:34Z")
You only sweat a lot when eating, or at other times, too? I had a sweating problem for a while and it turned out I’m hyperthyroid. Standard Disclaimer: I’m not a Dr., You’re not my patient, this is not medical advice, etc. ---
**Author:** ![KarlGauss](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/karlgauss/32/3713_2.png) [@KarlGauss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KarlGauss)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2005, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-cant-stop-sweating-when-i-eat/317450/4 "2005-08-18T16:59:27Z")
May I ask - do you have diabetes? If so, you may wish to look up “gustatory sweating” (although it can occur independently of diabetes). ---
**Author:** ![KarlGauss](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/karlgauss/32/3713_2.png) [@KarlGauss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KarlGauss)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2005, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-cant-stop-sweating-when-i-eat/317450/5 "2005-08-18T17:02:36Z")
My aplogies. I should learn to read better. Niw that I see you’ve had a TES, [this](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=12514588&query_hl=1) may interest you.