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| - Last Updated on November 28, 2024 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A social media post claims that sweating while eating indicates blocked arteries. We did the fact check to term this claim as false.
The Claim
According to an Instagram post, sweating while eating, particularly proteins like mutton or other meat products, may indicate blocked arteries. The implication is that this symptom could serve as a warning sign of cardiovascular health problems.
Fact check
Can eating proteins like meat cause sweating?
Yes, but it is unrelated to blocked arteries. Meat, especially red meat like mutton, requires more energy to digest compared to other foods. This process, known as the thermic effect of food, generates heat and can lead to sweating in some individuals.
Additionally, high-protein foods can trigger sweating in people who are sensitive to dietary thermogenesis. However, this sweating is usually temporary and harmless, without any connection to blocked arteries or heart problems.
We connected with Dr Almas Fatma, MBBS, Diploma in Family Medicine, PG in Digital Health, General Physician from Navi Mumbai, for her expert opinion on whether sweating is a reliable indicator of blocked arteries. She says, “Eating protein-rich foods like mutton or meat can sometimes cause sweating, known as gustatory sweating. This happens because high-protein foods take more energy to digest, raising body heat temporarily. However, sweating while eating is not a sign of blocked arteries or heart problems. It is usually harmless and linked to normal body processes. In rare cases, it could be related to conditions like Frey’s syndrome, caused by nerve damage, or autonomic dysfunction, which may occur in diabetes. If you experience chest pain, breathlessness, or other heart-related symptoms, it’s important to consult a doctor for proper evaluation.”
Why does sweating occur during meals?
Sweating while eating is usually a natural response to consuming hot, spicy, or thermogenic foods. This type of sweating, known as gustatory sweating, helps regulate body temperature and is a normal reaction. It often occurs on the face, scalp, or neck.
However, in some cases, excessive sweating during meals may also be caused by underlying conditions such as diabetes mellitus. Frey’s syndrome is another possible cause. It occurs due to nerve injury near the salivary glands. This often happens after surgery, trauma, or conditions like jaw fractures or infections. None of the scientific evidence links gustatory sweating with blocked arteries.
We got in touch with Dr Sharad Malhotra, Senior Consultant & HOD Gastroenterology Hepatology & Therapeutic Endoscopy, Aakash Healthcare, New Delhi, to understand why one sweats while eating. He says, “Sweating during meals, known as gustatory sweating, is a natural response to eating, particularly spicy, hot, or protein-rich foods. This occurs because digestion increases the body’s heat production, and sweating helps regulate temperature. In some instances, underlying conditions such as nerve damage or autonomic dysfunction may also play a role. It is important to understand that sweating during meals is generally harmless and is not connected to heart disease or blocked arteries. However, if this sweating is accompanied by chest pain, difficulty breathing, or a sense of uneasiness, it is advisable to consult a physician promptly.”
Is sweating during meals a reliable symptom of blocked arteries?
Not on its own. Blocked arteries, or atherosclerosis, usually do not cause sweating without additional symptoms. When sweating is linked to heart issues, it is generally part of a larger set of symptoms, such as:
- Chest pain or discomfort.
- Shortness of breath.
- Fatigue or dizziness.
Sweating during a heart attack occurs as part of the body’s stress response and is not linked to specific meals or food types. It is typically sudden and unexplained, rather than usual or regular sweating when eating meals. Sweating while eating proteins, such as meat, is not recognised as a medical indicator of blocked arteries.
Dr Debasish Mohapatra, Associate Consultant Interventional Cardiology, at BM Birla Heart Research Centre in Kolkata, states, “Sweating while eating, particularly protein-rich foods like mutton, does not indicate blocked arteries. This is a common myth. Sweating during meals is usually due to conditions like gustatory sweating, triggered by spicy or hot foods, or other factors such as hormonal changes, stress, or hyperhidrosis. However, if sweating occurs alongside chest pain, shortness of breath, or discomfort, it may signal a heart attack and requires immediate medical attention. Studies show that sweating combined with symptoms like chest pain is a significant indicator of a severe heart attack, highlighting the importance of early detection and prompt care.”
When should sweating during meals be a concern?
It depends on accompanying symptoms. If excessive sweating while eating occurs frequently and is accompanied by signs like fainting, chest discomfort, or difficulty breathing. Then, it may warrant further medical evaluation.
For individuals with diabetes, persistent gustatory sweating can be a sign of autonomic nerve dysfunction. However, this remains unrelated to the consumption of specific foods or cardiovascular blockages.
Can dietary habits impact arterial health?
Yes, but not in the way this claim suggests. Consuming excessive red or processed meat over time has been associated with higher risks of heart disease due to increased cholesterol levels. However, sweating during or after eating meat is not a reliable indicator of this risk. A balanced diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, plays a key role in maintaining cardiovascular health. Some people claim that onions or pomegranates can clear blocked arteries, but this is not medically correct. It is important to note that diet alone cannot clear blocked arteries; medical interventions and lifestyle changes are essential for addressing such conditions.
THIP Media Take
The claim that sweating while eating indicates blocked arteries is false. Sweating during meals is more commonly caused by normal digestive processes or conditions like gustatory sweating. It is not a medically recognised sign of blocked arteries.
Maintaining good heart health involves focusing on long-term dietary and lifestyle habits, not relying on unverified symptoms like meal-related sweating as diagnostic tools.
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