I used to have this happen to me a lot in high school. It improved on its own as I got older, more comfortable with myself, more confident, etc. Same used to happen to me much more at work, again until I became more comfortable/confident in what I was doing (e.g., presenting to audiences). I would guess that the more times you go through these situations that are uncomfortable, the more comfortable they will feel and the sweating should reduce. If it doesn't kill you, it makes you stronger (hormesis!). I think we all express our nervous energy in different ways, and sweating is just one of them.

Hi Jen! There is a chance you could have a condition called hyperhydrosis, which basically means you simply sweat a lot, and of course that is amplified in situations that normally would bring about sweat, just lighter in most people. I have it, and it is absolutely a pain when trying to appear calm and collected. If you drink a lot of caffeine, drink less. Limit alcohol consumption, as I've found that to trigger next day occurances. If you are about to be interviewed, concentrate on breathing calmly. I used to sweat so much even at yoga I would require my own fan pointed at me! The plus side is this: With every bead of sweat, toxins are released, and I believe over the years it may have helped me in my journey from more self-destructive habits by cleansing, but that may be hogwash!

Jen, I have no clue about the dietary or even a paleolithic solution, but I have had hyperhydrosis for many years,. Bad in all situations. I use a product called maxim (which you can get online). Its used every night before bed. It seems excessive, but I find it worth it since I am no longer embarrassed by excessive sweating.

so,

on the medication side [not much, but who knows ?] you've got some homoeopathic sedatives like gelsemium or other homoeopathic stuff focusing on sweat.

you've got http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitive_behavioral_therapy to manage also your stress level.

you can try to relax by breathing with your belly [not your shoulders] and get some relaxing herbs.

you've got Ionophoresis and injections of botulin toxic to reduce sweating.

the simplest way to deal with it is via antiperspirant with aluminuim salts to reduce sweat and you can cut your hair to reduce the bacterial level which is responsible for odours.

also, thoracic simpatectomia is the surgical answer to hyperhydrosis.

I had a friend who had this but it was isolated to his hands. They were always wet. He ended up getting surgery for it and the problem went away. Not sure if that helps you, I have no idea what his condition was called, but do know it was treatable with surgery.

I have pretty severe hyperhydrosis all over, but mine was even at rest, and just worse when stressed. I had a thoracic sympathectomy in '99 and it totally cured my hands, but didn't help my feet at all. It somewhat helped my underarms. I do have some compensatory sweating - meaning that I sweat more in other areas to make up for the lack of sweating from my hands. I'm a dream. ;) Luckily I have a very supportive husband!

There are a lot of topical things to try first, and some people will do Botox injections for temporary relief. Also, I have an iontophoresis machine that I use on my feet which helps a little. (google it lol)

I feel your pain. I don't believe it's diet at all - it's hereditary. Mom and aunt both have it. I'll answere any other questions you have any time. Good luck!