Sweating is often associated with discomfort, but did you know that it offers numerous health benefits?

In this blog, we'll explore the importance of sweating and how it can positively impact your well-being. Discover the surprising advantages of sweating, from aiding physical exertion and detoxifying the body to promoting bacterial cleansing.

Read on to learn why sweating is essential and how you can make the most of this natural process.

WHAT IS  SWEAT?

• ammonia
• urea
• salts
• sugar

Maximum sweat rates of an adult can be up to 2–4 liters per hour or 10–14 liters per day , but is less in children prior to puberty. Another reason why is important to stay hydrated and drink enough water during the day.

WORKOUT SWEAT 

If it exceeds 40⁰C, it can be dangerous, so your body tries to keep the temperature at around 37⁰C. It does this by relying on your body to produce sweat and the principle of physics called Heat Of Vaporization. It takes energy to evaporate sweat off of your skin, and that energy is heat. As your excess body heat is used to convert beads of sweat into vapor, you start to cool down.

Without sweat you’re increasing the risk of overheating and suffering heat stress - Yet another reason to avoid antiperspirants and deodorants that contain aluminium salts (and this includes alum salts found in crystal deodorants) or other sweat blockers.

HEAVY METALS DETOX

According to a 2016 study, regular exercise may contribute to lower levels of heavy metals in the body, highlighting the potential role of sweat in detoxification. The study found that heavy metals were detected in both sweat and urine, with sweat showing a higher concentration. These findings suggest that sweating, along with urination, could be a viable method for eliminating heavy metals from the body.

BODY DETOX

BPA elimination

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a well-known industrial chemical utilized in the production of specific resins and plastics. More than 90% of us have BPA in our bodies right now. We get most of it by eating foods that have been in plastic containers made with BPA. And the bad news is, extensive research highlights the adverse health effects and toxicity of BPA to humans. Acting as an endocrine disruptor, BPA exhibits estrogen-like and anti-androgenic properties, leading to potential harm to various tissues and organs, including the reproductive, immune, and neuroendocrine systems. 

But here’s some good news  - in a noteworthy 2011 study, sweat was identified as an effective pathway for the removal of BPAs from the body. 

BACTERIAL CLEANSING

According to German studies reported in The British Journal of Medicine, researchers have discovered that sweat contains Dermcidin, a potent ingredient capable of eliminating bacteria and viruses present on the skin's surface. However, it’s still important to take appropriate hygiene measures to maintain optimal skin health and cleanse or dry off after a sweaty workout session. 

A 2015 review also suggests that the glycoproteins in sweat bind to bacteria, helping removal from the body but the article does still call for more research in this area.

WHY DOES SWEAT SMELL?

Actually, sweat doesn’t smell. The smell is from what the sweat mixes with, such as bacteria that live on your skin or hormone secretions from areas such as your armpits.

If you use an effective natural deodorant without harmful toxins or sweat blockers, you’ll be sure to neutralise bad body odour while still gaining all the health benefits of sweat. 

TIPS TO COUNTERACT FLUID LOSS DURING SWEATING

1. Stay hydrated by drinking water consistently throughout the day, not just when you feel thirsty.
2. Avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages as they can exacerbate dehydration.
3. Opt for water instead of sugary drinks, and be mindful of excessive fruit juice consumption. To add flavor to your water, consider using flower and fruit infusions with lower sugar content. Fresh lemon slices are a great option as they are not only refreshing but high in Vitamin C.
4. During intense exercise or heavy sweating, replenish lost electrolytes by consuming foods or drinks rich in electrolytes. Chicken, fish, milk, yogurt, leafy greens, sweet potatoes, avocados, mangoes, pomegranates, and bananas are examples of foods that contain over 300 mg of potassium per serving and can help restore electrolyte balance.

TAKEAWAY

Sweating is a natural bodily function. While commonly associated with temperature regulation, sweat offers a range of additional benefits, including the elimination of toxins such as harmful heavy metals and BPAs from the body. 

It is crucial to maintain hydration levels and avoid excessive heat, particularly during hot summer months, as sweating leads to significant fluid loss. However, this doesn't mean you should avoid sweating altogether. Sweating occurs for various reasons, including hot weather, nervousness, fever, exercise, and sauna use. Amazingly it can serve as a reminder that our body is fighting an illness or can invigorate us during outdoor activities or workouts. 

Sweating is what mother nature intended and what our body is designed to do. Just remember, Sweating is good for you!