The Benefits of Sweating

We hear complaints about sweating all the time so thought this post might help explain why sweating is a good thing and beneficial to our health. “The almost 1 liter of sweat our bodies produce per day can strengthen our immune system and give us healthy-looking skin.” Dr. Adebola Dele-Michael, a dermatologist at Radiant Skin Dermatology and Laser in New York City says “Sweating increases blood circulation and is the way the body and the skin protects itself from overheating” It’s our body’s own built-in air conditioner.

So, enjoy these 5 health benefits and sweat away.

1. Endorphin Boosts – Prolonged sweating is expected to occur at the gym during a workout, when hiking, working in the garden or riding your bike. Exercising increases the level of the “feel-good” endorphin hormones that are naturally released during physical activity. Even though your sweating during a workout or while active you’ll still feel better when you done and even have a smile on your face.
2. Detoxifies Body – One of the most efficient ways to detox your body is to sweat. The body releases toxins by using sweat as the conduit. Sweat flushes the body of alcohol, cholesterol and salt substances. A 2011 study published in the journal Archives of Environmental and Contamination Toxicology found many toxic elements appeared to be excreted through sweat. There are some researchers who believe that sweat analysis could be considered as an additional method for the monitoring of toxic elements in humans instead of just blood and/or urine testing.
3. Lowers Kidney Stone Risk – Sweating limits the accumulation of salt and calcium in the kidneys and urine, thereby helping to reduce stones. It is no coincidence people who sweat tend to drink more water and fluids, which is another prevention method for kidney stones. “A study presented at the 2013 American Urological Association conference in San Diego, Calif., found even walking for a couple of hours a week could cut the risk for developing kidney stones. Mild to moderate activity changes the way the body handles nutrients and fluids that affect stone formation. Sweating helps flush out the system more efficiently because it demands more hydration from the body.”
4. Prevents Colds and Other Illnesses – Perspiring can actually help fight tuberculosis germs and other dangerous pathogens. Dr. Diane De Fiori, a dermatologist at the Rosacea Treatment Clinic in Melbourne, Australia, told Medical Daily “Sweat contains antimicrobial peptides effective against viruses, bacteria, and fungi. These peptides are positively charged and attract negatively charged bacterial, enter the membranes of bacteria, and break them down.”
5. Zaps Zits – Your pores open up when you sweat and that releases the buildup inside them. According to Dele-Michael, “Sweat purges the body of toxins that can clog pores and plague the skin with pimples and blemishes.” These skin benefits only apply to mild or moderate sweating. Excessive sweating can actually predispose individuals to skin infections such as warts and tinea. “Eczema and rashes occur more often in people with hyperhidrosis,” De Fiori said.

Sweating does have its pros and cons when it comes to your health so, remember, it’s OK to sweat when you’re working out or active.

_{Medical Daily, by Lizette Borreli}