Significant Functions of Sweating
Significant Functions of Sweating
The act of sweating itself does appear to have some benefits, but the long list of benefits comes into play when the sweat results from physical activity.
The act of sweating opens up the skin’s pores and helps unclog the pores, making it beneficial to the skin. However, sweat that is allowed to dry on the skin without being cleaned off can actually promote skin problems.
Cools the Body Down
Sweating is a method for releasing excess heat; when your body begins to sweat, it’s trying to regulate your temperature and make sure that your body doesn’t become overheated.
The action of sweating, and then the sweat, in turn, evaporating from the skin, are what helps cool the body down. This is a considerable benefit of sweating and one that provides meaningful protection to your body.
- Though some people may get embarrassed by their own sweating, this is simply a sign that their body is efficiently dealing with heat.
- People who can’t sweat (a rare condition called Cystinosis) have to take extreme care to ensure they don’t find themselves in situations where they will get overheated.
Fights Infection
Sweat is needed to activate the natural healing properties of Dermcidin, making the act of sweating the way the body capitalizes upon this natural defense.
Researchers in Europe say that Dermcidin jumps into action when it comes into contact with sweat and creates a natural antibiotic believed to be effective in treating tuberculosis and hospital superbugs.
Before intentionally seeking out sweating to enjoy the health benefits, speak to a physician to ensure your methods are appropriate for your level of fitness and health. Helping the body cool down is sweating’s the primary benefit, but it’s not the only one.
Toxins
While some health experts (including Dr. Mehmet Oz and Dr. Mike Roizen) suggest sweating as a means to detoxify the body, the idea that sweating expels harmful toxins from the body is a controversial one.
For example, while the School of Medicine and Health at the University of Wisconsin-Madison suggests that the use of a sauna for sweating is an effective way to expel toxins from the body, Harvard Medical School has a different stance, stating that saunas are generally safe but don’t necessarily provide any health benefits beyond relaxation.