Sweating

[trouveur]

What is the truth about sweating?



Many cultures regard sweating as a way to physical or spiritual health. Evidence of this are Scandinavian saunas and Native American sweat lodges.  I’ve heard that sweating releases toxins from the system.  But is this really true?  



Is it really as “therapeutic” as some say or just the body’s way of keeping cool?

[star queen]

When the human body overheats due to weather, exercise, or food intake, water is released via the sweat glands on the skin to cool the body.  When there is an abundance of alcohol, salt, some drugs, and other toxins in the skin, they will be released with the sweat. When toxins are released, some people feel a euphoric feeling.  Sweat also enhances the release of phermones produced in the armpits, lips, groin, and pubic area.  This is a major body function in temperature regulation.  The use of deodorants that reduce sweating can adversely affect the sweat glands in the armpits creating a bad body odor and reducing the ability to cool the body.

[bobthetrainer]

When the human body overheats due to weather, exercise, or food intake....



"food intake"?  are you serious?

[star queen]

Yes, the body produces heat from metabolizing foods and can overheat (sweat) from the effort. Combine the heat from the air around you (radiant heat), the heat from basic metabolism, and the heat released by muscles when exercising and at a point determined by the body, sweating will occur to cool you off.

[Kalio1]

Haven't you ever eaten chilis or spicy foods and had it make you sweat?

[bobthetrainer]

"Yes, the body produces heat from metabolizing foods and can overheat (sweat) from the effort. Combine the heat from the air around you (radiant heat), the heat from basic metabolism, and the heat released by muscles when exercising and at a point determined by the body, sweating will occur to cool you off."



The thermic effect of food, or TEF, (which I believe you are referring to)  does not cause overheating in the typical individual.



Spicy foods are completely different from the TEF

[caregiver222]

In traditional medicine "sweating" out an infection is a first choice. If you can "Catch" the bug and "sweat" it out during the first day or two this is said to dramatically decrease the length of the infection. Thus, if you are "coming down with a cold", the drill is to bundle warm that night, drink PLENTY of fluids and sweat. There are lots of reasons sweating in a sauna, for example, is good for you, if not overdone. Toxins are removed from the body, for one thing. Sweating produces a somewhat elevated body temperature, discouraging bacterial replication, for another. Always be aware that all sweating can produce dehydration or heatstroke, and adequate intake of fluids/electrolytes is essential if you choose this therapeutic regimin.