Why Sweating Is So Freaking Good For You
Sweating is so important for the body and your overall health. You are born with between 2 to 4 million sweat glands that secrete a mixture of water, salt, and other bodily substances and bacteria that supports healthy physiological processes.
Sweating takes place through 2 main ways - the eccrine glands and the apocrine glands. The eccrine glands produce sweat that regulates body temperature and these glands are found all over your body. Sweat from these glands is the type of sweat you experience during intense exercise.
The apocrine glands are found in the hair follicles (like armpits) and produce fluid that when in contact with bacteria on the skin, can produce body odor. Yum.
Both glands are activated by nerves in the body that are responding to certain stimuli such as body temperate changes, hormones, emotions, and physical activity - so you can see how essential this natural process of the body is in response to stimuli and things like exercise!
Additionally, sweating can enhance functioning of your bodily systems and calm the mind.. so next time you are questioning how sweaty you are at times during that intense workout or maybe when you're experiencing nervousness or other emotions, try to appreciate the process and thank your body for doing it's thang to keep your body calm, cool, and collected!
Unique ways that breaking out in a good sweat is beneficial to you!
DETOXES THINGS LIKE EXCESS HORMONES & HEAVY METALS:
While the Liver and Kidneys are KING for detoxing heavy metals in the body, there is evidence to show that sweating is an additional form of bodily detox of heavy metals and excess hormones, further supporting the liver's functions. One study found levels of arsenic, cadmium, and mercury were found in individuals sweat post exercise and/or sauna exposure, showing reason to consider sweating an essential element for regular detoxification.
PROMOTES HEALTHY SKIN:
Every time you sweat through exercise, or any type of physical exertion, there is an increase in circulation as a result of an elevated heart rate. This increase boosts your circulation, delivering more nutrients to your skin thus creating a nice glow. This process can also stimulate the body's production of collagen over time, helping the skin to appear plumper and healthier. Additional indirect benefits of sweating from exercise exertion includes higher consumption of water that occurs in conjunction with exercise, which more water intake aids in healthy bodily functions. No brainer there!
STRENGTHENS THE CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM:
Inflammation is a major buzz kill for your metabolism and cardiovascular fitness. But when you sweat, you trigger a series of incredibly amazing physiological reactions that strengthen your heart and blood flow. During exercise, your heart rate speeds up telling your body to keep pumping blood to your moving muscles thus increasing blood flow and the strength of these contractions over time, leading to an overall stronger cardiovascular system and aiding in calming things like inflammation in the body.
Like I said, sweating it so freaking good for you.
If you're not in a routine of regular exercise and "sweating it out" you may consider making exercising to the point of "breaking a sweat" a regular occurrence!
Please like below if you found this article helpful! My goal through MGF is to provide you with resources and be a place of further education and understanding when it comes to your health and fitness!