Summer is approaching, and with the heat, be prepared for a little sweat. Let's explore the sweating process, what happens in your body and the many health benefits of sweating.

Why Do We Sweat?

Sweating is a natural and very healthy process. We sweat to help reduce body temperature and cool the skin, part of an important process called thermoregulation. This is without a doubt the most important function of sweating. Every process in our body occurs at an optimal temperature, and sweating is just one of the ways the body ensures this optimal temperature is maintained, no matter what. Sweating is not just a result of heat; however, as many of you may have noticed, it can occur as a result of nervousness, nausea and other emotions. Emotionally induced sweating usually affects only the palms, soles and forehead. While sweating via thermoregulation affects the skin covering the entire body.

What Are The Health Benefits of Sweating?

Detoxification

The skin is the largest organ in the body, and along with the kidneys, liver, colon, lungs, and lymph nodes, pores play a major role in the detoxification process. Sweat literally carries toxins out of the body, flushing them through the pores. In doing so, it transforms lipid-soluble molecules into water-soluble molecules to ease elimination. Some estimates claim that 30% of the body's waste is eliminated through sweat. Sweating is vital to our body's natural detoxification processes.

Cardiovascular Benefits

Sweating improves blood circulation and cardiovascular health. Sweating causes blood vessels to dilate and blood pressure to drop (this is why those with blood pressure issues – low or high - need to start slow and monitor themselves when using a sauna). The heart is then forced to work more efficiently to pump blood. Studies have also shown a moderate immune benefit to sweating. Heat stimulates the production of white blood cells (think about fever), thereby supporting a healthy immune response and helping fight off infection more effectively. 

Skin Health Benefits of Sweating

In terms of healthy skin, sweat contains small amounts of antibacterial substances that combat some of the natural bacteria found on the skin. It can also serve to unclog pores and improve skin tone. 

Boosts Mood

Sweating can also be good for mood. Much like exercise, sweating activates the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. It increases noradrenaline and beta-endorphins, which make us feel good. Unlike exercise, however, heat-induced sweat, like from a sauna, does not require muscle tension or the movement of large muscle groups. In fact, sweating acts to do the opposite, decreasing muscle tension and inducing relaxation. Like meditation, sauna use engages both the mind and body. Heat exposure keeps the body active while muscles relax. Many people find sauncas relaxing and rejuvenating. Some people view sauna sessions as a form of meditation. Some group practices use sweat therapy for mental, physical, and spiritual support.

Researchers have limited evidence on sweating alone as a therapeutic tool. People across many cultures have used and valued saunas for centuries. From the Onsen in Japan to the Banya in Russia and the Islamic Hammam, it is a cross-cultural and often sacred practice that many believe has numerous benefits for mind and body.

Disadvantages of Sweating

Yes, there are conditions in which one can sweat too much, known as hyperhydrosis, or too little, similarly known as hypo- or anhydrosis. It is important to have these processes addressed by a healthcare practitioner if you feel they are affecting your overall health and quality of life. Certainly, during hot summer months, it is imperative for all of us to replace the fluid lost through sweat to prevent dehydration.

Dehydration can be deadly, and it’s not something to be taken lightly. Besides water, we also lose small amounts of essential minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium when we sweat. Although ice-cold water is probably your best option and usually does the trick for mild dehydration, there are also some great electrolyte supplements on the market to compensate for some of these lost minerals, particularly sodium, if you think you've overdone it.

Summer means a lot of fun, a lot of sun and a lot of sweat. Use caution and sweat smart.