We learned about it in health class…sweat is the physical evidence that we have a built in air conditioner. Our P.E. teachers seemed determined to push us to sweat in hot gyms and outdoor playgrounds; we were then advised to replenish with liquids so that our system could function properly. And THAT is the extent of what most of us learned about perspiring. In the celebration of ongoing education, it’s time to truly understand the amazing benefits of sweating.
1.
You didn’t know sweat glands help heal wounds?
For the last few years, more and
more research has been done on eccrine sweat glands which exist in the millions
on our skin. At the University of Michigan, researcher Laure Rittie is
discovering that these glands host an important reservoir of adult stem cells
which aid in the process of wound closures. “By identifying a key process
of wound closure, we can examine drug therapies with a new target in mind:
sweat glands, which are very under-studied,” Rittié says. “We’re hoping this
will stimulate research in a promising, new direction.”
2.
Amazing benefit of toxin release
What exactly happens when we sweat
it out? It’s true…we literally release toxins from our system using
sweat as the conduit. Experts agree that we mainly release excess salt,
cholesterol and alcohol. Which means that a sweaty work-out will de-bloat us,
clean our clogged arteries and help with a hang-over? Johnny Cash
and skateboarders take this theory for a RIDE.
3.
Sweating as an antibiotic
Who needs antibacterial ointment
when sweat spreads highly efficient antibiotics on to our skin! If our
skin is wounded by a small cut, a scratch, or the sting of a
mosquito, antibiotic agents secreted in sweat glands, such as
dermcidin, rapidly and efficiently kill invaders.
4.
The enemy of kidney stones is an amazing sweat benefit
Its pain has been dubbed worse than
childbirth! Avoiding kidney stones should be a goal for anyone who
imbibes in too much of a high fat, high salt diet and has difficulty “flushing”
their bladder on a regular basis due to their schedule. Research shows
that regular exercisers and dedicated water drinkers flush their system more
efficiently and help to control the onset of kidney stones. Sweating
during exercise causes the body to demand more hydration which in turn keeps
the kidneys flushed.
5.
Regular physical training produces amazing sweat glands
In the grand fight against ill
health and obesity, we’re pushing ourselves into whole new arenas of training.
5Ks, marathons, IronMenWomen competitions demand intense and regular
training sessions. Fortunately, our body’s incredible anticipation of
these sessions allows it to begin cooling earlier as well
increasing the actual size of sweat glands to keep up with body’s needs.
Evaporating Wonders
6.
Pollutants and the amazing sweating benefit of cleansing
When BPA and DEHP were
introduced to our environment with modern industry, we were unable to determine
its impact on our health. All agree now that having these chemicals in
our systems is detrimental to our health. Remarkably, our amazing sweat
glands tend to be one of the ways our body rids itself of these and other
dangerous pollutants. Even when not detected in blood or urine, our sweat
has shown potential to effectively eliminate BPA from our system.
7.
Sweating is happy juice for the brain
The proof is in the smiles after the
sweat! Believe it! Exercise puts you in a better mood. But
before you think that tiny dumb bells or casual walks can give you happiness,
be aware that you have to SWEAT with heavier weight training or anaerobic
exertion to get the real benefit. Your endorphin level is unique and it will
be through trial and error to find the right kind of physical activity that
will induce your very own brain “opiates” and get you hooked on feeling the
“rush” after sweating it out.
8.
Pain, pain go away
Those exercise endorphins not only
stimulate your brain’s mood enhancers, they also are natural pain relievers.
Who knew that a run around the block or a dance class could help relieve
aches and pains? As noted by sports medicine physician, Dr. James Ting of
Hoag Orthopedic Institute, “Exercise stimulates neurochemical pathways in
the brain, resulting in the production of endorphins that act as natural
painkillers.” As the body becomes accustomed to this relief and your
overall fitness improves, you may find yourself reaching less for the aspirin
and more for your sneakers.
9.
The Zit Hit is an amazing sweat benefit
We were supposed to be done with the
“zit hits” after puberty but like a bad penny, they keep showing up as we
journey through hormonal changes throughout adulthood. Sweat to the
rescue! By opening up your pores, the perspiration process helps them
release the grit and grime that holds in bacteria which as we all know, leads
to ZITS. Don’t be lazy, though. Getting all the yuck out onto your
skin’s surface means it has to be washed off. Don’t encourage its
re-entry by leaving it lying around!
10.
Sweating as our personal HVAC system
It was mentioned before that our
past P.E. teachers kept us “sweating to the oldies” and then dashing for
liquids. As we go through our day, our bodies adapt to temperature
changes in our environments. Perhaps you’ve dealt with cold offices, hot
automobile interiors, MENOPAUSE, etc. and wonder if your personal HVAC system
is out of whack? Regular exercise, which keeps our sweat glands in tip
top shape, help our bodies regulate its temperature more easily in these modern
society environments.
by
Lisa Stewart
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