Many of us look forward to the scorching hot weather over the coming weeks, but the rising temperatures can cause problems for some.
Sweaty armpits can become a nightmare for commuters, who travel to work on packed tube carriages and stuffy trains.
While sweating is a natural function of the human body, many find sweat patches to be a serious source of embarrassment.
There are many reasons why we sweat, including exercise, suffering from a fever, hot weather and nervousness.
With a 35C heatwave expected at the end of the month, it’s important to stay hydrated and avoid spending too much time in the sun.
However, we shouldn’t avoid sweating all together – as experts have revealed this bodily function has a positive impact on our bodies.
Detoxifies the body
According to research, sweat glands help our skin filter toxins out of the body, including waste products and alcohol, which can boost our immune system.
A study in 2016 revealed that fitness enthusiasts have lower levels of heavy metals in their body, such as mercury and lead.
At high-dose exposure, these can reduce energy levels and have damaging effects on organs.
Prevents us from overheating
The main function of sweat is to control our body temperature.
Melanie Palm, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Art of Skin MD in San Diego, said: “[Sweat] serves an important function of effectively cooling our body.”
Weight loss
Sweating itself doesn’t burn off a measurable amount of calories, but it can speed up the loss of water weight in your body.
Robert A. Huggins, Ph.D., president of research and athlete performance and safety at the Korey Stringer Institute at the University of Connecticut, explains this change is only temporary: “It’s not fat mass, which is the weight most people have the goal of losing.”
According to evidence, a sweatier workout during exercise links to a more intense session.
As the body works hard to cool you down, you’re also using energy and burning calories.
Healthy skin
Sweating is a neutral protection from germs and bacteria as our pores open up when we perspire.
Dermatologist Dr. Viscusi explained: “Sweat [prompts] your pores to flush out oil and dirt.
“When sweat collects and dries on the skin, this dirt, oil, and bacteria can become trapped under your skin, therefore causing breakouts.”
Sweat also increases the blood flow – this helps to keep skin healthy by ensuring skin cells get nourished with the nutrients and oxygen they need.
Reduces risk of kidney stones
Sweat glands release water to the surface of your skin, less water in your body reduces the amount of time you’ll need the bathroom.
In turn, this means there is less chance for kidney stone-causing material to sit in the kidneys and urinary tract.
When we sweat, we drink more water which means these minerals are flushed out of our system.
What is causing excessive sweating?
Most cases of excessive sweating are harmless, however there are some cases where it should not be overlooked.
It could be linked to the following medical reasons:
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes
- Thyroid problems
- Anxiety
- Menopause
- Parkinson’s disease
- Alcoholism
- Cancers like lymphoma and leukaemia
- Stroke
- Heart failure
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Drug use
When should I see a doctor?
- Sudden changes: if you are sweating more or is excessive sweating has started after using a new drug
- Night sweats: if you wake up in a cold sweat or find your bedding damp in the morning
- Generalised sweating: if you have started sweating all over your body and not just from your head, face, underarms, groin, hands or feet
- Asymmetrical sweating: sweating from just one side of your body
- Sweating accompanied by other symptoms: such as increased thirst, increased urination, fatigue or insomnia
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