Why sweating matters: Your body’s natural cooling system
Sweating is a very important process for our body and affects much more than you might think. Sweating regulates body temperature, it can be considered as the body’s natural air conditioning and sweat as its cooling liquid.
We can also influence the way sweat glands work. The human body has two types of sweat glands:
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eccrine glands – secrete a mixture of water and ions
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apocrine glands – secrete a higher proportion of proteins and fats, and are especially active in stressful situations
If sweating is really causing you difficulties in your daily life, consult your doctor for possible solutions. Otherwise, grab your water bottle and run outside. Enjoy your sweat and be grateful that your body is doing its job.
Benefits of sweating
Clearer skin
When we sweat, toxins are excreted from the body and pores open. This is the best time to cleanse the skin. However, if sweat is left on the skin, impurities can clog pores and cause irritation.
Natural protection against infections
Together with sweat, the substance dermicidin is secreted. It’s produced constantly by our body and helps kill harmful bacteria.
Pheromones and attraction
Sweat influences whether two people find each other attractive or not. In simple terms, it either “smells right” or it doesn’t. This is similar to how male butterflies attract females with their scent.
What influences sweating
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heredity – intensity of sweating can be genetic
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gender – men generally sweat more than women
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illness – toxins or chronic diseases can increase sweating
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obesity – overweight people usually sweat more
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hormones – puberty, menopause, or hormonal disorders affect sweating
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food and drinks – spicy foods and hot drinks increase sweat
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physical activity – exercise and work trigger natural sweating
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ambient temperature – heat and humidity in summer increase sweat
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clothing – tight or non-breathable clothes trap heat and moisture
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stress and emotions – interviews, dates, fear, pain, stage fright, or even joy can trigger sweat
Excessive sweating
On average, the human body produces 0.5–1.5 liters of sweat per day. Almost 99% of sweat is water, with the rest being minerals.
A number of factors influence sweat production:
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Asians sweat less than Europeans and North Americans
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Overweight people usually sweat more than thinner people
If you feel your sweating is excessive or disruptive, it’s worth consulting a doctor to explore possible causes and treatments.
