While some of us may do all that we can to prevent from sweating because, let's face it, it can look unattractive and can have an unpleasant odor - sweating is incredibly important. Our body produces about 1 liter of sweat per day but often that amount isn't enough to offset the toxicity that we have been exposed to either by choice (food/alcohol) or by chance (our enviroment/chemicals).
HOW TO SWEAT
Whether our body is sweating naturally to help us from overheating - (sweating regulates our body temperature), with forced sweating like in a sauna, steam or infrared sauna or doing Exercise...Sweating is AWESOME for our Health.
Exercise increases the 'feel-good' endorphin hormones allowing us to move through life feeling better and it doesn't take much to make the shift. Literally, you will feel a huge change in your mood and in your body's health with just 20-30 minutes of exercise 2-3 days a week!
Additionally, if you haven't experienced an infrared sauna, I highly recommend it. It heats you from the inside out so the experience is VERY comfortable and allows for an incredible amount of sweat to be released. Seriously, try it and let us know what you think! I bet you will want one for your home!
There are many non-stinky reasons to sweat. I always say, BETTER OUT THAN IN!
BENEFITS/REASONS TO CHOOSE TO SWEAT FOR YOUR HEALTH:
Detoxifies The Body
Your skin is the largest organ and therefore has the ability to release quite a bit once the pores open up to sweat. Sweat is known to flush out alcohol, cholesterol and salt. It purges the body of toxins that can clog pores and prevent a natural flow in the body. Additionally, it has been found that toxins including arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury are excreted in sweat.
Dr. Mercola discusses the researched benefits of sweating stating that: "One of the most ubiquitous chemical contaminants of the 21st century is BPA. BPA is an endocrine disrupter, which means it mimics or interferes with your body's hormones and "disrupts" your endocrine system. The glands of your endocrine system and the hormones they release are instrumental in regulating mood, growth and development, tissue function, metabolism, as well as sexual function and reproductive processes."
He goes on to say, "Research has shown that BPA is often detected in human sweat, sometimes even when it is not found in blood or urine testing. The study concluded that not only should sweat analysis be considered as a tool for monitoring bioaccumulation of BPA, but also that induced sweating may be a potential method of elimination for this widespread toxin."
Decrease Body Odor
With the knowledge of how much toxicity comes out of your sweat, it is NO WONDER some of us totally stink when we sweat. Interestingly, profuse sweating can actually help decrease body odor. Foul body odor is related to the toxins being expelled – it is not your "natural" scent. If you're living a "clean" lifestyle, meaning a lifestyle in which you're minimally exposed to dietary and environmental toxins, your sweat can and will be close to odorless.
Lowers Kidney Stone Risk
When we sweat, we flush out salt. This prevents salt and calcium from accumulating in the kidneys which is a common contributor of kidney stones. Additionally, when we sweat, our body demands that we increase water intake which is another preventative of kidney stones - staying hydrated and keeping our body/kidneys flushed!
A study presented at the 2013 American Urological Association conference in San Diego, Calif., found even walking for a couple of hours a week could cut the risk for developing kidney stones.
Prevents Colds/Illnesses
When we increase our body temperature to sweat, it kills viruses and bacteria that cannot survive in temperatures above 98.6 degrees F. Additionally, it has been shown that sweat can act as a natural antibiotic and has been shown to actually help fight tuberculosis germs and other dangerous pathogens.
Dr. Diane De Fiori, a dermatologist at the Rosacea Treatment Clinic in Melbourne, Australia, said “Sweat contains antimicrobial peptides effective against viruses, bacteria, and fungi. These peptides are positively charged and attract negatively charged bacteria, enter the membranes of bacteria, and break them down.”
This is SO COOL! Are you still wondering if it is a good idea to sweat???!!!!
Zaps Zits
Sweat opens up the pores and flushes them out thus eliminating or minimizing acne and blackheads.
It is important to note that washing our body and face as quickly as possible after a big sweat can significantly help our body purify from the toxins and impurities that have been released.
SWEAT HARD as often as possible and then SHOWER UP! Your life will change for the better and I guarantee with some good solid sweating, you will literally be healthier.
To Odorless Sweat,
Dr. Cari Jacobson
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