Sweat It Out

By Laura Stewart

Sweating is natural and whether it is from exertion or relaxing in a sauna, sweat is the body's way of regulating temperature. While some people sweat more than others, everyone benefits from getting a good sweat on.

The Skinny on Sweat

Sweating is a normal reaction when your body is working hard and needs to cool itself down. There are natural variations in how people sweat,” says Dee Anna Glaser, MD,vice chair of the dermatology department at St. Louis University and president of the International Hyperhidrosis Society. “Some people start sweating more easily than others.

If you sweat more than other people when it is hot outside, or you're exercising, that's not usually a sign of trouble.

Excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis, can be a warning sign of thyroid problems, diabetes or infection and is common in people who are overweight or out of shape.

Secondary general hyperhidrosis causes sweating all over the body when you're not exercising. Triggers include medical conditions such as pregnancy, menopause and thyroid problems or use of medications, drugs and some supplements.

Benefits of Sweat

When you sweat, your body undergoes a series of processes that allow for the release of toxins and an increase in metabolism. Sweating is a common cleansing technique used in many cultures to facilitate healing, purification and relaxation.

Sweating in a sauna, steam room or hot yoga class after exercise soothes and relaxes muscles, which releases stress and fatigue brought on by muscle tension. Because your circulation is increased during sweating, toxins and impurities exit your body through open skin pores.

Removing the dirt or impurities deposited on the skin after sweating cultivates softer and smoother skin.

Weight loss from sweating is from water loss, which is replaced when you replenish your fluids. It's vigorous activities that lead to sweating that burn calories.