Have you ever wondered, beyond adjusting my body temperature what does sweat do for me? The short answer is: SO FREAKING MUCH! This is one of the reasons sweat is trending right now. You’ve probably seen the popular slogans, I don’t sweat, I sparkle. Women and men everywhere seem to be embracing “the sweat,” and science confirms this is a very sound decision.
Fights Inflammation
According to Women’s Health Magazine, sweat helps us fight inflammation. When you sweat, you spark a series of positive reactions: Your heart rate speeds to keep blood pumping to your moving muscles, increasing blood flow and the strength of every contraction over time. You also dial-up heat-shock proteins; repair any damaged ones; and signal the production of new, healthy proteins. These block cells that activate inflammation in the body. Way to go sweat!
A Sign of Healthy Habits
According to the University of Michigan’s research, sweating is a signal that you have reached a healthy point of cardiovascular exercise. They suggest focusing on reaching a level of exercise in which sweat actually shows up, rather than measuring the timing or amount. Just because it’s summer and hot outside, don’t assume you shouldn’t work out. On those days, exercise in air-conditioned environments, choose the cooler times of the day, and stay hydrated.
Good for Your Skin and Organs
According to the Wiseman Family Practice (an integrative medicine practice), sweat glands help our skin filter toxins out of the body, which in turn boosts our immune system. When we sweat, the pores on our skin open up and allow for a protective barrier to form against pathogens, reducing bacteria on the skin (this can benefit many skin problems like acne). Sweating also cools our body and maintains proper body temperature. Circulation increases throughout our organs, muscles, and tissue as our skin releases certain toxins, like alcohol and waste products, to help our bodies detoxify. Sweat also eliminates salt from the body and can help prevent kidney stones from forming.
Sweat can be stinky and sticky but it is a completely normal aspect of being human. We should all embrace the sweat and let it lead the way to healthier habits! Check out our HIIT workout, Run the Gauntlet!
For more information, visit the articles below.
https://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/a19973001/sweat-benefits/
https://www.wisemanfamilypractice.com/health-benefits-sweating/