Sweat

They say that when you work out, you don’t perspire; YOU GLOW! But let’s face it – nobody likes to sweat or see others sweat. But again, there’s no escaping it. Everyone sweats while working out – just the intensity varies. And sweat becomes even more repulsive because of the odor it carries. There’s no denying that body odor (B.O) is a big turn off! Since you are in a social setting, whether in a common gym, group class or with your personal trainer, there is a certain social protocol that you need to follow so as to not cause inconvenience to others. You wouldn’t want someone smelly working out next to you now, would you?  

But should we resent sweating altogether because of B.O? Or is there a way to tackle it? Today, let’s sweat it out to understand this whole concept of Perspiration better and how not to spread the wings of B.O everywhere. 

What is Perspiration / Sweat?

Perspiration, also known as sweating, is the production of fluids secreted by the sweat glands in the skin of mammals. Two types of sweat glands can be found in humans: eccrine glands and apocrine glands. The eccrine sweat glands are distributed almost all over the human body, in varying densities, with the highest density in palms and soles, then on the head, but much less on the trunk and the extremities

Why do we sweat so much while working out?

It is how the body regulates temperature—sweating keeps us cool and comfortable and prevents the body from overheating in hot environments or during exercise. Sweat leaves your skin through pores and evaporates when it hits outside air. As it evaporates off your body, you cool down.

Why is Sweating good?

1.It detoxifies the body.The body releases toxins by using sweat as the conduit. 

2.It thoroughly cleanses your skin and deep cleanses your pores of acne causing germs and bacteria. It also removes the dirt deposited deep into the skin. 

3.It maintains the body temperature and keeps you cool. 

Does Sweating Help in Weight Loss? 

Sweating in itself does not make you lose weight because it doesn't burn fat. High-intensity exercises make you lose weight by burning significant calories. Sweat has got nothing to do with the fat burnt. The heat generated in your body causes sweating, which may lead to short term water weight loss, but that again is unhealthy and unrealistic weight loss. Excess heat can actually hinder your workout by causing dehydration. 

Sweat is composed of water and electrolytes. For all you know, you may end up extremely dehydrated.

Why is Sweating Bad?

Two simple words – BODY ODOUR. 

Inherently, sweat doesn’t smell. It is the bacteria on our skin, poor hygiene and unhealthy eating habits that cause our sweat to smell. Sometimes, it can also happen because of excessive medicines and hormonal imbalance. Regardless, people around you won’t know the reason behind that B.O. All they know is that you stink. 

Excessive sweating isn’t bad. If heavy sweating has no underlying medical cause, it's called primary hyperhidrosis. This type occurs when the nerves responsible for triggering your sweat glands become overactive and call for more perspiration even when it's not needed.