Read This to Love Sweat

During the summer in Tyler, Texas, you only have to breathe to start sweating. Now that the weather is cold and dreary you’re probably not missing the moisture seeping out of your pores. What you might not realize is how good sweating is for your body. Google gym near me, find F.I.T. on the map and come on in to experience these benefits.

Natural Detox

Can sweat remove toxins from the body? Experts disagree, so we’re just going to give you the research and let you make your own decision.

Your body sweats because it’s trying to cool itself off. Most of the toxins you take in to your body are removed by your liver and kidneys. That’s one reason drinking water is so good for your health – it helps you flush away more of the contaminants you’re exposed to in the environment. Some studies have found toxins in sweat as well.

BPA is a contaminant found in plastics, pipes and electronics. It seeps into food and beverages and can affect the brain, behavior, prostate gland and more. You don’t want it in your body.

A Canadian study analyzed blood, sweat and urine (yuck) and found 80 percent of subjects had BPA in their sweat, but none in their blood and urine. In other words, sweat might be the best way to get rid of BPA.

Phthalates are found in plastics, and the EPA considers them probable carcinogens. The same study found twice the amount of phthalates in sweat as in blood and urine, indicating sweat is a superior way to remove them.

Heavy metals can harm the heart, brain and immune system, and have been linked to cancer. Here’s where they’re found:

• Drinking water
• Foods like fish, bone broth and rice
• E-cigarettes
• Deodorant
• Shampoo
• Canned food
• Water pipes
• Vehicle emissions

When one research institute evaluated heavy metals in sweat, they found concentrated levels of arsenic, cadmium and mercury, indicating perspiration removes these elements from the body.

Brain Benefits

You’ve heard about the runner’s high. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins that make you feel happy and relaxed. When your body temperature goes up and you start to sweat, temperature-sensitive neurons in your brain actually trigger the hormone release.

Strenuous exercise causes sweat. As you work, flood your body with feelings of pleasure for an elevated mood that lasts for hours.

Endorphins are also natural pain relievers. Researchers found 30 minutes of aerobic exercise reduces pain. People with chronic pain from conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia experienced a higher pain threshold after intense sweat sessions.

Skin Benefits

Sweat flows through your pores to flush out dirt, oil and grime. Wash away the gunk that causes pimples for clear, glowing skin.

Your sweat glands also release natural antibiotics. Dermcidin produced by sweat glands fight infection from pathogens that might otherwise enter through cuts, scratches or bug bites. It can kill bacteria and wash away viruses that might lead to illness.

Sweat helps wounds heal faster and keeps salt and calcium from accumulating in your kidneys. Always drink plenty of water when you exercise to replenish fluid lost through perspiration.

Ready to sweat? Check out Fitness In Training’s class list or contact a trainer for a customized sweat session today.

Blog posts property of Fitness in Training, provided by gym member Missy Ticer.