When one works up a sweat it feels good, as we know that we have physically exerted ourselves, but we also need to be aware of the fact that whatever we sweat out we need to replace in order to keep our body’s fluid levels balanced.
A loss of a mere 2% of the body’s fluid can impact as much as 20% on one’s physical and mental abilities. It is imperative that we drink water often so that we maintain the levels of water in our bodies or we may suffer heatstroke or dehydration.
What is Sweat & How Does it Work?
Sweating is the way the body keeps cool; it consists primarily of water, but it also contains sodium and chloride and traces of potassium.
There are two kinds of sweat-glands: eccrine and apocrine, and each has its own function:
- Eccrine glands release sweat in order to maintain our core temperature
- Apocrine glands trigger perspiration as a response to nerves or to stimulation such as physical exercise
Healthy Sweat and Unhealthy Sweat
When the body sweats, osmotic pressure takes up the sodium from the capillaries. According to medical analysis, if one sweats easily from heat, one’s body is functioning normally to control and maintain the correct body temperature.
If one does not sweat easily from heat, it generally means that the acid in the sweat is not of the correct viscosity and the body is not functioning normally.
The Dangers of Building up a Sweat
Working up too much of a sweat, as with over-exercise and exercises such as hot yoga is not always such a good thing, as the body can overheat and if you do not have a means of cooling it down quickly heatstroke or heat exhaustion could follow.
The myth that sweating up a storm is releasing toxins from the body is just that! Sweat also contains salt, potassium, ammonia, and urea, and sweating too much without drinking water to balance the body’s fluid levels is not a good thing at all. In actual fact, you may be doing your body more harm than good.
Leaving sweat unattended for a long time can also be bad for your skin, as it can cause a heat rash, which occurs when the eccrine glands become blocked. Drink water to cool down, wash the affected area down with fresh cool water and change clothes if this happens.
Drinking water is the best way to ensure that you are not losing too much bodily fluids and are maintaining the body’s core temperature whilst still keeping the fluid balance. Dehydration comes from not drinking water as often as one should, and can lead to some very unpleasant conditions, and even death if left totally unattended.
Dealing with Heatstroke or Heat Exhaustion
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion causes you to sweat heavily and feel confused, weak, dizzy, and nauseous. If you suspect you have heat exhaustion:
- Immediately get into a cool spot indoors or in the shade
- Drink water. Do not drink, caffeine or fizzy drinks, drink WATER!
- Remove unnecessary or tight clothing
- Take a cool shower or bath
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke occurs when the body’s core temperature reached 104° and generally occurs when you build up a sweat via strenuous exercise, are exposed to very high temperatures or if heat exhaustion is not treated correctly. Heat stroke is very dangerous and can kill you, so get help immediately and:
- Get into a cool or shady spot
- Cool down with ice packs
- Drink water
- Wet the skin with water
If you have suffered heat stroke or heat exhaustion, make sure that you drink water regularly and stay away from vigorous exercise and very hot temperatures for about a week, to allow your body to recuperate.
Remember, sweating removes moisture from your body, and the only way to ensure that you maintain your body’s fluid balance and core body temperature is to drink water.
Drinking water does not only keep your fluid levels constant, but his healthy in all ways. Drinking water keeps your skin healthy and elastic, keeps your body free of toxins and ensures that every cell in your body gets all the nutrients and oxygen it needs.
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