Point to Ponder:
Do you sweat at least once per day?
Whether iGniting in Austin or San Diego, sweating is definitely something I am experiencing in mass quantities. After every class (with the exception of swimming), I am hot and glowing from all of that good sweat. If you recently peaked at the extended forecast, the whole country is experiencing higher than normal temps, which means you’ll likely shine bright wherever you go. If you don’t have water to submerge yourself in or plans to escape to the mountains, you may be finding yourself a little disgruntled and done with the heat and sweat. I admit, taking multiple showers each day, having to wash my hair daily and changing clothes a few times each day is getting old, but I’m here to remind you that sweating is great for you, as it is a necessary physiological process that the body uses for a variety of important reasons. According to Medical Daily, sweat provides us with the following benefits:
1). Sweat is Cleansing and Detoxifying – One of the most efficient ways to detox the body, without juicing, is to sweat. Sweating is actually your body’s way of helping to keep your skin clean. Every day, toxins build up in your pores that need to be released. If they’re not, then your skin can break out and cause pimples, rashes and other skin infections. By sweating out these toxins, your skin stays cleaner and, over time, it will appear to look healthier than ever.
2). Sweating Boosts Endorphins- Exercising increases the level of the “feel-good” endorphin hormones that are naturally released during physical activity. A 2009 study published in the journal Biology Letters found group workouts actually increase endorphin levels and cause less pain for those who work out together than those who train alone. Sweating it out during a group exercises help put a smile on your face and leave you feeling great for the rest of the day!
3). Sweat Lowers Your Body Temperature – If you never sweat, there’s a good chance that you have a very high body temperature. In order to prevent this from happening, your body needs to sweat to avoid overheating. It’s one of the reasons that you start sweating when you exercise. Your body heats up to burn calories and keep your energy levels high. At the same time, your body starts to release sweat through your skin to help keep it from getting too hot. You need to stay hydrated if you exercise for this very reason. Without an adequate supply of water, your body cannot sweat and your internal temperature will be too high for you to workout normally. If you do not sweat enough, you can also suffer from heat stroke or heat exhaustion.
4). Prevents Colds And Other Illnesses- Perspiring can actually help fight tuberculosis germs and other dangerous pathogens. Dr. Diane De Fiori, a dermatologist at the Rosacea Treatment Clinic in Melbourne, Australia, told Medical Daily in an email: “Sweat contains antimicrobial peptides effective against viruses, bacteria, and fungi. These peptides are positively charged and attract negatively charged bacterial, enter the membranes of bacteria, and break them down.”
A 2013 study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences proved dermcidin is a highly effective tool to fight not only tuberculosis germs but other dangerous bugs. The researchers believe these natural substances are more effective in the long-term than traditional antibiotics because germs are not capable of quickly developing resistance to them. The natural antibiotic is naturally activated in salty, slightly acidic sweat.
While at times inconvenient, sweating is one of the best things we can do to keep our body, mind and spirit clean of toxins and negative thoughts, especially when it is a result of exercise. And, equally as important as sweating each day is hydrating. So, as you embrace the sweating that goes along with hot summer days and exercise, be sure to drink at least 1/2 your weight in ounces of water each day. The positive benefits of both will allow you to feel your best, smile tomorrow and everyday there after. (Click HERE for iGnite's favorite way to hydrate and cleanse)
Action Item:
As you sweat, remember to embrace all of the healthy benefits that sweating has to offer...and don't forget to hydrate!
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