The Reasons Why Sweating Is Good For You

Clammy palms, odorous underarms, and sweat spots on your clothing; what do all these have in common? That's right. Sweat. The nemesis of a great hairstyle is actually a good sign your body is self-regulating. Activities that increase sweat equity have multiple benefits. Let's uncover a few.

Skin is the human body's largest organ, and it's a very important one at that. Two types of sweat glands can be found in our skin: eccrine and apocrine (via Fix). Found in hands, scalp, armpits, and other sacred places, these microscopic glands release moisture made of water, salt, and proteins from the bloodstream (via Medical News Today). The natural system of order was developed to release what isn't excreted as waste.

An echoing myth about sweat suggests that it rids the body of toxins. Toxin removal is actually the job of the kidneys, liver, and digestive system. Sweating does limit salt and calcium buildup, lessening the chances for kidney stones (via Shape). Moreover, sweating lessens fluid buildup and inflammation in the body.

Are you that stinky person at the gym? Kindly wash your hands, but don't sweat it! Jodi Ganz, M.D., a dermatologist at Piedmont, says, "Sweat's main purpose is to help the body cool down." According to Shape, the sweat itself does not change the body temp, but when it evaporates, temperatures tend to drop. So, sweat is your inner cooler working to stabilize your body temp.

Could your sweat be a fountain of youth? Perspiration is a catalyst for the post-workout glow. Whitney Bowe, M.D., a dermatologist in New York, tells Shape that sweating causes pores to open and release, which helps to restore a youthful appearance to the skin. According to Ganz, during exercise, your blood flows efficiently which keeps nutrients and oxygen on the move, which in turn, gives the skin a dewy look. Grab your stretch pants, because we're here for all of it.

Sweating and body movement also improves the 'tude. Fix reports that the sweat and endorphins released during exercise can really give your mood a boost in the right direction. Women's Health says sweat is also an asset to fight germs. When we sweat, our bodies emit dermcidin, an antibiotic known to fend off pathogens. Studies have shown the stem cells in our sweat glands may also speed up the body's wound-healing process.

Working up a shameless sweat boosts confidence, "shifting focus from appearance to experience" Janet Buckworth, Ph.D., told Women's Health. There are many reasons why sweat is healthy for you. After a workout, be sure to replenish lots of water and natural, whole foods. And don't be afraid to get your sweat on. Sweat and shine!