OUR FAVORITE REASONS TO WORK UP A SWEAT

October 09, 2017 by Renee Tavoularis

If you’re one of the many people who desperately tries to avoid sweating at all costs, consider this: sweat is normal, natural and necessary. From regulating body temperature to releasing toxins, sweat offers one of the best ways for you to get healthy from the inside out.

In our culture, we do everything we can to eliminate this important process. From antiperspirants to Botox injections, we actually block our body’s ability to heal and cleanse. 

Instead of fighting it, why not embrace it? You’ll soon discover how invigorating it feels when you allow (and encourage) your body to sweat.

TOP 4 HEALTH BENEFITS OF SWEAT

1. Regulates body temperature. Sweat acts as your body’s air conditioner. When you get hot, sweat is released to cool you down. Without the ability to sweat you are susceptible to overheating. 

2. Flushes toxins. While sweat is mostly made up of water and electrolytes, it can also carry environmental toxins, heavy metals and excess alcohol out of the pores.

3. Activates deep detoxification. When you are able to raise your core body temperature (with the help of infrared saunas for example), your sweat can actually stimulate the detoxification process on a cellular level to purge even more toxins out of your body. 

4. Promotes clear skin. Since pimples, acne and blackheads are caused by a buildup of sebum in the follicles, an increase in sweat production can clean out the pores—and clear up your complexion.

ENCOURAGE SWEAT PRODUCTION

Ready to get healthy? Now that you know how important sweat is to overall health and wellness, give your body a boost by engaging in sweat-inducing activities such as...

CARDIO WORKOUTS

Running, cycling, hiking, dancing and rowing get your heart pumping and sweat flowing. Cardio exercises can also help you lose weight, relieve stress and strengthen your muscles. Find an activity you love and try doing it 3-4 days per week. 

HOT YOGA

Regular yoga classes are designed to build heat. The heat enables you to progress into more challenging poses and increases flexibility. Hot yoga intensifies this process because the room is heated, usually from 80° to 105° F depending on the class. This promotes quick and continual sweat production.

SAUNAS

When you sit in a sauna your pores open up, inviting the release of toxins and impurities through sweat. Studies show saunas can also relieve pain and tension. Infrared saunas are a bit different, as they penetrate the tissue to promote deeper detoxification.

STEAM ROOMS

Like a sauna, a steam room is a hot environment you can sit in at a spa or gym. Unlike a sauna, steam rooms are humid. The humidity can soften and hydrate your skin. Steam rooms are especially helpful if you live in dry environments or have a dry constitution.

REGAIN WATER & ELECTROLYTE BALANCE

Whenever you sweat, whether you’re taking a cardio class or sitting in a sauna, it’s important to hydrate throughout the day. Once you feel thirsty, you’re already dehydrated. Common symptoms of dehydration are headaches, dizziness, fatigue and dry mouth.

To avoid this, drink half of your body weight in ounces throughout the day. If you are active and/or live in a hot climate, you may need to increase your water consumption.

In addition to water, sweat secretes important electrolytes such as potassium, calcium and magnesium. Energy drinks are usually full of sugar and can further dehydrate you. Instead, munch on water- and electrolyte-rich foods before and after a workout, including: 

• Bell peppers
• Spinach
• Kale
• Bananas
• Nuts
• Seeds 

Better yet, make a delicious smoothie with leafy greens, bananas, almond butter and coconut water.

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