by Ruth Floresca

Created on: April 07, 2009   Last Updated: June 29, 2009

Whether we like it or not, our bodies accumulate free radicals or poisonous substances through various means. We get these from the air we breathe, the food we eat, the water we drink and the many commercial products we regularly use.

In recent years, more and more studies continue to crop up about the negative effects of free radicals. Thus, quite a number of efforts have been and are being made to find immediate solutions. Antioxidants, food supplements and other methods to eliminate free radicals were invented, formulated and marketed to supposedly address this specific need.

There are people who have already acknowledged the existence of these toxins and have started taking supplements to counteract the possibly damaging consequences of these substances. However, the long-term effects of taking large doses of some so-called antioxidants are yet to be proven.

To be safe, it is still best to go for the natural methods. Ensure adequate intake of natural antioxidants by eating a balanced diet that consist of five to eight servings of fruits and vegetables daily. This will help neutralize free radicals and assist in preventing cell and tissue damage that may lead to illnesses or diseases.

But did you know there is another way to get rid of harmful bodily toxins naturally? Perspiration plays a big role in helping the body detoxify. Since the skin is our largest organ, sweating through one's pores is also a viable means of eliminating toxins.

By perspiring, the body keeps itself from overheating. When a person sweats, he expels toxins from his system. Too, a lot of viruses and bacteria can't tolerate temperatures above 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit such that, in many cases, perspiration is said to literally burn away illnesses.

The glands located in various parts of the body that sweat the most are located on the palms, soles of the feet, forehead, armpits, scalp and the genital area.

Advantages

Get the benefits of sweating through exercise and/or going to the sauna.

Exercise not only gives circulation and the delivery of nutrients throughout the body a big boost, it also helps remove toxins through sweating. Perspiration enables the skin to breathe and clears the pores which, in turn, results to softer skin. And because exercise brings in more oxygen to the body, it will also improve skin color due to the increased blood flow.

Saunas, on the other hand, heat the body and stimulate cells. Through sweating, toxins residing deep in the tissues are also eliminated.

Reminders

Take note that the more heat your body will produce, the more you will sweat. So don't forget to drink water before you exercise or go to a sauna to help your body compensate for the moisture loss.

Whatever method you choose to induce sweating, it is important to remember that you always have to take a shower after exercising or undergoing a sauna session to rinse off all the toxins that have been expelled from your body.

Find time to work up a good sweat regularly. You'll be sure to enjoy the many benefits it has to offer for your overall wellbeing.

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