by CD Gozzi

Created on: April 13, 2009   Last Updated: June 29, 2009

Sweating. Our bodies' natural cooling mechanism. We sweat up to one quart of water each day without even noticing it. Skin is the largest organ our bodies have and it plays more of a role than just covering what is underneath and keeping out what is outside. Home to blood vessels, nerves, and an average 2.5 million sweat glands, this vast organ also help with the elimination of accumulated toxins.

Sweat is predominately water. Our bodies release this liquid in response to high temperatures or after consuming something spicy. Our natural 98.6 Fahrenheit temperatures heats up the water and allows for evaporative cooling on the skin surface. For each gram of sweat produced, a quart of blood is cooled off. When an excess of sweat is produced, it will either run off our bodies or get reabsorbed through the skin.

Sweat is also a great medium for removing toxins from the body. Potassium and sodium and constant companions of the water we sweat but also may include oils, fats and some heavy metals. Some researchers claim that a fifteen minute sweating session can remove the same amount of toxins as the kidneys do in a 24 hour period.

Sweating has been considered a form of exercise as it consumes around 300 calories per hour. This would be for those who participate in passive sweat inducing activities such as sweat lodges or saunas. This increase in metabolism can aid with weight loss if that is the desired effect.

To intensify this effect, physical activity will magnify sweating, metabolism and toxic elimination. Exercise and sweating will also increase immune function by increasing blood circulation, promoting cleansing of the blood and lymph systems.

A good sweat is also advantageous for the look and suppleness of the skin. When exercising or sitting in steam heat, the pores of the skin open up and cleanse themselves of accumulated waste material. Dead skin cells, blood toxins drain out and the increased blood supply returns the necessary nutrients.

Sweating is also used in the treatment of injuries and the minimization of scars. The increased blood circulation and waste removal promotes healing and, sweating allows for increased suppleness and elasticity of the damaged tissues.

Other added benefits of sweating include stress reduction. The moist hot air of a steam sauna will help to alleviate aches and pains, allowing the muscles to relax. Once your taut muscles begin to loosen up, the tension caused by the day's stressors begins to drift away.

A good clean sweat not only cleanses, detoxifies and relaxes you, but will allow you to be at peace and sleep restfully.

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