by Marie Kay

Created on: April 13, 2009   Last Updated: August 28, 2009

One of the best way to rid our bodies of toxins is through the process of sweating. Our bodies naturally eliminate toxins through perspiration. The skin is the body's largest organ, and sweating plays a role in helping to flush out toxins, cool our bodies, and improve our skin. Many of us think of perspiration as simply a minor annoyance, but it's actually an important body function that can keep us healthy inside and out.

We are constantly sweating, but we often don't even notice it. Sweating is your body's way of getting rid of excess body heat, which is produced by metabolism or working muscles. The amount of sweat produced depends upon several factors, including our level of physical activity, our emotions, and even our genetics. Sweat can be made in response to nerve stimulation, hot air temperature, or exercise.

When we perspire, toxins are expelled from our system. Many viruses and bacteria can't live in temperatures above 98.6, so in many cases, sweating literally burns away illness. There are two types of sweat glands: eccrine and apocrine glands. Eccrine glands are distributed over the entire body. They are particularly concentrated on the forehead, palms of the hands, and soles of the feet. Apocrine glands are located under the arms, around the groin, and on the scalp.

Both types of glands produce sweat that contains water, potassium, chloride, and sodium. However, the sweat from apocrine glands also contains proteins and fatty acids, which make it thicker and give it a milkier or yellowish color. Sweat itself has no odor, but when bacteria on the skin and hair metabolize the proteins and fatty acids, they produce an unpleasant scent.

Exercise is a great way to stimulate sweat production. In addition to the numerous health and heart benefits, sweating through exercise can flush toxins from the body and improve your overall well-being. At moderate to high intensity levels, aerobic exercises such as jogging or biking will raise your heart rate and ultimately produce sweat.

Another popular method to induce sweating is to spend time in a sauna. The steam treatment can do more than help you relax. Using a sauna can icrease perspiration, improve circulation, detoxify your body, and deep clean and soften the skin.

Although most of us don't give it much thought, sweating serves an important purpose. It's the body's way of flushing away toxins and impurities, leading to a healthier you!

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