Let Them See You Sweat: Your Body's Natural Process Boosts Immunity

Sweating is often viewed as a bodily function linked to physical exertion or nervousness. However, did you know that sweating plays a crucial role in boosting your immune system and maintaining overall health? This is a deep dive into the significance of sweating, the benefits of avoiding deodorants, and how simple activities like using a sauna and engaging in exercise have profound effects on your wellBEing.

FlamingoImages. (n.d.). Fit young Asian woman wearing earphones stretching before a run. Envato. photograph. Retrieved 2024, from https://elements.envato.com/fit-young-asian-woman-wearing-earphones-stretching-TY68TEH.

When you engage in activities that induce sweating, whether through intense exercise, a relaxing sauna session, or a soak in a hot tub, your body undergoes a natural detoxification process. Sweat glands operate in a similar fashion as the nephrons of the Kidneys - they determine onsite what the body needs for the region they serve. Sweat is a Divine design our bodies use to eliminate unwanted biochemical particles (including toxins) and regulate internal temperature. This natural process not only helps in expelling harmful substances from your system but also promotes healthy skin and strengthens your immune response.

Your sweat glands are a part of your Skin System (Integumentary System). However, they are helping your Lymphatic System by doing their part. Much of the sweat fluid is interstitial fluids (fluids between the cells). Not to mention the constituents of this process includes nucleopeptides that protect and also hydrate the skin.

There are a few types of human sweat glands: Eccrine, Apoeccrine and Apocrine. Some would say, we must include the Sebum glands because the excretion from these glands are also present on the skin accompanying sweat. The Eccrine glands are distributed throughout most of the body.

• Detoxification : Sweating aids in flushing out toxins from your body, promoting clearer skin and reducing the workload on your internal organs.

• Immune System Support : By eliminating waste and impurities through sweat, you are assisting your immune system in functioning optimally, thus reducing the risk of illness.

• Skin Health : Sweat contains antimicrobial peptides that act as a natural defense mechanism for your skin, helping to ward off infections.

Deodorants and Anti-Perspirants

While deodorants and anti-perspirants have become a staple in modern hygiene routines, there is a growing trend towards using natural deodorants and avoiding chemical - laden products. Anti - perspirants stop the sweating process. At that point, all of the fluids and their accompanying constituents have no exit through the covered area. This creates a delay in elimination putting more pressure on the region trying to rid itself of such fluids. Sweating is a biological process that shouldn't be suppressed, but understood and appreciated for its numerous health benefits.

If you worry about body odor, consider talking with a Clinical Herbalist or Regenerative Detoxification Specialist who can help uncover the cause(s) and recommendations for the concerning odor. You don't want to just "cover it up".

As a Raw Vegan following a high fruit diet, body odor is typically not an issue. Deodorants are no longer necessary for maintaining hygiene. Over time, you may observe an enhancement in the skin tone of your armpits. The use of deodorants containing chemicals could potentially change your natural armpit color. It is common for individuals to notice a lightening of their armpit color when transitioning to natural deodorant.

If you are still transitioning into a natural hygienic practice consider switching to a natural deodorant that is nontoxic (aluminum - free, parfum - free, pthalate - free and sulfate - free is a great start).

Inspire to Perspire

The quality of your sweat greatly depends on your overall lifestyle. Some elements which effect sweating are:

• Health Condition (cystic fibrosis, diabetes, injury)

• Genetics

• Environmental Pollutants

• Emotions

• Diet / Nutrition

• Skin Treatment

• Temperature Exposure

• Clothing

• Physical Activity

• and so much more...

When sitting in a sauna or hot tub, the sweat produced is different from the sweat generated during exercise. This process is Passive Heating. So you want both.

Be encouraged to explore ways to incorporate sweating into your daily routine to reap its immune - boosting advantages. Make time for activities that promote healthy sweating. Sweating is a form of self - care that should be activated several times per week.

Perspiration goes beyond a mere physical reaction – it is a vital process that contributes to your immune strength and overall health. By understanding and using the power of sweat, you can take proactive steps towards fortifying your body's defenses leading a healthier life.

If you haven't explored the benefits of sweating to boost your immunity, now is the perfect time to start prioritizing your wellBEing. Let your body's natural mechanisms shine, and experience the transformative effects of embracing sweat as a tool for enhancing your health and vitality.

Remember, sweating is not just a bodily function; it's a pathway to a healthier you. Everything about you will effect when and how you sweat. Empower the sweating process, embrace the glow!

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Endnotes

Baker LB. Physiology of sweat gland function: The roles of sweating and sweat composition in human health. Temperature (Austin). 2019 Jul 17;6(3):211-259. doi: 10.1080/23328940.2019.1632145. PMID: 31608304; PMCID: PMC6773238.

Cramer MN, Gagnon D, Laitano O, Crandall CG. Human temperature regulation under heat stress in health, disease, and injury. Physiol Rev. 2022 Oct 1;102(4):1907-1989. doi: 10.1152/physrev.00047.2021. Epub 2022 Jun 9. PMID: 35679471; PMCID: PMC9394784.

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Tyra Ware, CHHP CIr CH AT RYT

A Clinical Herbalist who's passionate about Medical Herbalism and Aromatherapy for health care. She partners with her fiancé at bZengi offering healing arts services to clientele worldwide.  She enjoys yoga, listening to music, reading, mystery and action films, learning languages and developing culinary creations and spending time with her fiancé.  You can learn more about her work at www.bzengi.net.