Why We Need to Sweat (and How To Recover From It)

Image by everyday roots

 To most, the warmth and sunshine of the summertime  are a welcome arrival from the cool and dampness of the Winter and Spring months. Though most of us enjoy spending time outdoors, particularly in the Summer, not all enjoy the extra sweat our bodies make when the warmth arrives.

Our bodies sweat in all temperatures and climates, we just to tend to notice more in the Summer when it is so much warmer. While most Americans reach for the toxic aluminum-laced antiperspirant,  we need to see the benefit in sweating and how to keep our body well hydrated so it can do its job properly.

Why We Need to Sweat

Sweating is the body’s way of keeping itself cool and comfortable. Additionally, the body sweats out toxins and substances of which it needs to rid itself. Balance and homeostasis is the body”s goal, and sweating is one way it accomplishes this.

One important thing to note is that conventional deodorants almost always contain aluminum as an antiperspirant. These prevent the body from properly and completely ridding itself of all toxins, and is also linked to several other health problems.  There are several natural brands of deodorant that don”t contain antiperspirants, and you can also try making your own with coconut oil, baking soda, essential oils, witch hazel, or other simple ingredients. Here  is some more information you might like to check out. Sweating is important, but stinking doesn’t have to be!

What We Lose When We Sweat

• Toxins
• Water/Liquid
• Minerals/Electrolytes

While sweating is necessary to eliminate toxins and waste, it also gets rid beneficial substances like water and electrolytes at the same time. Drinking water is the best way to re-hydrate what the body has lost, though too much water can dilute the electrolytes and cause imbalance. Using a balanced approach of water and electrolyte-rich foods is key for healthy recovery from sweating.

Electrolytes

When most people talk about “electrolytes,” they mean sodium, potassium, and chloride. There tends to be a lot of hype around electrolytes through sports drinks and things of that nature, but why are they really important? Electrolytes regulate blood pH, hydration, blood pressure, and the healing of damaged tissues and cells. Muscles also need electrolytes in order to contract and function. The body has an inability to make electrolytes; so, when they are lost through sweating, we have to replace them. The best sources of natural electrolytes include:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Coconut water
• Sprinkling your food with natural sea salt

You can check out this homemade electrolyte drink over at Modern Alternative Mama for a tasty, all-natural drink that doesn’t contain high-fructose corn syrup, artificial ingredients, or preservatives. It can be a great alternative to conventional sports drinks, and extremely refreshing, especially if you don’t have time to eat.

The culprit of heat exhaustion is generally dehydration and lack of electrolytes, especially sodium. To prevent heat exhaustion, be sure to stay well-hydrated, eat plenty of foods with naturally occurring electrolytes, and take a break from the sun in the shade or indoors, if possible. Other simple and common-sense methods include wearing loose, airy clothing and a hat, especially if you”re going to be in direct sunlight all day long.

Do you allow yourself to sweat naturally?