Sweat has long become an intrinsic part of human corporeality. It is present during childbirth, during exercise, when the temperature rises, and even when stress strikes.
According to dermatologist Mónika Pérez, sweating is the process carried out by the sweat glands, controlled by the nervous system, through which some toxins are eliminated.
“Sweat also helps regulate body temperature. This allows us to maintain good homeostasis,” which is the body’s ability to resist changes in its environment.
The specialist indicates that a normal temperature in adulthood is between 35 and 37 degrees Celsius.
What do we sweat?
The dermatologist comments that sweat is salty, as it expels water and electrolytes such as sodium, chloride, potassium, zinc, and magnesium, from the dermis layer (located below the surface, which is the skin).
This is related to body topography. The armpits, soles of the feet, and palms of the hands are the areas where sweating occurs primarily since many of the sweat glands are located there, says the specialist.
Pérez talks about the variations of this process. On the one hand, there is the normal sweating that the body produces regularly and that is not so noticeable. It is also known as perspiration or insensible loss of sweat.
On the other hand, the most obvious sweating occurs when people perform physical activities that involve effort. This usually occurs when the body is exercising.
However, contrary to popular belief, when you exercise, you excrete water, not fat, through your pores. When people do strenuous activities, they become dehydrated.
Not everyone sweats the same.
According to the expert consulted, “sweating is good and healthy” for all people, even those who excrete an excessive amount of liquid. However, many of these cases may be related to particular situations, suggests the specialist.
Sweating can be influenced by the climate, since the higher the temperature, the greater the body’s dehydration. Gender also has a relationship: men tend to have more active sweat glands.
In terms of age, children, adolescents, and young adults tend to sweat more, since their metabolism is developing and their glands are more acute, unlike what happens in an older adult.
It should be noted that there are situations where sweating is difficult to manage, such as hyperhidrosis. This consists of excessive sweating that is linked to the emotional part. When stress or anxiety arises, the body temperature increases, as does sweat.
“Sweating can be a mechanism by which the body indicates that it is not prepared to act in a situation,” says Pérez, who adds that when this happens, patients sweat in the usual areas, but also on the face or back. At the same time, this becomes evident and sometimes leads to embarrassing moments in front of other people.
However, hyperhidrosis is not serious or harmful. Anyone can suffer from it. This is more related to managing emotions, the dermatologist consulted emphasizes.
If the symptoms are constant, people can consult a dermatology specialist to explain the condition and they will also suggest psychological support to manage their reactions.
From a dermatological perspective, Pérez says that products such as aluminum hydroxide solution, drying powders (such as talcum powder), or botulinum toxin can be used. The specialist says that hyperhidrosis symptoms are usually common in young adults.
Other variants of excessive sweating may be related to hyperthyroidism, an accelerated metabolism, excess weight (since there is more effort in moving the body), menopause (in women), and even due to moles that turn out to be sweat glands.
Dermal hygiene
Mónika Pérez comments that, regardless of the reasons for normal or excessive sweating, it is advisable to carry out some hygiene habits to keep the skin healthy and facilitate the sweating process. Some suggested ones are:
- Bathe daily: The water should be lukewarm, as too hot water can dry out the skin. The soap should have a pH similar to that of the skin.
- Use deodorant: Also, one that has a similar pH and does not contain alcohol.
- Wear cotton clothing: This material is preferable, as the skin can breathe more easily.
Hydration and nutrition: important allies
Nutritionist Jessica García Porres adds that sweating and hydration are actions that are linked. The specialist points out that sweat, being composed of almost 95 percent water, causes the body to lose this component, which is why it is necessary to recover it.
He also emphasizes that dehydration occurs when people are thirsty. For this reason, it is recommended to constantly drink water or a hydrating drink. García Porres suggests consuming the following amounts per day, according to different ages:
- Babies from 0 to 6 months: 800 milliliters
- Children 1 to 2 years: 1.1 to 1.2 liters
- From 2 to 3 years: 1.3 liters
- From 4 to 8 years: 1.6 liters
- From 9 to 14 years: Women, 1.9 liters and men, 2 liters
- From 14 onwards: 2.5 liters
However, these measures may vary depending on the metabolism and pathologies of each person. It is recommended to consult a health specialist or nutritionist for greater certainty regarding the different conditions.
Jessica also mentions that there are caffeinated drinks that tend to stimulate the nervous system, which can cause sweating from the sweat glands. Spicy foods also contribute to a change in body temperature.
García Porres emphasizes that the consumption of alcoholic beverages causes dehydration because, in the presence of alcohol and sugar, the blood vessels dilate, as well as the rest of the body works to process the component. It is then eliminated through urine or sweat.
The nutritionist recommends accompanying these drinks with water to avoid dehydration and hangovers. She also suggests foods to regulate body temperature during the day, such as fruits, and vegetables, or drinks like low-fat milk and green tea.
+ There are no comments
Add yours