Health Benefits of Sweating

What Are the Advantages of Sweating?  

Much like farting and blowing your nose, sweating is one of those bodily functions that has gotten a bum deal in our social etiquette.

And yet, we all know that sweating is necessary for our bodies to remain cool. Without it, we would experience the serious complications of heatstroke. [1] But in addition to its cooling ability, research has also found that sweating can actually help the body detoxify.  

I know this is a controversial concept, so I promise to provide as much research as possible.

The Detoxifying Effect of Sweating 

There are several health articles and medical professionals that insist that the detoxifying effects of sweat are a myth. While I agree that the function of the kidneys, liver, and digestive tract are all essential for detoxification (and do so on a much larger scale), research suggests that a person’s ability to sweat should be included to that list. [2] 

So what does the research say?

• Sweat Can Help the Body Eliminate Heavy Metals – in a study that monitored the heavy metal levels of residents in Zhenjiang, China, researchers found that induced urination and sweating is a potential method for heavy metal elimination, including arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury. [3, 4] 

“Induced micturition and sweating appear to be potential methods for the elimination of heavy metals from the human body.”

Jiangsu University of Science and Technology

• Sweat Can Help the Body Eliminate Bisphenol (BPA) – the Journal of Environmental and Human Health published a report on the human excretion of BPA and concluded that “Induced sweating appears to be a potential method for elimination of BPA.” [5]

“Induced sweating appears to be a potential method for elimination of BPA.”

Journal of Environmental and Public Health

• Sweat May Help the Body Eliminate Bacteria – further research is needed, but analysis published by Oxford Academic reveals that “the potential of sweat glycoproteins to bind to bacteria is undoubtedly high and warrants further investigation.” [6]

The potential of sweat glycoproteins to bind to bacteria is undoubtedly high and warrants further investigation.

Glycobiology, Oxford Academic

• Sweat Can Help the Body Eliminate DEHP –  additionally, it has been found that regular sweating could help an individual avoid the negative health consequences associated with an accumulation of phthalates. [7] 

Induced perspiration may be useful to facilitate elimination of some potentially toxic phthalate compounds including DEHP and MEHP. 

The Science of World Journal

The true irony is that we use toxic chemicals to prevent our bodies from sweating!

Recommended Reading: The Dangers of Antiperspirant Deodorant

Common Ways to Induce Sweating 

We’ve established that sweating isn’t inherently bad and actually provides the body with a cooling and detoxifying effect. So instead of looking for ways to minimize the amount you sweat, find ways to improve your body’s ability to sweat. 

These are the two methods that Chris and I consistently use to encourage our bodies to sweat more.   

Time to Give the Sauna a Try! 

This method is something that I’ve used off and on for the last five years to help detox co-infections. However, it wasn’t until the beginning of this year that I started using an infrared sauna consistently. 

This year, Chris has created our very own infrared sauna, and I’ve already seen improvement in my sweating. During the first use, I barely starting to perspire while Chris was sitting in a literal puddle of his sweat. Six months later, Chris is still sweating buckets, and I’m breaking an actual sweat. Very excited about my progress!  

Another advantage of sauna use is that it allows people too sick to work out to sweat.      

Time to Exercise!

This one is obvious, but it’s worth mentioning. Chris is an exercise junky, so we work out a LOT, and when we do he sweats a LOT. The interesting part is that prior to using the sauna, I didn’t really sweat when working out. No matter how hard I worked out, my body really struggled to perspire. However, after using the sauna for just a couple of weeks, I saw a significant improvement in my body’s ability to sweat during my workouts. 

Moral of the story is to not be embarrassed by the sweat on your workout clothes. So if you’re leaving the gym sweat-free, then it’s time to mix things up and push a little harder (and maybe start using the sauna as a part of your workout routine).  

Time to Sweat it Out! 

Join a spin class; hit the gym; buy a sauna. Whatever it takes to actually make your body sweat, feel inspired to do it! Sweating is a natural function of our bodies and helps us maintain a healthy and vibrant lifestyle. If you have any questions or simply would like to share your favorite way to sweat it out, leave us a comment below!