In today's society, transpiration is considered a lack of hygiene. Yet, sweating is a sign of good health that shows your body is breathing and eliminating toxins.
Sweating for a better lifestyle
Perspiration is a totally natural biological phenomenon that has many benefits for the body. Sweating is done through the sweat glands which are more than 3 million in our body. They are found mostly in certain areas that sweat more than others: underarms, palms of hands and soles of feet.
Detoxify your body through perspiration
It participates in the body's regulation and elimination of organic waste that circulates in the bloodstream. Indeed, our body is full of toxins that need to be regularly evacuated through various emunctories (kidneys, liver, pancreas, nostrils, anus, skin). Some wastes are more easily eliminated through one or the other of the emunctories and that's why sweating is so important. This allows for the elimination and detoxification of specific waste products.
Sweating cools the body
Sweating has another important role to play in health. It is a regulator of the body's internal temperature which acts as a defense mechanism.
In certain situations (in case of stress, hot environment, during sport), the body temperature increases and the sweat glands aim to evacuate this excess heat (from 37.2°C) through perspiration.
Researchers have calculated that a runner's temperature would increase by one degree every two or three minutes of effort if he or she did not have a functional means of cooling. After an hour of running, the runner's body temperature would be over 55°C! This proves the importance of perspiration in maintaining the body at the correct temperature.
Perspiration, be careful to hydrate well
When our body is too hot, it is beneficial for it to start sweating. However, sweat is taken from our water supply. So, the more we sweat, the less water we have in our body. Our body can use up to 3 liters of water per hour in extreme conditions (intense effort in a difficult environment).
This loss of water has an effect on our physical capacity which is explained by the reduction in blood volume and therefore by the decrease in blood pressure. Blood flow is reduced, the blood supply to the muscles slows down and the heart rate increases. As a result, dehydration of 4% in relation to weight reduces physical capacity by 40%.
Where does the bad smell of perspiration come from?
While in theory perspiration is normally odourless, in practice this is rarely the case. Indeed, perspiration is simply composed of water and salt, so why does it smell so bad?
Bad smells mainly come from the feet and armpits because in both places sweat is in contact with bacteria and it macerates.
The phenomenon is stronger in the armpits because these, along with the genital area, are the seat of the sex identification glands - or odor glands.
Some advice against malodorous perspiration
To hydrate well.
Avoid certain foods that stimulate the production of sweat (alcohol, garlic, onion, curry, caffeine, spices).
Have a healthy lifestyle.
Wear clothing that does not retain heat.
Choose an effective deodorant made from natural ingredients.
Shave or wax to limit humidity and bacterial maceration.
Learn how to manage stress.
Spray or roll deodorant?
Deodorant is one of the few ways to keep perspiration under control. It keeps unpleasant odors at bay and is available in different sizes and scents.
Spray deodorant
Spray deodorant is the oldest, most common and most widely used. It stops perspiration by absorbing sweat and neutralizing the odors emitted. In addition to being easy to apply, it offers directly a pleasant smell and a fresh and clean effect. However, it is rather advised for people who do not perspire much because its duration of freshness is limited.
The roll-on deodorant
The roll-on deodorant or ball deodorant is newer than the spray and has the advantage of being easy to carry. This deodorant works by depositing an aqueous material on the armpits which dries in a few seconds. This substance contains highly concentrated active ingredients that acts on perspiration and has the advantage of not staining clothes unlike sprays. The roll-on deodorant is recommended for people who perspire heavily.