Any special health benefits from sweating?

Factual Questions
1

Besides the obvious one of making you cooler, of course.

I’ve heard from many people (including a doctor friend) that sweating is supposed to have additional health benefits, but could never get any more information other than vague claims of “cleansing” unspecified “toxins” from the body, so naturally I’m skeptical.

So, to all our medically inclined Dopers, can sweating actually make you healthier?

2

Sweating: Supposed to 'increase blood flow to the skin"

…which I assume is good somehow.

Unfortunately, sweating tends to cause more problems that are documented than benefits that are anecdotal. Sweating can aggravate skin rashes, skin irritants and skin allergies. Conditions that lead to sweating are generally health risks for anyone with hypertension, asthma, high blood pressure and poor health in general.

Sweating is generally caused by a strain in which your body is struggling to compensate.

3

Pheromones are also released in the sweat, especially in the hairy nooks and crannies (armpits and groin). So you may (or may not) be attracted to someone when the right smell reaches you. Also, strong smelling foods can release odour in sweat, e.g. garlic.

4

I’m going to reach a bit and say that if you’re sweating, there might be a chance that it’s as a result of exercising. And that’s definitely a health benefit.

:slight_smile:

5

I’ve never bought that cleansing toxins stuff. HOWEVER, sweating is nature’s best way of moisturizing the skin.

6

Thanks for the responses, everyone.

Actually, the issue came up as I was eating really spicy foods and sweating up a storm. My wife and I were with her best friend and friend’s M.D. husband, who said that drinking water, then eating spicy foods to cause a sweat was good for one’s health, as it ‘cleanses’ the body.

I can see how the hydration-persperation-evaporation process can certainly make you feel much better in hot weather, but the whole ‘getting rid of toxins’ deal sounded hokey. Anyway, my blood pressure, skin and breathing are fine, so I’m not too worried about the risks Philster mentioned, and I’ve already found my mate, so the pheremones aren’t so much of an issue, either (though I’ll keep it in mind :wink: )