For most of us, sweating is one of the major decisive factors that make us feel that we have worked hard and achieved the day’s fitness goals thoroughly.
Truly, sweating is one of the major determinants of increased fitness levels. However, as it turns out, there are many factors about exercise sweat and sweating, in general, that we are completely unaware of. From excessive sweating to different types of sweat glands, know more about these surprising facts. They are sure to change the way you think about fitness and its relation with sweating…
Men and women sweat differently: Surprised? It’s true. Men and women sweat in different patterns. An average adult male produces approximately four times more sweat per day than women of the same age. According to a research published in the journal Experimental Physiology, men are more effective sweaters than women during exercise. For women to start sweating, they have to exercise at a higher intensity. Although the real reason behind this is still unknown, there are a number of speculations and theories. While some attribute this to the evolutionary process, some others believe it is due to hormonal differences.
Increased sweating means increased fitness: Many people relate increased sweating to reduced fitness levels. However, the truth is quite the contrary. Individuals who sweat more are in a better fitness state than those with decreased sweating. This is because increased exercise sweating prevents the overheating of the body. As the water from sweat evaporates from the body, it produces a cooling effect and thus prevents overheating.
Sweating is influenced by heredity: Sweating is largely influenced by genetically determined molecules called major histocompatibility complex. Due to these molecules, heredity effects different people’s ability to sweat in different manners.
Excessive sweating: Although we sometimes attribute excessive sweating to weather changes or heavy clothing, sometimes, this may indicate a deeper condition. Hyperhidrosis is a medical term used to describe excessive sweating in individuals with over active sweat glands. Such people sweat for no apparent reason, even when they are inside a cool room. Some of the areas affected most by hyperhidrosis are palms, feet, underarms and face. However, hyperhidrosis may also indicate associated conditions like cancer, acromegaly and Parkinson’s disease among others.
Antiperspirants should best be applied at night: The main function of antiperspirants is that they clog the sweat glands as soon as they come in contact with water thereby preventing sweating. This is primarily due to the presence of compounds like zirconium and aluminum in antiperspirants. When these products are applied in the morning after taking a shower or before going out, the aluminum in them will react only superficially with the water or sweat on the surface instead of in the pores. This prevents the glands from getting blocked. On the other hand, if you apply during night time, it will be most effective as the sweat secretion is least during this time.
There are two different types of sweat: If you believe that all sweats are the same, you are wrong. This is because there are two different types of sweat glands in our body. One is the Eccrine sweat glands while the other is the Apocrine sweat glands. The Eccrine sweat glands are responsible for producing “water sweat” which is basically composed of water and salt. They are found all over the body but concentrated mostly around the face, feet and hands. The Apocrine glands, on the other hand, are found only in areas where hair follicles are present like your armpits.