Things you should know about sweating

Sweating is seen as a problem in our society. We think it's gross, and excessive sweating can of course be an annoying inconvenience. But sweating is actually good for us. It is a mechanism to prevent overheating.

Here are some things you should know about sweating….
* Sweating is vital in a hot environment, otherwise we would quickly overheat and die.
* Sweat glands are all over your body, over a million. There are 250,000 in one foot.
* When exercising (walking) at tropical temperatures, it is important to drink one liter of water per hour to keep the sweat production going, otherwise overheating is lurking.
* Anyone who sports and trains a lot also trains the sweat glands in number and size.

* Sweat itself does not stink, it is odorless and consists of 99% water. Perspiration only produces unpleasant odors when it comes into contact with certain bacteria on the skin.
* In addition to regular sweat (exocrine), there is also apocrine sweat. This more oily sweat does smell and is intended for sexual attraction. Anxiety sweat, especially from your armpits, also comes from the apocrine glands.
* Some people sweat considerably more than others. Why is unclear. Being overweight and/or medication can play a role in excessive sweating. Excessive sweating is called hyperhidrosis and can complicate your life. Fortunately, there is usually something that can be done about it.
* Excessive sweating is biologically inefficient.