Cholesterol and sweating provide an all-natural way to improve your heart health. The two can work in a synergistic manner to not only improve your cardiovascular functioning, but also your overall level of health and longevity. In order to provide cholesterol benefits, sweating must be combined with moving your body more on a regular basis. Check with your doctor prior to starting any new exercise program.
Types
Two types of cholesterol can be affected by sweating. One type is termed good while the other type is termed bad. Good cholesterol, technically known as HDL or high-density lipoprotein, plays a beneficial role in protecting your heart's health. Bad cholesterol, known as LDL or low-density lipoprotein, is the harmful cholesterol that can hinder cardiovascular health. Healthy cardiovascular functioning depends upon reducing harmful cholesterol and increasing beneficial cholesterol.
Significance
Sweating and cholesterol play a significant role in heart health. Sweating can result from moderately brisk or vigorous aerobic activities which increase cardiovascular endurance, according to the National Institute on Aging. These endurance activities increase heart rate for an extended period of time. Aerobic, or endurance, activities can lower risks for developing heart disease and health ailments including diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure and high blood sugar, according to the American Heart Association.
Considerations
Sweating needs to occur in order for any cholesterol-lowering benefits to take place, according to the National Institute on Aging. Even though any physical activity is better than none, doing 10 minutes or less will not provide the cardiovascular benefits. If you are inactive, start out with only five minutes and gradually increase your time and intensity. Warming up and cooling down before and after your workout will lower the risk of injury.
Functions
Sweating functions as a cholesterol-boosting factor when combined with consistent aerobic activity. Engaging in 30 minutes of moderately brisk activities including walking, dancing, bicycling, floor mopping or skiing will decrease both harmful and total cholesterol levels by removing cholesterol from the bloodstream. This same activity level can also increase beneficial cholesterol, according to MayoClinic.com. To reap cholesterol benefits, the activities need to be done on four or more days weekly. Breaking the 30 minutes into shorter time intervals -- for example, 10 to 15 minutes -- offers a viable option, time-wise.
Facts
Sweating serves as a defense mechanism that regulates body temperature. The amount of sweating that occurs depends upon your current state of fitness, according to the bodybuilding site at ParrilloPerformance.com. The better your fitness level, the more cardiovascular workout is needed to break a sweat. Less fit individuals will break a sweat with little activity. Sweat can be beneficial for all fitness levels engaged in physical activity.
Warnings
Fluids lost during sweating need to be replaced to prevent dehydration. Drinking fluids is essential for all age groups, but especially for older individuals who may not notice signs of thirst. Remember to drink while exercising, even when not sweating. Stop activities when dizziness, chest pain, excessive tiredness, feelings of sickness, heartburn or breathlessness occurs.
