Have you ever wondered why some people perspire profusely just walking to the mailbox, while others can run for miles without breaking a sweat? Many people make the mistake of relating sweat to hard work and a loss of calories, but the truth is, everyone has different sweating patterns. While many people would rather stay dry, a lack of perspiration can indicate a serious medical condition. If you're worried, discuss your sweating patterns with your doctor.
About Sweat
Your body is constantly producing heat. Most of the time, the heat is able to radiate out through the skin. However, when your body is working hard, contracting muscles as you exercise, some of the heat is absorbed by the water in your blood, which then rises to the surface of the skin through sweat glands. It then evaporates and creates a cooling effect, the HealthGuidance website explains.
Everybody's Different
Everyone doesn't sweat the same. Women tend to sweat less than men, HealthGuidance reports. Men begin to sweat at much lower temperatures than those at which women begin to sweat. People also seem to sweat less as they grow older because their bodies cannot take the heat as well as a younger person's body can. Fitness level and environmental factors can also contribute to the amount you sweat.
Myths
One important thing to remember is that perspiration is not an indicator of a losing weight. "You don't have to sweat to get a good workout, and exercising in higher temperatures and humidity can be dangerous," Gerald Endress, an exercise physiologist and fitness director at the Duke University Diet and Fitness Center tells MSNBC. Many people wear lots of layers hoping to sweat off the pounds, but this doesn't mean they are losing fat any faster --- it only means you are sweating more and the more you sweat, the more water you need to take in to stay hydrated. Keeping clothes on because you think it's better to sweat will not only make you uncomfortable but also put you at risk of dangerously overheating.
Anhidrosis
Anhidrosis, also called hypohidrosis, is defined by International Hyperhidrosis Society's SweatSolutions website as an absence of sweating. Those who wish they could avoid the gross factor linked to sweating might consider anhidrosis a plus, but not being able to perspire could be uncomfortable and potentially life-threatening. Sweat acts as your body's coolant, and without it the body can suffer from heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Anhidrosis can be caused by certain drugs or medications, nerve damage, clogged sweat ducts, skin injuries or may be an inherited condition. If you feel you might be suffering from anhidrosis, speak to your doctor.
References
- SweatSolutions; No Sweat? It's Not Always a Dream Come True; November/December 2006
- HealthGuidance; If You Don't Sweat During Exercise, Is It A Waste Of Time?; Jim O'Neill
- MSNBC; Is a good sweat necessary for a good workout?; Jacqueline Stenson; March 4, 2008 2008
- MayoClinic.com; Anhidrosis; Jan. 9, 2010
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