Sweating is a bodily function that most people tend to think of as a nuisance, a sometimes-embarrassment, and overall - an inconvenience. But it has some very important purposes and is an integral part of the infinite wisdom that is contained within the amazing machines that we call bodies.

Most people tend to think of the cooling aspect as the primary purpose of sweating. And while that is definitely one of its primary biological functions, it also serves as a part of our built-in detox system. Related: Multifaceted Benefits of Hot Yoga

Just as we eliminate excess waste from food via our digestive system, nature gave us a natural mechanism for getting rid of excess environmental toxins (and salt) via our sweat. This is why it is so important that we have a good, constructive sweat several times a week.

Whether that sweat comes from the physical strain and body heat that results from a strenuous workout or from simply sitting in a sauna or out in the hot sun, we still garner the benefits of the toxic relief that sweating offers.

Getting Rid of Excess Salt, Heavy Metals and Other Trace Toxins

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of tasting the sweat on your upper lip (most of us have), then you know that it has a very high salt content. As you sweat, you do get rid of a lot of unnecessary salt as well as trace toxins that pollute the body. For most of us that’s a good thing since our sodium intake AND toxic exposure can be so high in this country.

Samples of sweat have been taken in various experiments and show that we do sweat out heavy metals and other environmental toxins like arsenic and mercury. We have two very important organs that are designed to filter out toxins, the liver and the kidneys. However, sweating remains a very important secondary way to get rid of toxins through our largest organ of all. The skin.

Replenish Those Electrolytes

When sweating it out via a vigorous workout or a session in the sauna, it is important to realize you can lose some valuable electrolytes. Electrolytes are minerals (salt is the primary electrolyte found in our sweat) that help to balance the electrical charge within the body. An imbalance can lead to dangerous heart rhythms as well as the risk of nausea and losing consciousness.

Our heart, muscles and general workings of the brain and body all rely on electrical impulses. So it’s important to replenish the body with water when you have lost a lot of fluid via sweating.

Coconut water is an excellent alternative to chemical-heavy sports drinks. It contains natural sources of electrolytes and hydrates the body very effectively (related: Health Benefits of Drinking Alkaline Water). Plus it can be a nice treat for those that aren’t partial to drinking a lot of water.

In addition, lemon water can really help replenish not only your fluids, but also your electrolytes when you’ve had a heavy sweat. A good alkaline water can also come in handy since its infused with extra electrolytes (and tastes oh SO good).   

Remember to Use an Effective Natural Deodorant

We offer what we believe to be one of the most potent and effective natural deodorants out there. But of course, we may be a little biased :)  Seriously though, it's not really an antiperspirant (remember, it's good and important to still perspire), so it does block the sweat glands (related: Ingredients in Natural Deodorant). And how effective are antiperspirants and blocking all moisture anyway? 

It really does the job on deodorizing by neutralizing the bacteria that cause the unpleasant smell with potent and plentiful essential oils. We also add baking soda for good measure as a moisture-prevention and anti-odor ingredient.  Plus, it's zero waste. You can literally use it down to the last drop.