Let’s talk about sweat. It is often misunderstood.
Clients react differently when it comes to sweat. Some don’t feel like they’re getting in a good workout unless they sweat. Some say, “I never sweat” and then there are people like me who almost look at a piece of gym equipment and start to sweat. What’s the deal?
Sweat is your body’s way of showing up for you. It is your body’s way of thermoregulating itself to keep you from not overheating. When sweat reaches your skin, it evaporates (turns from liquid to gas), and this process cools your skin and the tissues underneath. Sweating doesn’t always mean you’re working harder or burning more calories. Some people naturally sweat more than others. Genetics, fitness level, age, hormones and even what you’ve eaten that day can affect how much you sweat. (Ever had spicy Thai food and broken into a sweat just from the first bite?)
In fact, fitter people often start sweating sooner during exercise not because they’re out of shape but because their bodies are more efficient at cooling down.
Sweat is over 99% water (with small amounts of sodium, chloride and other substances), and 1% salts and fat. We have two main types of sweat glands: eccrine glands, which are all over your body and kick in when your core temperature rises, and apocrine glands which are mostly in your armpits and genital areas. Apocrine glands are the ones responsible for odor and are generally more apparent in teenagers given as these glands start to function at puberty and stimulate sex hormones. Sweat itself does not have odor, however, sweat consistency via apocrine glands is thicker and stickier. They initiate in hair follicles and travel up into your skin.
DOES SWEAT GET RID OF TOXINS?
Counter to popular belief, no. Your liver and kidneys get rid of toxins. These organs remove toxins and waste from your blood that later come out in your pee. Sweat is healthy in that it keeps your body at a healthy thermal level.
Sweat hydrates your skin by containing substances like amino acids, that act as humectants. This means they trap moisture at your skin’s surface to ensure skin from drying out. Sweat also protects your skin from infection with natural chemicals like antimicrobial peptides that help your immune system ward off invaders like bacteria or fungi that might try to engage into your skin.
WHEN IS SWEATING NOT NORMAL? WHAT YOUR BODY MIGHT BE TELLING YOUWhen sweating becomes excessive, happens at odd times, or stops altogether when your body should be cooling itself down.
Here are a few red flags that something might be off:
1. You’re Sweating Profusely with No Clear Cause
Possible Causes:
Thyroid imbalance (like hyperthyroidism)
Diabetes
Infections
Certain medications
Hormonal changes (perimenopause, menopause)
Anxiety disorders
2. You’re Not Sweating at All (Even When You Should Be)
Possible Causes
Dehydration
Nerve damage
Skin disorders
Certain medications
Genetic conditions
3. Night sweats That Soak the Sheets
Possible Causes
Infections (like tuberculosis)
Hormonal shifts
Certain cancers (like lymphoma)
Medications (including antidepressants)
Perimenopause or menopause
FINAL THOUGHT
Sweat is a powerful messenger. Sometimes it simply says, “You worked hard today.” Other times it’s your body whispering, “Hey, something’s off.”
If your sweat doesn’t feel right, trust your gut. Don’t dismiss it or feel embarrassed to ask for help. Listening to your body is one of the strongest things you can do and you’re worth that kind of care.