Perspiration – an essential bodily function

[11 September 2009 - 15h52]

Perspiring is essential to our body’s well-being!

Through absorption and evaporation, sweating acts as a thermostat, enabling our body to maintain a temperature of around 37°C. Which is why this aqueous, salty, colourless liquid that tends to appear at the most inconvenient moments is so very important. We can end up sweating at a job interview, when making a presentation, during a romantic encounter … in fact, at any time when emotions run high. But where exactly does sweat come from?

Sweat is secreted by two types of gland: the eccrine and apocrine glands. These are found all over the body and release sweat on to the surface of the skin via tiny openings: the pores. Sweat contains mineral salts –mainly sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium. It also contains other substances such as fats and lactic acid. The latter is produced during exertion… and can attract mosquitoes.

The not too agreeable odour associated with sweat is the result of the microbial breakdown of the toxins it contains. These toxins are expelled by the body and need to be eliminated. So avoid using an anti-perspirant! But there is no reason not to use a deodorant to combat this microbial proliferation. Sweat is often perceived as something dirty, mainly because of the odour associated with it and the marks it leaves under the armpits. In fact, sweating is an essential physiological function that helps us to regulate the temperature of our body. The only thing dirty about it is not showering after perspiring and not changing into clean clothes.

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