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5 Reasons to Work Up a Sweat

This article originally appeared on Naturally Savvy Digest

A quick glance at the personal care aisle in the drug store will show how hard we try to avoid sweating. But despite the popularity of antiperspirant, there are a number of health benefits to working up a sweat.

It’s good for your heart. A report in the Journal of the American Medical Association reported that sweating it out in a sauna can reduce the risk of heart disease, heart attack, and other cardiovascular issues. The study found that men who used the sauna up to 7 times in a week had lower instances of cardiovascular incidents as well as lower mortality rates.

It detoxes your skin. Sweating eliminates toxins like salt that can block pores and cause blackheads and pimples. A University of Alberta study found many toxins are released from the body via sweat.

It keeps you cool. Sweating allows the body to react to changes in temperature, activity level, stress, and even hormone fluctuations. Doing so helps regulate your internal temperature and stops overheating.

It makes you happy. Sweating it out during a run or fitness class boosts endorphins, or happy hormones. Studies have shown exercise is one way to release these hormones that might also have pain relieving properties.

Read more about quick exercises for energy

It fights germs. Sweat has antimicrobial peptides that repel bacteria, viruses, and fungi. One study found dermacidin, a natural antibiotic produced by the skin when we sweat, is effective against germs. According to researchers, these peptides are better than traditional antibiotics since germs are unable to quickly develop a resistance to them.


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Founded by two holistic nutritionists and a trusted expert on healthy living, Naturally Savvy’s main focus is to make sure its readers eat organic and whole foods, while learning how to integrate nutrition into their daily lives. The website shares the latest news on healthy living, lessons about the harmful ingredients lurking in various food items available today and other tips to make you and your family live a happy and healthy life.