Sweating helps balance body temperature and is defined as the release of a salt-based fluid from sweat glands. It is a very important physiological response of the body to elevated temperature or physical activity.
In humans, heat loss through sweat evaporation from the body surface is crucial for body temperature regulation during exposure to external heat and/or exercise, especially when the ambient temperature is higher than the skin temperature. However, sweating can also be a consequence of some emotional states, serious health problems, or due to hormonal changes, it can be increased during pregnancy or menopause.
Salty sweat
Just like tears, it is normal for sweat to be salty. However, if it is unusually salty to the point of burning your eyes, then this is a sign that you may be low on sodium.
A very important process for a healthy body is hydration, and although it sounds counterintuitive, you could be dehydrated when you lack sodium in your diet. You should pay attention to the electrolytes that manage sodium and potassium levels. This will prevent super salty sweat.
Sweat a little
Everyone's body is different, some people sweat more and some less, and that's completely natural. However, like everything else, too much or too little of something is usually not a good sign.
If you hardly sweat on a hot summer day or while riding a bike, it means that your sweat glands are not working well. This is a serious condition called anhidrosis and it can affect the whole body. This leads to overheating, exhaustion and heatstroke, all of which are alarming and life-threatening.
Excessive sweating
Excessive sweating is called hyperhidrosis and can happen even during cold weather for no apparent reason. It can also happen to women during menopause.
Sometimes this condition can be dangerous. If you notice frequent sweating and weight loss, sweating that occurs mainly during sleep, or a feeling of pressure in the chest during sweating, then it's time to see a doctor. With appropriate analyses, the doctor can establish what is happening and recommend how to deal with the complaints.
Foul-smelling sweat
There are two types of sweat glands on our body - eccrine and apocrine.
Eccrine glands are found all over the body and control temperature. Eccrine sweat is usually odorless and colorless. It contains 99% water, various salts and amino acids.
Apocrine glands are exclusively concentrated in certain areas, such as the armpits, intimate (genital) regions, as well as on the hairy parts of the head (areas with hair follicles) and their secretion can be stimulated by stress.
Apocrine glands, which are activated during puberty, produce sweat that is rich in proteins and fats. The amount of apocrine sweat is far less than the amount of eccrine sweat. Its composition attracts bacteria, which is the reason for the unpleasant smell. Apocrine sweat affects the appearance of yellow stains on clothes. Wash the areas where you sweat and remember that your diet, environment and medications affect your body odor.
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