Summer is here and the sweat is dripping off you. Why oh why does a person sweat? Surprisingly, sweat is a very necessary body function.
Sweating Keeps a Person Cool
Image via Flickr by MarViniz
Sweating is how your body keeps naturally cool. To avoid heat stroke on a hot day, sweat keeps your body at its normal temperature of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius). Did you know that the human body has approximately between two and five million sweat glands? You even sweat on a cold day. How much you sweat depends on what you are doing. If you work outside on a hot day you will sweat more than a person who is working in a climate-controlled office.
In order for sweat to cool you down, it needs to evaporate. Beads of sweat are in liquid form. When this liquid evaporates, it takes a little body heat away. Sweat first cools the body since it is wet and then as it removes heat as it evaporates.
Sweating and Dehydration
Dehydration occurs when your body loses more fluid than what you take in. This can lead to dangerous complications as your organs, tissues, and cells stop functioning correctly. Dehydration can cause headaches and dizziness. Severe dehydration can make you very sick, to the point of hospitalization.
The most common way to lose fluid is by sweating. Two-thirds of your body is water. It is commonly suggested by health authorities that an average person who is not particularly active should drink around eight 8-ounce (240 milliliters) glasses of water each day. Persons who are on the go, exposed to high temperatures, and athletes need to drink more water to avoid dehydration.
Sweating and Humidity
In humid conditions, you may feel that you sweat much more. This is not the case. Since there is more water in the air when it’s humid out, it takes longer for your sweat to evaporate, making you feel like you are sweating more. When humidity reaches a high enough level, your body’s natural cooling system cannot cool itself and so you heat up.
Hot and humid weather calls for installing a superior HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system, providing a temperate climate in your home. According to the Department of Energy three-quarters of homes in the United States have air conditioning. In order for your HVAC system to work effectively keep a good service, repair, and cleaning schedule.
The air ducts in your home are continually circulating the air that you and your family breathe. Keep this circulated air clean and flowing well by having your air ducts professionally cleaned. Good, clean air flow will keep the air you breathe clean, your family healthy, and reduce the humidity in your home. making any sweat you do expel more effective.
The next time that you feel all sweaty, remember that sweat serves a very good purpose. Always drink enough water to stay hydrated. And, keep your home cool and free from humidity by ensuring that your HVAC system is in good working order.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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