Why do we sweat

Sweat serves to cool the body. In heat, from approx. 37 degrees (98.4 degrees Fahrenheit) external body temperature, heat dissipation is only possible via our body's own air conditioning system, via perspiration. But it also deteriorates in older people, from around 65 years of age.

Small amounts of fluid evaporate from our skin every day and prevent our body from overheating. When beads of sweat become visible on the skin, this is commonly referred to as sweating. Blood vessels dilate and the pores in the skin open up. Everyone is familiar with such situations, when blood pressure and heart rate rise in exciting situations, when we are anxious or happy and our palms, forehead or armpits become moist.

Regulation of body temperature via the autonomic nervous system
The autonomic nervous system is also known as the autonomous nervous system because it functions without voluntary control. It regulates the internal operation of the body and controls, among other things, glandular activity, circulation, respiratory rate, blood pressure, heart rate, metabolism, body temperature, excretion, activity, sleep, growth, maturation and reproduction.

The autonomic nervous system consists of two large nerve areas with opposing functions. While the sympathetic nervous system (sympathetic nervous system) is responsible for activity, energy reduction and exertion, the parasympathetic nervous system (parasympathetic nervous system) is responsible for recovery, relaxation and energy storage.

Sweating cleanses our body and keeps the skin supple
When we sweat, the body not only excretes water, but also toxins and metabolic waste products such as urea, formic and acetic acid, lactic acid, mineral salts and toxins via the pores, which have penetrated through food, air and water. Horny cells dissolve. The outlets of the sebaceous glands open, keratinized sebum softens, excess water in the connective tissue is excreted and the skin is deeply cleansed. If the sweat and sebaceous glands do not work sufficiently, the skin becomes dry, tends to flake and loses elasticity. The skin is often referred to as the third kidney due to its great ability to excrete salts and waste products.