Is It Bad to Sweat a Lot?

Perspiration can be annoying, uncomfortable and embarrassing. But is sweating bad for you? Today we’ll explore the advantages and disadvantages of sweating, and what you can do about excessive sweat. 

Is Sweating Bad For You?

The short answer is no — sweating is not bad for you.

Sweating is an essential function of the human body. It helps regulate body temperature by releasing salt-based fluid from the sweat glands.

The human body contains an average of three million sweat glands. Hot temperatures, stress, hormones, exercise and even certain medications and illnesses all trigger sweat.

Every individual produces different amounts of sweat. How much you sweat depends on a range of factors including weight, genetics, physical fitness and sex.

For example, one person may have more sweat glands than someone else. Fit people tend to sweat more and faster than the average individual. Individuals with high body masses also tend to sweat more.

But sweating too much, or not enough, can cause problems. Without sweat, your body can overheat. A lack of sweat can mean your sweat glands are no longer functioning correctly due to a disorder or nerve damage.

Benefits of Sweating

Sweating doesn’t always stink. Here are some of the benefits of sweating:

  • Body temperature regulation: Sweat regulates your body temperature and stops you from overheating.
  • Acne prevention: Your pores open up when you sweat. It releases grime that can accumulate in your pores, preventing it from clogging and forming pimples.
  • Illness prevention: Sweat contains antimicrobial peptides that fight bacteria, viruses and fungi.
  • Kidney stone prevention: Sweating prevents salt and calcium from accumulating in the kidneys and urine and forming kidney stones.
  • Detoxification: Sweating flushes the body of alcohol, cholesterol, salt and other toxic elements.
  • Endorphin booster: Exercise increases the endorphin levels in the body, which is why sweating it out at the gym has been proven to make people happier. Endorphins also act as natural painkillers.

When Sweating Becomes a Problem

Sweating is normal. But if you are sweating excessively and for absolutely no reason, you may have a medical condition called hyperhidrosis.

Those with hyperhidrosis commonly:

  • Sweat through their clothing
  • Sweating constantly, even when not physically active
  • Worry about having stained clothing or body odor
  • Are reluctant to make physical contact such as shaking hands
  • Spend a great deal of time spent dealing with sweat
  • Experience skin patches that stay wet, turn soft and white, or peels
  • Contract skin infections like athlete’s foot in areas where they sweat a lot

There are two types of hyperhidrosis: primary and secondary.

Primary hyperhidrosis occurs when the nerves that send signals to produce sweat are overactive. People with hyperhidrosis sweat for no reason in specific concentrated areas, such as their hands, feet or head.

Secondary hyperhidrosis isn’t as common. It’s directly caused by a medical condition or medication side effect.

Hyperhidrosis is not harmful. There is no cure, but it isn’t a life-threatening condition. However, hyperhidrosis can have detrimental side effects. From the daily struggles of gripping a steering wheel or typing with sweaty hands to social anxiety and even depression, hyperhidrosis can have negative health consequences if it’s not managed properly.

If you experience any of these signs or think you may have hyperhidrosis, it may be time to talk to a doctor.

Managing Your Sweat

If you don’t have hyperhidrosis but are still bothered by your sweat, a few lifestyle changes may help you feel more comfortable.

  • See a doctor about treatment options
  • Learn about natural home remedies to ease sweat
  • Stay hydrated
  • Find a strong underarm antiperspirant or deodorant
  • Avoid spicy foods and caffeine in your diet
  • Wash regularly to prevent skin infections
  • Layer your clothing
  • Wear a sweat proof shirt, like the Thompson Tee

Thompson Tee: The Ultimate Protection

Whether you sweat excessively or want an extra layer, a Thompson Tee can offer guaranteed, natural sweat protection. Thompson Tees are available in men's and women's styles.

The patented sweat proof technology blocks 100% of armpit sweat from staining your clothes. The proprietary layering and stitching system were designed to prevent sweat from showing through.

Made from premium combed cotton, Thompson Tee undershirts can endure the most intense sweating events and up to a year’s worth of washes.

Try a Thompson Tee risk-free for 30 days!