Does sweating release toxins?

Dear Likes it Cool, 

Sweating is a normal physiological process that has many benefits, including facilitating recovery of muscles, supporting skin health, and cooling the body by releasing heat. When heat is released, it cools down your internal temperature, but it can be difficult for this to occur in a hot environment. Thus, your symptoms of dizziness, nausea, and loss of energy could be the effects of heat exhaustion or other heat-related illness. That said, heated yoga may have some benefits, even if it’s not for everyone! 

As you suggested, it’s hard to define what a “toxin” actually is or if the body truly needs to “detox” them. Toxins are usually thought of as substances that build up in the body which can lead to health issues. They can be found in foods you eat or absorbed from your environment. Toxins can include things like caffeine, high-fructose corn syrup, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, metals like mercury or lead, chemicals in pesticides or plastics, or even allergens like pollen. Most of these occur naturally. Therefore, it’s when there’s an excess amount that they might start to cause more serious problems. The body already has organs that deal with toxins in their own way, whether it’s through processes of the liver, kidney, skin, or even the circulatory system. These organs all help the body maintain homeostasis, or a state of balance and stability.  

But what does homeostasis have to do with sweat? The purpose of sweat is to cool down the body when it’s overheating; this way you can stay within a normal body temperature range, usually around 97 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit. This cooling process occurs when sweat evaporates and heat is released. While sweat can also release salt or fats from the skin, it’s almost entirely made of water, so there likely isn’t much being “detoxed” through sweating. Instead, lifestyle choices like eating a nutritious and balanced diet, exercising regularly, hydrating, sleeping, and taking care of your mental and emotional health might be better methods to help the body “detox” than trying to sweat excessively. 

As for your second question, you’re right that exerting yourself in high temperatures can cause heat-related illnesses or conditions like dehydration. Heat illnesses include heat exhaustion, heat stroke, heat syncope (fainting), cramps, rash, or heat stress where the body can no longer cool itself down. Common symptoms of heat-related illnesses are: 

• Heavy sweating and overheating 
• Dehydration 
• Dizziness or fainting 
• Fatigue or weakness 
• Muscle cramps, spasms, or pain 
• Nausea 
• Skin irritation 

List adapted from The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health 

You mentioned feeling some of these side effects, so it’s possible you were experiencing heat exhaustion. Some tips to avoid serious heat illness in a hot environment, in high humidity, or when performing intense activities, are to: 

• Stay hydrated. Drinking cool water or a sports drink that contains electrolytes can help replenish the water and salt you lose from sweat. It’s recommended to be mindful of overconsumption of sports drinks because of their often high sugar content. 
• Be aware of your limits. Don’t push yourself too hard, especially if you’re not used to high heat or extreme activity. Take breaks if needed to cool down and catch your breath. Additionally, some medications or conditions like high blood pressure can increase your risk of overheating. 
• Allow your body to cool. Dressing lightly or moving to a cooler area (if possible) can also help prevent heat illness. You could also use a cold, wet cloth on your skin to bring down your temperature.  

If the body gets to a point where it’s no longer cooling down from sweat, it’s recommended to seek emergency services, as it could be a sign of heat stroke. Though exercise classes like heated yoga are intended to make you sweat, that doesn’t mean sweating excessively is always good for the body, indicative of a good workout, or releasing an overabundance of toxins. Perhaps a different instructor, environment, or class may be a better fit for you. Consider finding one that doesn’t leave you feeling weak and nauseous, but instead energized and motivated to practice again! 

Keep cool,