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zorro
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Our normal body temperature is 37 degrees Celcius. Then why do we perspire even at a temperature lower than 37 degrees (say 30 degrees) ?
G037H3 said:but then internal body temperatures would be too high...our skin is a decent insulator
Ken Natton said:but I’d have to suggest to you that you might be well advised to follow the advise of your own thread title. As G037H3 pointed out, the function of sweating is to lose heat. That is, heat generated by the activities of the body, not heat coming from the ambient surroundings.
Abdul Quadeer said:I did not ask what is the function of sweating.
Ken Natton said:That is like wondering why a piece of metal fresh from the furnace glows red when the ambient temperature is much lower.
jarednjames said:Think about this:
I live in the UK, relatively low average temperatures of 10 to 20 degrees celsius. I find this comfortable. Yet when I travel to Florida I start sweating due to the higher ambient temperatures, but the American next to me hasn't even noticed the heat, they are comfortable.
Our body develops to regulate our internal temperature based on the ambient temperature. At this time, it is 18 degrees around me, my body is generating enough heat to maintain 37 degrees internally, compensating for the external temperature. The moment you change the ambient, my body can no longer regulate properly without time to adjust (if the ambient becomes too low your body can't compensate quick enough, your internal temperature drops and hypothermia sets in).
A person in a climate where temperatures are 40 degrees plus throughout summer won't feel the heat as much as I would. They may be able to walk around in trousers quite comfortably whilst I am in as little as possible trying to stay cool all the while sweating as my body tries to adjust to compensate for the ambient temperature.
So to answer your question, for a person in a 10 degree ambient temperature, their body will be producing enough heat to maintain 37 degrees internally. However, if you increase the ambient to 20 degrees, their body is then not required to produce as much heat and so until you adjust, you are producing too much heat and become too warm and so start to sweat. If you do not sweat (and can't cool yourself / your body can't regulate it's temperature), as with hypothermia your body temperature will fluctuate from the required 37 degrees and you will become seriously ill. All the time, the ambient is 17 degrees lower than your internal temperature.
Abdul Quadeer said:If we keep the temperature of whole Earth constant at 37 degrees. Our body will take some time to adjust to it and consequently we feel comfortable. Is this right?
Even though it may seem counterintuitive, our bodies actually sweat in cooler temperatures as a way to regulate our internal temperature. Sweating is our body's natural cooling mechanism, and it kicks in when our internal temperature rises above a certain threshold. In cooler temperatures, our bodies may produce less sweat compared to warmer temperatures, but we still sweat in order to maintain a healthy internal temperature.
No, sweating in cooler temperatures does not necessarily mean you are more dehydrated. While sweating does result in the loss of fluids from the body, the amount of sweat produced in cooler temperatures is typically not significant enough to cause dehydration. However, it is important to drink enough water to replenish any fluids lost through sweating.
In some cases, excessive sweating in cooler temperatures can be a sign of an underlying health issue such as an overactive thyroid or a hormonal imbalance. If you feel like you are sweating more than usual in cooler temperatures, it is best to consult with a healthcare professional to rule out any potential health concerns.
Yes, there are some benefits to sweating in cooler temperatures. Sweating can help remove toxins from the body and can also improve circulation. Additionally, sweating in cooler temperatures may help improve endurance and athletic performance, as the body is able to cool itself more efficiently.
It is not possible to completely prevent sweating in cooler temperatures as it is a natural bodily process. However, you can minimize excessive sweating by wearing breathable clothing and staying hydrated. Additionally, avoiding spicy foods and alcohol can also help reduce sweating in cooler temperatures.