Factors Impacting Perspiration

Q: Is human perspiration connected to genetics, nutrition, environment, lifestyle, etc?

A: Perspiration is a normal bodily function. It is one of the body’s primary methods of naturally cooling itself.

What dictates perspiration? Numerous things:

Environment – Hot and humid weather leads to greater perspiration
Fitness level – Better fitness levels lead to more efficient regulation of body temperature. This results in two things:
- During rest, less perspiration
- During physical activity,
  - Perspire sooner in response to activity/temperature
  - Perspire more as better fitness levels lead to more intense activity and greater demand on the body to cool itself
Nutrition – A healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, fiber, and lean meats results in easier digestion. Easier digestion requires less energy which generates less heat and results in easier body temperature regulation
Hydration – Proper hydration results in more efficient regulation of body temperature and less perspiration
Caffeine – It stimulates your nervous system, increases your heart rate/blood pressure, and activates your sweat glands. More energy equal more perspiration
Alcohol – It increases your heart rate and dilates the blood vessels in your skin. Body heat increases the demand on your cooling system.