Written by Dayna Love, owner of Oxygen Sauna
Understanding Sweating and Body Odor: How Saunas Can Help
For some individuals, sweating can become a problematic issue, either from excessive perspiration or a complete inability to sweat. Conditions such as Bromhidrosis (sweating with odor), Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating, either localized or generalized), and Anhidrosis (the inability to sweat) can have serious physical, emotional, and mental health consequences.
For most people, sweating and body odor are typically associated with exercise, warm weather, or stress. It's the body’s way of cooling down and regulating temperature. Sweat is essential for survival, as it helps prevent overheating.
The body contains two to four million sweat glands, with most being eccrine glands. These are found on the soles of the feet, palms, forehead, cheeks, and armpits. Eccrine glands secrete a clear, odorless fluid that cools the body through evaporation. Apocrine glands, on the other hand, are located in the armpits and genital area, and produce a thicker fluid. When this fluid interacts with bacteria on the skin, it can cause the characteristic body odor.
Both types of sweat glands are activated by nerve responses, which can be triggered by various factors, including:
Signals from the brain indicating body heat
Hormonal changes
Emotional stress
Physical activity
Individuals with Hyperhidrosis often find that their sweat glands are constantly “on,” leading to excessive sweating. However, people with Bromhidrosis tend to experience odor due to the interaction between apocrine sweat and bacteria. Those with Hyperhidrosis typically do not suffer from body odor, as the sweat from eccrine glands tends to wash away the bacteria responsible for the smell. However, body odor can occur if sweat is allowed to dry on the skin, providing bacteria an opportunity to produce odor.
It’s also important to note that body odor is normal and not always a result of excessive sweating. Sweat itself is odorless, but certain factors—such as medical conditions, genetics, body weight, or diet—can increase susceptibility to stronger body odors.
On the other end of the spectrum is Anhidrosis, or Hypohidrosis, which is the absence of sweating. This condition can affect large or small areas of the body and may be caused by a variety of factors. Unfortunately, anhidrosis is often underdiagnosed, as many people with mild cases are unaware of their condition. In fact, those affected by mild anhidrosis may never even report it to their healthcare providers.
While hyperhidrosis sufferers may think anhidrosis sounds less troublesome, the truth is that not sweating can be dangerous. Sweat plays a crucial role in cooling the body, regulating temperature, and preventing overheating. Even people without hyperhidrosis sweat continuously, though they may not always notice it.
I personally struggled with anhidrosis. Despite growing up in hot Arizona, I rarely sweated. This led to significant health challenges, especially in my early 30s when I became very ill. I became highly sensitive to chemicals and could no longer tolerate certain smells. After seeing numerous doctors, including a leading environmental specialist, I found no relief. It was only when I met a French doctor named Bernard that things started to change. Bernard introduced me to new treatments and helped me understand the vital role of sweat in detoxification. He also taught me about ozone and oxygen therapy, which eventually led me to study under Dr. Frank Salanberger in Canada.
To address my anhidrosis, I committed to a 21-day sauna regimen. Around the 10th session, my body began to react by breaking out in itchy blisters, but after a few days, the discomfort passed. By the end of the 21 days, I was able to sweat naturally again after more than 30 years of not sweating.
In my experience working with others since 1996, I’ve found that people who struggle with health challenges, including those who don't sweat, greatly benefit from sauna therapy. By committing to a series of sauna sessions, their bodies can "relearn" how to sweat. This is especially true for individuals suffering from anhidrosis. Even though these individuals may not sweat much initially, with time, they begin to experience the same benefits of toxin release and improved health as others who sweat regularly.
Why Sweating Matters for Our Health
Sweating is essential for overall health. It helps remove toxins, balances bodily systems, and keeps the skin clean. The addition of ozone and oxygen therapy can further enhance the body’s detox process and bring balance to the body’s systems. I often explain to my clients that the body is like a barrel: it can handle a lot, but eventually, it overflows in the form of symptoms and disease. Regular sauna use helps prevent this overflow and supports natural detoxification.
For those with Bromhidrosis (lack of sweat causing odor), saunas can help by promoting regular sweating, which in turn washes away bacteria. In the case of Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), while it might seem counterintuitive to sweat more, regular sauna use can help regulate the body’s sweat production, balancing the mechanisms and preventing overproduction. It’s important to start at a lower temperature and stay well-hydrated. Over time, the body learns to better regulate its sweat response.
For those with Anhidrosis, saunas are particularly beneficial in helping the body relearn how to sweat.
The Benefits of Regular Sauna Use
For most people, regular sauna sessions are a great way to maintain overall health, boost the immune system, and promote relaxation. If you haven't experienced the benefits of an Oxygen Sauna (which also includes ozone therapy), I highly recommend giving it a try. It’s not just any sauna; it provides the added benefits of oxygen and ozone, which help optimize cellular function and detoxification.
In addition, here’s some feedback from users on Reddit about the effects of saunas on sweating habits:
“After a year of regular sauna use, I sweat more than I did before. I can even start sweating at medium temperatures, not just on hot days.”
“I’ve noticed that after going a few months without a sauna, I feel like my body is holding onto stress, and I can’t sweat properly. After using the sauna, my pores open up, and I sweat much more efficiently.”
“Since I started using the sauna, I sweat a lot more, and I’m much more tolerant of heat. I used to feel cold in temperatures below 20°C, but now I only need a jacket below 15°C.”
In Summary: The Potential Benefits of Saunas
Relaxation and Stress Reduction: Saunas can reduce stress, which in turn may help alleviate excessive sweating.
Improved Circulation: The heat from the sauna promotes better blood flow, which may help regulate sweat production over time.
Detoxification: Sweating in a sauna helps flush toxins from the body, supporting overall health.
In conclusion, there are natural ways to mitigate body odor, certainly using a natural deodorant from PurO3 that contains ozone in the product could help.
Other natural ways are:
Regular sauna use can improve sweating efficiency, help regulate body temperature, and promote overall well-being. Whether you are looking to address body odor, excessive sweating, or anhidrosis, saunas provide an effective and natural solution.
Natural remedies for underarm odor include baking soda, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and essential oils.
Baking soda
Neutralizes odors by balancing the skin's acid
Absorbs sweat and keeps skin dry
Make a paste with baking soda and water, apply to armpits, and let it dry
Apple cider vinegar
Kills odor-causing bacteria with its antibacterial properties
Mix with water in a spray bottle and spray on armpits
Lemon juice
Kills bacteria with its citric acid
Mix with water in a spray bottle and spray on armpits
Or, rub the juice directly on armpits
Essential oils
Tea tree oil and lavender oil have antibacterial and astringent properties
Mix with water and apply to armpits
Other remedies
Tomato juice can help with sweat gland secretions and bacteria
Rose water can reduce perspiration and leave a floral scent
Aloe vera gel can reduce odor and bacteria growth
Coconut oil can help with odor-causing bacteria and restore skin pH
Other tips for reducing underarm odor include: wearing natural fibers, staying hydrated, and eating a healthy diet.
I am personally alarmed at the notion of stopping someone from sweating via surgeries, laser treatments and drugs, The point is the body has to sweat and it just needs nudging to bring the body into balance.
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