Why does 'sweating out' a cold or flu work?
When many people have a cold or flu, they put extra blankets on their bed in order to make them sweat. Does this really work? Why?
Posted by allegra
I guess so, if only because sweating in general releases toxins (and regulates your body temperature!). But when you're sweating _anything_ out, you have to drink a ton of water and replenish the salt (with soup) that you've lost through sweat to prevent dehydration. 'Cause dehydration can put a person in the hospital faster than anything.
Posted by Sane
This is not something I studied so take it with a grain of salt.
Personal experience: I got a great immune system and rarely get sick. When I do start to get sick, at some point I break out in a really wet sweat. I will be wet and cold, I will have to change my PJ's (if im wearing any which is unlikly) and change the sheets,and lay a towel down (the bed will be that soaked) or sleep on the futon. When I rewake in the mourning, I usaully feel a lot better than the night before. I do nothing to initiate this process, but glad it happens and works.
Due to this often experiance, I only guess why it works. Mabe my core temps get high to kill some of the virous which inturn causes the deluge of sweat or perhaps some of the virous and/or bacteria is ejected with the sweat.
I do not say inducing sweat can help. Give it a try (first consult a doctor) and see what happens if he/she says it cant hurt.
PS there's a plant that grows wild that i pick and make a strong tea with. I use it for fevers. After I or my wife drinks it we sweat, I mean really sweat. After the sweating stops and change of clothes, the fever is usaully almost non-existent.
Posted by billy s
Because you are sweating out the germs
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