Why salty sweat

There are a few things that can make this high-sodium sweat more likely. People tend to experience salty sweat more when they are performing higher-intensity exercise in a hot environment for a longer duration, says Pryor. People who have higher sweat rates also tend to have saltier sweat than those who sweat less, says Pryor. Remember, while it might seem counterintuitive that your body is trying to reabsorb sodium after sweating it out, its goal is to maintain a proper sodium-water balance to ensure efficient functioning.

Plus, it can be annoying and uncomfortable—in the case of salty sweat that burns when it gets into your eyes or into a cut. There is also a more serious condition called hyponatremia , which occurs when there is a low level of sodium in the blood and can cause nausea, headache, or confusion.

In fact, a position statement from the American College of Sports Medicine recommends adding a little extra salt to food and drink when sodium loss through sweat is high.

In this case, your doctor may order an electrolyte panel to check your levels. SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Give Now ». Noon Edition. Home Archives About Contact. Why Does Sweat Taste Salty? By Don Ulin Posted November 17, Media Player Error Update your browser or Flash plugin.

Salt In, Salt Out But that passage does more than simply carry the sweat to the surface. Sweating And Efficiency And the more you sweat, the more efficient the sweat glands get at removing the salt before the sweat leaves the body. Become an Indiana Public Media supporter. So if you notice that midway through marathon training your shirt is getting soaked after just a few miles, take it as a cue that your training is on track. If this is the case, you may need to see your doc for a prescription strength antiperspirant.

If You Sweat Barely at All…. Some of us sweat more than others—it all depends on the number of sweat glands you have most of us have between two and four million. Anhidrosis is a medical condition it's usually genetic but can also be caused by factors like skin trauma defined by the inability to sweat normally, and can affect your entire bod or just certain areas.

If Your Sweat Is Salty…. Although it seems a little counterintuitive, salty sweaters are actually lacking sodium in their diet, which is an essential ingredient for keeping you hydrated. Those sweat sensors we told you about can actually measure your levels of potassium and sodium—both important electrolytes for keeping you hydrated—in real time.

A lack of one of these two nutrients in your sweat can also signal a more serious nutritional deficiency. Weight Loss.