Does More Sweat Translate to More Calories Burned?

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BY Unknown 11:14 AM 0

Does More Sweat Translate to More Calories Burned?

Why is it that after a workout, some of us sweat so much we look like we did our run in a pool, while the rest of us look as dry as we did before the workout even started? It seems like the more you sweat, the harder you're working, which would also mean more calories burned, but is that the case?

Your body creates sweat to cool you off when your body temperature gets too high. You're born with between two and four million sweat glands, and how much you sweat depends on the number of sweat glands you have (more glands equal more sweat). Women tend to have more sweat glands than men, but men's glands are more active, so they sweat more. Perspiration is also affected by how hot it is, how intensely you're exercising, and whether or not you smoke or drink coffee or cocktails — smoking, caffeine, and alcohol can increase perspiration. What you're wearing also affects your sweat as synthetic fabrics trap in heat. Fat also acts as an insulator, so overweight people sweat more than those of normal weight.

Don't use the amount you sweat as a good indicator as to the number of calories you've burned. What matters is how long and how intensely you're working out. Any weight loss that you experience immediately after a workout is only water weight, and you'll gain it right back as soon as you rehydrate yourself. So don't worry about how sweaty you get. If you go for a 30-minute run and you haven't sweat a drop, you still burned almost 300 calories.

What to Do If You Catch a Tummy Bug

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BY Unknown 6:18 AM 0

What to Do If You Catch a Tummy Bug

There are so many unpleasant procedures (think dentist and ob-gyn visits) that seem like a party when compared to the symptoms of a stomach bug. From stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, to the muscle aches, headaches, and fever, these bugs are just dreadful.

Although the actual vomiting element only lasts a day, but sometimes up to three, a stomach virus can leave you feeling tired, achy, and with digestive and intestinal troubles for up to 10 days after. A stomach bug really wrecks a person, and it can take over a week until you begin to eating your normal diet.

Unfortunately the best thing you can do when downed by a virus is let nature take its course and let your body do what it needs to do. You probably won't feel much like eating, so stick to clear fluids such as water, aloe vera gel, seltzer, ginger ale, ginger tea, and ice chips. If you do feel like eating a little, stick to bland foods like bread, crackers, broth, or white rice. Avoid dairy products, caffeine, and alcohol, since they'll just aggravate your entire digestive system. Rest as much as you can (between visits to the bathroom), and if you're really feeling awful, taking some Pepto Bismol, Tums, or other over-the-counter stomach-easing remedies may help.

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You do need to watch out for dehydration caused by losing too many fluids. Not only will dehydration make you feel worse with symptoms including dizziness, dry mouth, and fatigue, but it could also lead to seizures or permanent brain damage if left untreated. Be sure to drink clear fluids often — even popsicles help. Sip small amounts, so they're more likely to stay down. And just keep in mind that with time, you'll be back to your old self.

Once you experience a stomach virus, you want to do everything in your power to prevent it from happening again. Since these viruses are highly contagious, wash your hands often, especially when you're touching public items such as door handles and elevator buttons. Also, keeping up with your healthy diet and regular exercise routine will strengthen your immune system, so if you come in contact with a bug, your body can fight it off.