My sweat isn't salty...normal?

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2009-03-05 1:44 PM

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Subject: My sweat isn't salty...normal?

I've been going to spinning classes as opposed to biking outside because it's too cold in the NE to be outside. I've noticed in these classes, that I sweat way more than I do when I'm outside, but I figure that's normal, there's no wind etc.

As I'm spinning, sweat is dripping down my face and it's not burning my eyes, and it doesn't taste salty at all. I'm wondering if I'm sweating so much, I'm diluting my normal sweat and that is why it's not salty? or should I be concerned ?

Note: I am not trying to lick my sweat, it just happens!

 

 

2009-03-05 1:55 PM
in reply to: #1999694

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Subject: RE: My sweat isn't salty...normal?
NYC_Meg - 2009-03-05 12:44 PM

I've been going to spinning classes as opposed to biking outside because it's too cold in the NE to be outside. I've noticed in these classes, that I sweat way more than I do when I'm outside, but I figure that's normal, there's no wind etc.

As I'm spinning, sweat is dripping down my face and it's not burning my eyes, and it doesn't taste salty at all. I'm wondering if I'm sweating so much, I'm diluting my normal sweat and that is why it's not salty? or should I be concerned ?

Note: I am not trying to lick my sweat, it just happens!

 

 

Erm, sweat is sweat. You can't "dilute" it by sweating more.

If you're sweat doesn't taste salty, then you might have a deficiency in sodium (unlikely in todays age), or you are just really really well hydrated.

Caveat - Sodium is one of the key components of the electrical action in the heart, so if you don't taste salt and you also feel funky in the chest, get it checked out.

John 

2009-03-05 2:09 PM
in reply to: #1999694

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Subject: RE: My sweat isn't salty...normal?

It's more likely that when you are outside, the sweat that drips into your eyes or mouth is more salty.  Not because there is any more or less salt in the sweat itself.  But outdoors (especially riding) you benefit (from a cooling perspective) from more evaporation.  So the water evaporates and the salt is left behind (that's why you may see a salt "crust" at times on your body or clothing--it's not an indication that you are a "salty sweater" and therefore need more electrolytes as many people believe).  Dripping sweat may pick up some of these "left behind" salts and result in a more concentrated mixture hitting your eyes or mouth.

Make sense?

2009-03-05 2:21 PM
in reply to: #1999694

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Subject: RE: My sweat isn't salty...normal?
That makes total sense to me, I never thought about it that way.

BTW, that would make a nice piece a dialog for a CSI episode.
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