In this episode of the Science of Slink podcast, Rosy is joined by Dr. Drew Best (@shreddy_professor), an assistant professor of biology at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. Dr. Best specializes in the study of human sweating. Together, they explore the evolutionary history, biological mechanisms, and practical aspects of sweating, especially in relation to physical activities like pole dancing. They discuss the differences between eccrine and apocrine sweat glands, how humans have adapted to high heat environments, and the genetic and acclimatization factors that influence sweating. Dr. Best offers practical tips for managing excessive sweating, including pre-cooling methods and the use of antiperspirants. The episode underscores the importance of movement in human evolution and biology, making it a must-listen for both fitness enthusiasts and anyone interested in the science behind sweating.

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Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:25 Exciting Announcement: Essentials of Slink Membership

01:38 Meet Dr. Drew Best: The Science of Sweating

03:14 The Evolution and Function of Sweat Glands

11:30 Human Adaptations to Heat and Sweating

17:23 Practical Tips for Training in the Heat

18:22 Optimizing Recovery in Hot Environments

18:51 The Role of Electrolytes and Sports Beverages

20:08 Understanding Sweat Loss and Sodium Replacement

22:57 Dietary Influences on Sweating

26:11 Individual Variation in Sweating

28:19 Managing Excessive Sweating

33:45 The Uniqueness of Human Sweating

35:19 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Links:

Dr. Best’s Google scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=ViuK774AAAAJ