Science Of Life

Author(s): U S Dugar
Publisher: U S Dugar

Page 89

and other minor respiratory problems. The heat produces an artificial “fever" and urges every organ of the body into action will especially insure an even distribution of the blood necessary for the normal functioning of all organs, including the extremities. Of course it is unlikely that “any disease” can be cured by fever, but it is common knowledge that many bacterial and viral agents do not survive well at temperatures higher than normal body temperature. It is also possible that damaged cells repair themselves quicker in fever conditions due to the increased metabolic rate. Staying warm helps keep one alert and improves cognitive power, such as memory.
Heat promotes sweating. Sweating is as essential to our health as eating and breathing. It accomplishes three important things: rids the body of wastes, regulates the critical temperature of the body at 37°0C (98.6° F), and helps keep the skin clean and pliant. The skin and kidney filter the wastes, excreting them in sweat and urine so the skin is called the “third kidney." The skin is the largest organ and far more complex than the kidney or any other organ except the brain. It is composed of blood vessels, nerve endings, vessels for carrying lymph, pigmentation, oil glands, hair follicles, cells that waterproof and deny entry to bacteria and, of course, the tubular, coiled sweat glands through which, either the sensible or insensible perspiration is supposed to be perpetually transmitted. To a certain extent the skin also absorbs oxygen and exhales carbon dioxide, the amount being about one-thirtieth of that excreted by the lungs.
Perspiration is recognised by health practitioners' world over as perhaps the most effective
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