Don't Sweat It:
That Certain Something

Aired on Superstation WGN
Saturday, February 19 and April 16, 2005
Show 207

You smell that odor and you pray it's not you. Sweat, you think it drives people away. In fact, it might do exactly the opposite. Don't get grossed out. We're going to take a look at the upside of sweat. Upside of sweat, is there such a thing? You probably already know why people sweat. It cools us down. The disgusting thing is it stinks, right? No. Sweat is just water with a little salt in it. But it's a haven for bacteria. And if you let the bacteria get out of hand, now you've got some issues. And that's where antiperspirant and deodorant come in. If you get those embarrassing wet spots under your arms, you'll want an antiperspirant. It clogs the sweat glands to prevent you from perspiring. On the other hand, a deodorant won't keep you from perspiring but it will cover any odors. But wait, we were going to talk about the positive side of sweat. And all you need to know is one word, pheromones. Animals use them to attract members of the opposite sex. And since humans are animals, you get the idea. Pheromones are found in male perspiration and they're odorless. But the amazing thing is the affect the pheromones have on women.  Researchers apply--get this--underarm extract under women's noses and weren't surprised to find out that the women reported feeling less tense and more relaxed. So a word to the wise for men, if you want to make the women around you a little happier, go with the deodorant. Don't inhibit the release of those pheromones in your perspiration. And women beware, when you meet a man, there's a lot more going on than meets the eye.