Vitamin Sea: Health Benefits of the Ocean

Every surf enthusiast has respect for the ocean, its beauty and its sheer power, but did you know that being in and around the sea can have a really positive effect on your health?

The Victorians used to prescribe ‘sea air’ as a cure for major diseases such as tuberculosis, and while it doesn’t necessarily heal such major issues unaided, new evidence suggests that the doctors of days gone by weren’t working in entirely the wrong direction.

Naturally Occurring Minerals Fight Infection and Inflammation

On average, sea water is 3.5% salt (sodium chloride), and this has a huge part to play in its healing properties. As well as salt, you’ll find critical minerals in the ocean such as magnesium, potassium, chloride and sodium. These are long proven to help fight infection and work as an anti-inflammatory on the human body.

People with skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis are often advised to swim in the sea as part of their ongoing skincare management, as the naturally occurring minerals are richer than they’d usually encounter elsewhere.

The saltiness of sea water is also beneficial to more minor skin ailments such as small cuts or grazes, and the anti-inflammatory properties of the water help to relax and soothe muscles.

Sea Air Clears Respiratory Systems

Anyone who spends time around the ocean will know that somehow, the air just feels different at the beach. This is because it is notably different: high salt content causes it to be thicker. As this salty sea air is inhaled, it helps to clear the throat and respiratory system. Results of this include clearer breathing (ideal for those with asthma or other manageable respiratory illnesses), better-quality sleep and the feeling of being more awake and energetic. If you’d like to spend more time breathing in the sea air than under the water while surfing, try a deck grip on your board.

Sea Water Promotes Blood Cell Production

Evidence suggests that the number of red blood cells in the body can increase anywhere from between 5-20% after a swim or bathe in the sea; with white blood cells increasing even more! This is great news for those with a weakened immune system, anaemia or high blood sugar, as it negates their impact and helps manage the conditions.

Mental Health Improvements

What’s more, there’s studies to suggest that the ocean can have mental health benefits as well as physical. A 2013 study by Environmental Psychologist Dr Lewis Elliott and his team at the University of Exeter discovered people living closer to the coast had a better rate of health, well-being and happiness. 

Some of this may be down to the increased inclination of those near the seaside to take part in physical activity such as running, cycling, swimming or surfing; all of which increase serotonin.

Buddhists and other meditative experts believe that simply listening to the repetitive sound of the waves can help clear the mind and fight anxieties, and scientists have found that watching the natural fractals of the ocean’s waves can reduce stress responses by up to 44% due to the impact they have on the brain!