Top Health Benefits of the Ocean

1. Viewing the Water Improves Mental Wellbeing

It seems almost every month, new evidence is showing that being by the sea is good for body and mind. For example, several recent studies, such as one out of UC Davis, have found that just looking at water has been shown to improve mental wellbeing, which can have sustained secondary benefits as well. Another study published in the American Association for the Advancement of Science’s journal found evidence that the color of the blue ocean is associated with enhanced creativity. Another large UK study, found that being near the ocean can improve dopamine levels by as much as 250%. Other "happy hormones" are also produced, such as seratonin and melatonin, which greatly enhance the brain's defenses against free radicals and other forms of neurodegenerative damage. A recent study from the University of Cambridge found that just swimming in cold water may help safeguard the brain against conditions like dementia. According to the study, those who routinely swim in cold water had higher blood levels of a protein known as "cold-shock proteins." It has been demonstrated that this protein, which aids in the formation of synapses, can delay the onset of dementia and even repair some of the damage it causes in mice.

“Staring at the ocean actually changes our brain waves’ frequency and puts us into a mild meditative state.”

-Richard Shuster, PsyD

The health benefits of the ocean extend beyond getting you into a good mood.

2. Swimming in Sea Water Improves Skin Health

Ocean Water contains an abundance of magnesium, potassium, calcium, selenium, salt, and sulfur, which the human skin needs. Magnesium specifically has been shown to be very helpful for dry skin. People who use water high in magnesium, such as dead sea salts, have

reported dramatic changes in their eczema and psoriasis. Swimming in salt water can also thwart acne-causing microorganisms because salt is antibacterial and antimicrobial. Many dermatologists support the use of salt facials to treat troubled skin. It is worth noting that nearly every skin type is safe to use with salt facials, which also offer deep exfoliation.

Research has also shown that the body absorbs nutrients through the skin that it may be deficient in. For example, studies have found that iodine infused gel applied to the skin is absorbed and utilized by the body. Given the abundance of trace minerals in the ocean, it is likely to impart important minerals for the body to utilize.

3. Breathing Sea Air Improves Respiratory Issues

Of all of its benefits, perhaps the most impactful aspects of the ocean is the production of negative ions.

What effects do negative ions have?

• Improved neutralization of free radicals

• Boosted cellular metabolism

• Improved immunological performance

• Enhanced blood purification

• Promotion of restful sleep and good digestion by balancing the autonomic nerve system.

The salty ocean air contains a high amount of negative ions. When we breathe in these ions, they aid in the absorption of oxygen in our blood and the rise of oxygen levels in our brains. Negative ions improve our alertness, attention, and clarity of thought, and allow us to feel more invigorated and more likely to spend our days active. Not only can more active days make you sleepy at night, but higher levels of oxygen are linked to deeper, more restorative sleep. These negative ions not only boost your oxygen levels, but the hormone levels associated with improved immunity.

Halotherapy, a form of breathing therapy, is used to treat patients with respiratory conditions, such as asthma, chronic bronchitis and smoke-related symptoms. It is the same principle behind the therapeutic benefits of salt caves and how good they are for you.

However you choose to experience the ocean, from mediating beachside to complete submersion, rest assured you are getting a holistic, immune boosting, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic therapy, that likely includes many other undiscovered benefits.

Sources:

Negative Air Ions and Their Effects on Human Health and Air Quality Improvement. Jiang SY, Ma A, Ramachandran S. Int J Mol Sci. 2018 Sep 28;19(10):2966.

"Negative Ions Create Positive Vibes" Brunilda Nazario, MD. https://www.webmd.com/balance/features/negative-ions-create-positive-vibes

Xiao S, Wei T, Petersen JD, Zhou J, Lu X. Biological effects of negative air ions on human health and integrated multiomics to identify biomarkers: a literature review. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2023 Jun;30(27):69824-69836.