Vitamin Sea: 5 Mind, Body, and Beauty Benefits of Ocean Water


By: @emma.walsh

Author Isak Dinesen famously said, "The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears, or the sea." We all know that staying active and releasing emotions is vital for our health—and as someone who grew up on the coast going to the beach year round, I also believe in the ocean’s multifaceted healing abilities. From soothing dry skin and acne, to boosting the immune system, to calming anxiety—here are seven benefits of ocean water:

Rich in Minerals that Aid Bodily Functions

Sea salt is abundant in magnesium, potassium, zinc, calcium, iodine, sodium, and iron. When you swim in the ocean, you are immersed in these beneficial minerals. These aid essential bodily functions like hydration, digestion, blood pressure, and the reduction of inflammation.

Cleanses Your Skin

Mineral salts such as sodium and iodine give ocean water its natural antiseptic properties. This can help with cleansing and healing wounds, and even improving acne.

Strengthens the Immune System  

Salt water can strengthen the immune system, as the number of red blood cells and white blood cells increases between 5 to 20% percent after swimming in cold water. This makes the ocean an ideal environment for people who have a weakened immune system.

Soothes Skin

Mineral-rich salt water also has natural healing properties that soothe dry, sensitive complexions. 

Physical and Mental Health

The ocean benefits both your physical and mental health. Exercising in natural environments like the beach has been shown to have greater benefits for mental health than exercising inside. This is because the physical and mental health benefits of exercise couple with nature’s restorative effects create a beneficial mind and body experience.

References

Nani, S. Z., et al. (2016). Potential health benefits of deep sea water: A review. https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2016/6520475/ 

Chandrasekaran, N. C., et al. (2016). Permeation of topically applied magnesium ions through human skin is facilitated by hair follicles. https://magnesium-health-institute.org/Downloads/Permeation_of_topically_aplied_Mg_Ross.pdf 

Saavedra, C. (2020). Balneotherapy. https://dermnetnz.org/topics/balneotherapy

Ahmad, Bilal, et al. “Oceans as a Source of Immunotherapy.” Marine Drugs, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 10 May 2019, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6562586/ 

Previous
Next
Reducing Inflammation Through Exercise

Reducing Inflammation Through Exercise

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By @coreflexpilates founder @chrisbardawil Joint pain after exercise, headaches or brain fog after a bad night's sleep, and digestive distress after eating are all symptoms of systemic inflammation. While there are many articles and discussions about various foods and diets to reduce inflammation, little attention is paid to reducing inflammation through exercise. Inflammation in itself isn't a bad thing....

Read more
Stomach Acid: the Key to Digestion and Glowing Skin

Stomach Acid: the Key to Digestion and Glowing Skin

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @drmelissa.co The purpose of the human digestive system is to break down foods, absorb nutrients, and excrete waste; without this, humans would not be able to function. Stomach acid plays a key role in this process, allowing the body not only to survive but to thrive. After chewing, the food we eat travels to the stomach. The stomach churns and combines broken...

Read more
A Naturopathic Approach to Skin Health

A Naturopathic Approach to Skin Health

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

Q&A with Dr. Laura Belus 1) Tell us a bit about yourself    I am a practising naturopathic doctor in Mississauga Canada. My focus is on hormonal health, specifically when it comes to acne, PMS and fertility. My own journey...

Read more
Creating a Self-Care Routine for Busy Professionals

Creating a Self-Care Routine for Busy Professionals

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @ericabassotherapy If you’re a high-achieving woman, you likely relate to juggling multiple responsibilities, from demanding careers to personal commitments. When we are overwhelmed, it’s easy to believe the limiting stories we tell ourselves about not having enough time. We must willingly embrace a different narrative: that self-care is not a luxury but a necessity. Incorporating self-care into your daily routine is...

Read more
Restrictive Diets: The Hidden Costs on your Gut, Mind, and Immune System

Restrictive Diets: The Hidden Costs on your Gut, Mind, and Immune System

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @drmelissa.co ‘Restrictive diet’ is an umbrella term that encompasses changes to how, when and what one eats. To some, avoiding junk food is considered restrictive; to others, a restrictive diet may be as extreme as consuming food from only one food group or strictly avoiding others. Regardless, the ultimate question is, when do restrictive diets help and when do they harm?

Read more
Vitamin Sea: 5 Mind, Body, and Beauty Benefits of Ocean Water

Vitamin Sea: 5 Mind, Body, and Beauty Benefits of Ocean Water

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @emma.walsh Author Isak Dinesen famously said, "The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears, or the sea." We all know that staying active and releasing emotions is vital for our health—and as someone who grew up on the coast going to the beach year round, I also believe...

Read more
Intermittent Fasting: Is It Right for You?

Intermittent Fasting: Is It Right for You?

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By @coreflexpilates founder Chris Bardawil Over the past few years intermittent fasting has become the golden child of the wellness community all due to the miraculous effects it can have on your health.   Intermittent fasting is avoiding eating or drinking...

Read more
Skinimalism: A New Trend in Dermatology?

Skinimalism: A New Trend in Dermatology?

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

A Note from a Dermatologist: @dermahealthnutrition The world of aesthetic dermatology is experiencing a refreshing shift towards a trend known as "skinimalism" (Skin + Minimalism). This movement is a response to the overwhelming abundance of skincare products and complex routines that have dominated the beauty industry in recent years. At its core, skinimalism advocates a minimalist approach...

Read more
Burnt out? Here Are the Signs and Road to Recovery

Burnt out? Here Are the Signs and Road to Recovery

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @ericabassotherapy  Many of us are busier than ever before. We juggle demanding careers, personal responsibilities, and social obligations to name a few, and if you’re a high-achiever this list may never seem to end. Burnout is a growing concern today due...

Read more
How Alcohol Effects Your Gut

How Alcohol Effects Your Gut

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: Megan Tomlin @gooodmoodfoood By now, almost everyone knows that alcohol is not the healthiest thing for our minds and bodies. But what do we know about the effect that alcohol has on our gut microbiome health? Before I answer this, there are a few terms I want to define for...

Read more
The Unseen Mental Health Challenges High Achievers Face

The Unseen Mental Health Challenges High Achievers Face

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

 By: @ericabassotherapy It's hopeful to see how much society has progressed in embracing mental health discussions. But as a mental health provider, I still notice gaps in our understanding of accurate mental health information. We can all get better at recognizing signs of mental health struggles and feeling empowered to seek support when needed. As a licensed...

Read more
The Importance of Skin pH for a Clear, Healthy Complexion

The Importance of Skin pH for a Clear, Healthy Complexion

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @drmelissa.co The concept of the skin barrier has become a part of many skincare aficionado’s vocabulary, but what does it really mean?  It is important to remember...

Read more