Masters of Health Magazine June 2023 | Page 32

For many of us, the minute the weather warms up, we start thinking about a vacation by the ocean. We can’t seem to get enough ‘Vitamin Sea!’

The sun, the sand, the salt water - all spell relaxation and rejuvenation. But there’s more. There are some significant health benefits to a trip to the seashore. Those good feelings you get aren’t just happy summer vibes, powerful healing is taking place.

 Ancient Cure-All 

 

The ancient Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians recognized the emotional and physical benefits of the ocean. Hippocrates, Plato, and Aristotle have all been credited with recommending the healing qualities of the ocean for the human body and soul. According to Plato, “The sea cures all ailments.”

 

In the 18th century, dunks in the cold ocean became the cure for anything from fever and digestive problems to shrinking tumors by the British upper class. Some people even drank salt water like tea - sweetened with honey or diluted with milk.

 (NOTE: Not safe to do).

 

Time Well Spent

 

Today, backed by science, we better understand the physical and emotional healing properties of the ocean. Whether you swim in the water, splash in the waves, or walk along the shoreline, time at the ocean is time well spent. 

 

A Different Type of “Blue Zone”

 

This different type of “Blue Zone” offers numerous benefits. Among them:

 

·         Boosts Immunity - The number of red blood cells increases between 5 - 20% after a swim in the sea. The number of white blood cells increases even more. If you have high blood sugar, anemia, or a weakened immune system, head to the ocean! Taking a dip also strengthens the body against viral or bacterial outbreaks.

 

·         Did you know ocean water and our blood plasma are 98% identical? When you immerse yourself in warm seawater, the body absorbs the minerals it needs through the skin.

 

·         Improves Skin, Inflammation, and Infection - Salt is naturally antibacterial. Any cut, irritation, or wound will get a healing boost from a swim! Combined with sunshine vitamin D, the salt and minerals found in ocean water will assist in healing ulcers, lupus, psoriasis, and other skin diseases. Its detoxifying effects pull impurities from the body!

 

·         Emotionally speaking, spending time at the ocean promotes calmness and positivity and alleviates stress. Just being near this oxygen-producing water mass makes us relaxed and yet energized at the same time!

 

·         Swimming in the ocean offers grounding benefits, including reduced inflammation, reduced pain, deep sleep, and improved blood flow/pressure.

Answer the Call

 

And these are just a few of the nearly endless list of health benefits a dip in the ocean will provide! Not to mention the fun factor!

 

So, if you hear the call of the sea, answer it! Do yourself - your mind, body, and soul - a favor and enjoy some well-deserved fun in the sun. 

 

More Summers

And do yourself another favor and schedule an appointment with a 100-Year Lifestyle provider near you before you go

.

They will help you stay at your peak, living at 100% for 100 years or more, so you can enjoy many more active summers by the seashore!

Vitamin Sea

by Dr. Eric Plasker, DC