The Healing Benefits of the Sea

As a land that is bordered by water on all sides, Australia is perfectly located to take advantage of all that the ocean can provide us.

For those of us who are lucky enough to live by the seaside the day to day benefits of the ocean are easy to enjoy, however for the rest of us making an effort to spend some time in and around the water can have a wonderful effect on our health and wellbeing. Find out how you can incorporate the sea’s natural goodness into you wellness regime.

MAGNESIUM

Magnesium is an essential mineral for good health. It helps to keep blood pressure normal, bones strong, reduces inflammation and assists with heart rhythm. Magnesium is found naturally in the ocean and getting a dose from swimming or surfing can help to release stress, relax muscles and promote a deep sleep. Ideally swimming 2 to 3 times per week is a good goal however if you aren’t living by the sea try to incorporate dark chocolate, avocado, legumes, soybeans, whole grains and spinach into your daily diet, all of which are high in magnesium.

VITAMIN D

A daily dose of sun on bare skin by the ocean is a great way to get your necessary Vitamin D intake (always before 10am or after 3pm to help prevent sun damage), however if you prefer to avoid the sun at all costs then try a high quality Vitamin D supplement to assit with maintaining levels.

RELAXATION & STRESS RELEASE

You only need to spend a few minutes listening to the gentle lull or mighty roar of the ocean to start to feel relaxed and restored. If you can’t get to the sea, try a relaxation app to duplicate the sound of the ocean, there are plenty to download which replicate the sound of crashing waves against and are a great help to relax and induce sleep.

SKIN

Seawater has healing benefits for many people suffering from a range of skin conditions including psoriasis, acne, lupus and eczema. Seawater is rich in sodium, calcium, chloride, sulphate and magnesium, all of which can work to help soothe and heal the skin.

SAND

Sand is a great natural exfoliator, try gently rubbing it on dry feet and legs to smooth the skin or simply walk barefoot by the ocean.

EXERCISE

Have you ever noticed that people who live close to the ocean seems to be more active? With such natural beauty on your doorstep it is easy to get out to walk, run, swim, surf and kayak each day. If you can’t get to the seaside for some exercise try listening to a wave soundtrack while you do your daily walk or yoga session to mimic the natural high of exercising by the water.

EAT

Seaweed is an excellent source of dietry iodine, which supports the thyroid gland, and is great source of vitamins, minerals and protective antioxidants. These days seaweed is fairly accessible to buy at the supermarket to include in cooking at home or eat more cusisines that incorporate seaweed in their dishes such as Korean, Japanese and Chinese.

IMMUNITY

After a swim in the ocean red blood cells increase anywhere between 5 and 20 per cent in the body. If you suffer from a weakened immune system or anemia this boost can be very beneficial for overall health.

So make an ocean dip a regular event and reap the health benefits for years to come.