We all know we feel better by the ocean but until I started tunneling through the sand devouring every grain of research-backed wellness-related information, I chalked it up to #vacationvibes. Here are the incredible ways the sea heals, energizes, and greatly improves the quality of our lives (the last one surprised me the most!):

SKIN HEALTH

You know all of the serums that go viral on TikTok claiming to heal every skin condition from dark spots to hormonal acne to cellulite? We should pocket our money and just plan a trip the beach. That beautiful ocean water is made up of high sodium and iodine (antiviral and antibacterial) – also calcium, potassium, and magnesium. Taking magnesium has been a game changer for my health trajectory in the past few years, but did you know that magnesium is a co-factor in over 300 reactions in the body?! It is an essential element for life and helps your skin maintain moisture, making it stronger and look more youthful. Yes, please!

STRESS & PAIN REDUCER

That delicious ocean air is such a gift – it instantly feels like inhaling peace and exhaling worry. As it turns out, both watching the rhythm of the waves, and floating in the sea water can have an immediate calming effect on the mind, slowing brain waves into a relaxed and meditative state. Swimming in the sea also reduces your blood pressure, supports better sleep patterns, and again that powerhouse magnesium comes into play by calming our central nervous system.

One of my favorite findings?! Ocean water is anti-inflammatory! It can help ease muscle pain, arthritis, and pain associated with post-surgical procedures. It’s great for your circulation, supports healing and increases the release of dopamine and serotonin so you also feel happier.

IMMUNITY BOOSTER

Sea water can be a fantastic natural remedy for people with a weakened immune system, and people with high blood sugar levels. All of the aforementioned vitamins + minerals are readily absorbed into our system thanks to our largest organ (our skin!). Ocean swimming is associated with reduced symptoms of hay fever, sinusitis, asthma and other respiratory symptoms. A new-to-me tidbit, it’s also great for thyroid health since sea water, and even sea air are high in iodine which is essential for a healthy thyroid.

And the whole concept of grounding is highly at play on the beach: positive electrons in the form of free radicals can build up in our bodies and direct contact with the sand and salt water, which have negative charges, balances this out. This is why we feel more energized and relaxed at the same time when on the beach – and why many of us feel naturally drawn to the sea.

Wishing you warm sunshine today, and a big bottle of Vitamin Sea 🌊.