You may have noticed that when you come back from a vacation by the sea, you feel full of energy, your hair and skin are revitalized, and the quality of your breathing and sleep has improved. If you think this is just because you haven’t been working, you are wrong. The truth is that the sea, in and around which you spent your vacation time, has transferred you the minerals that your body has been lacking all year round.

Why is sea water so beneficial?

Every 100 kilograms of seawater contains about 3 kg of salt and minerals. It is almost impossible to find these minerals somewhere else but in seawater, whose therapeutic properties were discovered during the ancient Egyptian period. This water is rich in potassium, magnesium, sulfur, nitrogen and these minerals penetrate through your skin as you swim. They provide you with unique benefits in every part of your body from hair to skin, and from the nervous system to the circulatory system.

Hippocratic sources record that seawater heals wounds and prevents infection. This is how the concept of Thalassotherapy („thalassa”; sea in Greek) was born thousands of years ago.

 

Which beneficial minerals are found in sea water?

Seawater contains almost 100 different minerals, elements and salts. The most important of these are magnesium, manganese, cobalt, sodium, sulphur, iodine, calcium, potassium, phosphorus and boron.

Brom the first moment you enter the sea, these substances penetrate your body through your skin. Even if you never dive in the sea, even if you are only spending time on the beach, you will intensively inhale these minerals that mix with the air. This is simply why you feel better by the sea shore.

 

What are the general health benefits of sea water?

Magnesium deficiency is the cause of many modern-day complaints such as insomnia, nervous system problems, weakness and fatigue. Salty sea water contains plenty of magnesium. Magnesium dissolved in water penetrates your skin. Your circadian rhythm (sleep-wake cycle) returns to normal.

Sea water also strengthens the immune system. It contains magnesium, potassium and zinc, which help the immune system to function properly.

Magnesium and bromine regulate serotonin, melatonin and tryptamine levels in the brain. This has a calming effect on the nervous system. It gives you peace, serenity and reduces stress. Swimming in the sea is recommended as a possible natural treatment for mild to moderate depression symptoms.

Salt water is also a great natural treatment for respiratory diseases such as asthma and hay fever. It reduces inflammation in the sinuses. Thalassotherapy is preferred in the treatment of sinusitis and chronic rhinosinusitis. Nasal sprays containing ocean water were developed inspired by this feature of sea.

The minerals mentioned above also have the ability to relax the blood circulation and nervous system. Swimming in the sea protects heart health.

 

Benefits of sea water for skin and hair

Potassium chloride, which is abundant in the sea, makes the skin more resistant to sunlight and chronic skin diseases. It also increases skin elasticity and rejuvenates it.

The mineral cocktail that makes up the seas nourishes the scalp and helps maintain sebum balance. Moreover, it prevents the formation of dandruff. Salt water creates an exfoliating effect on the scalp and allows the skin to breathe better. It accelerates blood circulation in the scalp.