In the 19th century England, seawater baths gained fame as an unconventional convalescence treatment for a variety of ailments, ranging from melancholy to respiratory ailments. Patients were told to spend some time by the sea or to enter tubs full of seawater to help them get back into health.
The history of utilizing seawater in medicine goes back much longer, however. There’s evidence, by way of instance, the Ancient Egyptians used it in the treatment of severe burns and wounds. To this day, the amount of scientific literature about the subject remains quantitatively significant, but the quality of the evidence about sea water’s curative benefits varies broadly. The majority of the studies have focused on its effect on skin ailments and psychological health.
Seawater and skin conditions
Even the Dead Sea, in particular, is known for its high levels of calcium and has been a popular destination for people who want to try an alternative treatment route to help handle their skin ailment.
This has to some extent been encouraged by research. A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology showed that patients who have chronic, stable, plaque-type psoriasis benefited from spending time in the Dead Sea, taking sea bathrooms, and getting sun exposure, which resulted in remission periods lasting more than three months on average. These outcomes were subsequently backed up by following and more recent studies, though none clarified which components of seawater, if any, had this impact.
“Any improvement seen after swimming in the sea could be explained by exposure to UVB rays from sunlight as this may enhance skin conditions, such as psoriasis.
The evidence concerning the effect of seawater on skin conditions such as eczema is even less clear.
There is some evidence to suggest that water in the Dead Sea can help to improve eczema flares, but most evidence is anecdotal, Rai clarifies.
It’s also likely that it’s not merely seawater per se that’s having an impact. It may be that being in a new environment, with another climate, from the shore, is what helps some patients.
The mainstay of therapy for psoriasis and psoriasis incorporates topical therapies and biologics in the case of psoriasis, says Rai.
Enhancing your mental health
Mental health is another important place where scientists have been active to study the effects of swimming in the sea. This type of research has increased in popularity in recent years, in particular, thanks to the launch of BlueHealth, a pan-European research initiative exploring the connections between environment, climate, and health. In particular, scientists at the program look at how the sea and other water-based environments can affect well-being.
There is ample evidence to indicate that physical exercise is very beneficial for mental health, in particular, to control stress and anxiety, partly because it promotes the release of endorphins (the feel-good hormones).
This, according to the study, seems to be much more true for people that exercise in natural, outdoor environments, including the ocean.
Exercise also reduces levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, that has been associated with a range of mental health issues, including depression and anxiety, Stephen Buckley, head of information at Mind, the mental health charity, explained.
After we are swimming, our breathing patterns change, which might lead to a more relaxed state.
Suggestions to enjoy the sea benefits
Shield yourself
Do not forget that sea generally means sun, and both sun and sea bathing have been connected to improvements for the skin. But get good sunscreen also. “It’s important that individuals ensure they stay protected whilst out in the sun, on account of the possible danger of developing skin cancer,” Rai says.
Do not stop taking your meds
Even if you decide swimming in the sea will help you, do not discontinue the other treatments you are taking. If you have concerns and want to change anything on your treatment program, talk with your doctors first, to get their advice.
Find an activity you enjoy
An outdoor swimming team or other team action may be best for you if you find being sociable provides you a boost, while for others who gain from yourself, an activity like conducting might work better,” Buckley says.
