The health benefits of salt water are something the whole of humanity can benefit from. That’s why we are on a mission to create one billion Torchbearers for Ocean Change – working together to restore and protect our blue planet’s healthy balance.
Whether you’re a diver or not, salt water gives us a natural healing superpower which enriches our lives — and the best part? There is no cost to this modality. There’s a science behind how salted water, which covers more than 68% of the Earth’s surface, can help each and every one of us. It’s also no coincidence that the human body is composed of a similar percentage of this precious fluid.
Think about it. Have you ever wondered why you feel so much better at the beach or at sea (if you have your sea legs)? We have the scientific answers behind the health benefits of salt water which prove that there is much more to it than just a mindset.
Scroll down to discover our favorite benefits of salt water.
1. Salt Water Rejuvenates You
Thanks to the high magnesium levels in salt water, being in or near the ocean can help regulate your muscles and nerve functionality, moderate blood sugar levels and even improve your sleep. This often leaves you feeling rejuvenated. The rhythmic sounds of the waves also help to balance out your circadian rhythm. Magnesium is a critical element in our bodies – and one that a lot of people are deficient in.
2. Salt Water Improves Your Skin
Vitamin sea is not just a cute ocean pun; it highlights how salt water is an essential nutrient for our body’s biggest organ — our skin! So is salt water good for your skin? Yes, it is! Salt water, which is also an alkaline water, is rich in minerals like magnesium, zinc, iron and potassium. These minerals can help reduce inflammation, protect our skin and heal any scrapes, cuts or sores. Salt water can also help enhance the flow of lymph fluid, which can reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Fun fact: Did you know that seaweed can help fight against the signs of aging in our skin?
3. Salt Water Increases Your Consumption of Trace Minerals
Our bodies need trace minerals to function and develop. It just so happens that salt water has a lot of the essential trace nutrients we need. These include magnesium, manganese, cobalt, sodium, calcium, potassium and boron. But don’t worry, you do not need to drink saltwater to get these trace minerals. They are absorbed by your body through your skin when you are in or near the ocean!
4. Salt Water Improves Your Breathing
Swimming, diving or even floating in salt water can help your breathing. In fact, it can alleviate symptoms from hay fever, sinusitis and asthma. This is because the saline in the ocean reduces inflammation and mimics your body’s own fluids.
Plus, get this – because sea air has a high salt content, it is actually thicker. This means that as you breathe it in, it clears your throat and respiratory system. The result can be more comfortable breathing which results in better quality sleep. Sea air is also known to keep you more awake and energetic during the day because it is comparatively cooler.
5. Salt Water Literally Grounds Us
Have you ever felt at peace with the world when you walk barefoot on the beach? There is a scientific reason for this phenomenon known as “grounding.” Positive electrons in the form of free radicals can build up in our bodies. Direct contact with the sand and salt water, which have negative charges, balance this out. This is why you likely feel more energized and relaxed anytime you’re on the beach — and why many of us feel so naturally drawn to the sea.
6. Salt Water Boosts Immunity
Did you know that salt water has been shown to help with weakened immune systems, anemia and high blood sugar levels? In fact, salt water is now being used in modern medicine more than ever before — specifically for its ability to help our immune systems. With salt water’s help, we are able to stay strong against viruses, bacteria and pathogens. In fact, our blood plasma and salt water are remarkably similar.
7. Salt Water Can Be Calming
Sitting in a bathtub full of salt water isn’t necessarily going to calm your nerves. But, take a trip to any sea or ocean-sized body of salt water, and you’ll likely notice things start to feel a little bit better.
Whether it’s the gentle lapping water against a sandy shore or big waves pummelling an ocean barrier, the mesmeric action of water is often enough to help you fall into a care-free trance. The processing of both the visual and audible elements of water help you fall into a soft focus — the same kind of thing that happens during mindfulness or meditation practice.
8. Salt Water Can Cleanse Your Digestive System
Yep, you read that right. The right quantity (and that is extremely important) of ingested salt water may help clean out your large intestine. This induced bowel action, caused by drinking a tiny amount of salt water, produces a detox-like action, removing toxins, waste material and any parasites present. It is worth noting the majority of evidence to support this is anecdotal rather than proven by science.
Furthermore, if you’re anything like us when it comes to unplanned mouthfuls of sea water at the beach, you may already find yourself experiencing this cleansing action more regularly than you actually want to.
Ready to Experience Blue Health and #LiveUnfiltered?
The health benefits of salt water should not be underestimated. A lot of people, especially divers, already spend a lot of time in the wet stuff and enjoy what it has to offer. By learning to dive, you’ll have an ideal excuse to get in the water more regularly while also discovering the benefits of water and benefits of diving for yourself.
If you’re ready to jump in and reap the benefits of salt water and scuba diving, then sign up for your PADI Open Water Diver or PADI Freediver course today. Alternatively, reach out to your local PADI Dive Center to try diving.
Featured image courtesy of Jack Fishman/@jackfish44
