Most popular myths

It is widely believed that seawater is good for the nasopharynx. Some people even believe that it is beneficial to gargle with seawater. However, you should never do this. The water near the shore is quite warm, and there are many people swimming in it so that it is very easy to get an infection. The water gets clearer at a depth of 6–7 feet, but it is not so easy to get it from there.

Seawater has a beneficial effect on the skin, nails, and hair. When someone gets out of seawater, the water evaporates and leaves salt on the skin, which increases the risk of sunburn and can even cause dermatoses. Additionally, the salt absorbs natural moisture from the skin, which causes wrinkles.

Some hotels have pools with salt water, and visitors believe they can get health benefits by swimming in there. However, this is not true. The saltwater in pools loses its health benefits in 24 hours. Therefore, the saltwater in such pools should be replaced every day, which is rarely done.

A cure-all

Despite all the above, seawater can be used to improve health and general wellness. It has a complex chemical composition and includes many microelements such as sodium, magnesium, calcium, potassium, Iodine, bromine, sulfur, fluorine, chlorine, iron, selenium, zinc, copper, and silicon.

These elements get into the body while you swim and produce a positive effect by boosting immunity, providing soothing and relaxing benefits, eliminating inflammations, and healing wounds.

Seawater therapy (thalassotherapy) is very popular in many seaside resorts. They provide therapeutic baths with hydromassage, heating the water to body temperature for better effect.

The massage and warm water help the skin pores to open, which enhances the absorption of useful substances in the body. Such baths are particularly helpful for people with musculoskeletal issues, as well as for those who had injuries or surgeries since seawater activates the recovery and healing processes.

It is very useful to rinse the sinuses with purified warm seawater. Patients suffering from chronic ENT problems are advised to gargle with salt water for 1–2 minutes daily, several times a day.

Seawater is very good for skin, especially for those with skin problems. It dries acne and eliminates inflammation. It is recommended to wait for about 15 minutes for the body to absorb the seawater after swimming. After that, you should take a shower and wash the salt crystals off the skin to avoid a negative effect.

Swimming in seawater helps to tone up the body, improves blood circulation, builds up muscles, promotes fat metabolism, and prevents cellulitis.

Who should avoid it?

Since seawater has high iodine content, it can be dangerous to those prone to hyperthyroidism or allergies (most often, children are affected) because of fluctuations of iodine levels in the body.

People with sensitive skin, especially those who have issues with melatonin production, should limit the time in seawater to avoid skin burn. Swimming in seawater is not recommended for people with cardiovascular disorders, issues with liver or kidney, raised body temperature, varicose veins, history of stroke or heart attack, dry skin, or herpes symptoms.

03 August 2021