Health & Wellness: Going to the beach can be very healthy

It’s time for your daily dose of Vitamin SEA.
Sun tanned skin, sandy toes, and salty air — welcome to summer at the Florida shores. Every year, thousands of tourists travel from great distances to enjoy our award-winning coastline and eateries, but did you know that a day at the beach can be beneficial for your health, too?
That’s right. The beach offers several benefits for our skin, joints, lungs, and even our brain.
Did you know that the sun helps our body produce Vitamin D3? Vitamin D is a proven immune system booster. It also controls the growth of bones and teeth, can help fight diseases, and it even aids in weight loss. Our bodies naturally produce this vitamin, but ultraviolet rays from the sun are needed for this process to occur. Even when we are in the ocean, our bodies can still absorb the sun’s rays and produce Vitamin D3 — but don’t forget the sunscreen while enjoying the warm ocean waves.
Ocean water may help reduce arthritic symptoms, such as pain and inflammation, especially for those who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis. Salt water dehydrates inflamed cells, which, in turn, naturally reduces inflammation. Saltwater pools also offer this benefit. Smaller blood cells means less inflammation, which may lead to temporary pain relief and reduced swelling.
Taking a deep breath of salty, sea air can literally relax your body, too. With each deep breath, we inhale the sea’s negative ions, which have been shown to help the body absorb oxygen faster and balance the brain’s serotonin levels. Serotonin is a chemical naturally found in the brain that carries messages from nerve cells to the rest of the body. Serotonin also plays a major role in bone health, wound healing, digestion, mood, and sleep.
When the brain’s signals are amplified, your body is better equipped to heal itself. Supplements such as Aesa and Psychedelic Water also aid this signaling process by activating certain receptors in the brain. Psychedelic Water (which contains Kava Kava, Damiana, and Green Tea Extract) also aids in body relaxation, which makes it a great beach companion, especially on hot, steamy days. Remember, it is important to stay hydrated while absorbing your dose of healthy negative ions.
Speaking of negative ions, grounding (or earthing) is another fantastic way to reintroduce earth’s natural energy into your body. Walking barefoot on the beach allows your body to absorb energy from the earth, but why is this important?
Grounding is said to help reduce fatigue and chronic pain by allowing the Earth’s electrons to flow freely between your body and the surface. According to an article in Science Direct, “bodily contact with the earth’s natural electric charge stabilizes the physiology at the deepest levels, reduces inflammation, pain, and stress, improves blood flow, energy, and sleep, and generates greater well-being”
Double-dip and get the most out of your workout routine on the beach. Jogging barefoot on soft sand offers a good workout for those who are looking for more resistance during their session, but it is also a great place to walk for those with achy knees and other joint problems. The soft surface of the beach’s sand reduces stress and strain on knees while requiring more energy when compared to walking on a hard surface. Walking or jogging barefoot allows the Earth ions to flow through your body while exercising, making your time on the beach even more beneficial to your health.
Sometimes it may be a bit too hot for a day at the beach. Luckily, all our bodies need to metabolize Vitamin D3 is about eight to 10 minutes of sun exposure at noon to produce the recommended amount of vitamin D per day. Even if the beach is not an option, simply standing outside will provide your body with the same amount of Vitamin D needed for it to properly function.
A weekly dose of Vitamin SEA often helps individuals rest, reset and recharge, so try making the time to take care of your body this summer; sink your toes in the sand and breathe in that sweet, salty air for your health.