The Advantages of Blue Health for Both the Body and Mind

The island of Sardinia in Italy; The Okinawa islands of Japan; Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica; the isolated Greek island of Icaria; Loma Linda, California. These regions are recognized as Blue Zones, where people have remarkably long life expectancies.

For many years, researchers have investigated the diets and ways of life of individuals in these regions in an attempt to identify common factors that could elucidate their longevity.

Studies indicate that their exceptional diets, high levels of physical activity, strong family connections, and active social lives play a crucial role.

However, there is another aspect that has often been overlooked in explaining their longevity. . .

All of them reside near the sea. Despite being extensively researched, this aspect was largely disregarded by scientists.

An exception is Deborah Cracknell, an Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Exeter Medical School in England, who specializes in this specific area. Her primary research focus is on the interactions between individuals and the marine environment.

In her recently published book By The Sea, she highlights the therapeutic advantages of being in, on, or near the water.

Research indicates that individuals living near the sea are more likely to experience enhanced happiness and better health compared to those living inland. But why?

Overview

One reason is that they are typically more active, engaging in activities like swimming, surfing, diving, or simply strolling along the beach.

Sea water provides buoyancy and resistance, offering aerobic exercise that is gentle on the joints and enhances flexibility. I discovered this last year when my physician recommended aquatic physical therapy to address my sciatica issue.

Exercising in water for thirty minutes yields greater benefits than the same duration of exercise on land.

While it is unclear whether coastal residents spend a significant amount of time in the water, even walking on the sand is more beneficial than walking on solid ground because the body absorbs some of the weight, reducing stress on the joints. Additionally, abdominal muscles are engaged to compensate for the uneven surface.

Float and Breathe Away Stress

Immersing in sea water allows the body to absorb magnesium through the skin – a lesser-known fact. This is significant as magnesium deficiency is common. This may explain why studies have shown that floating in sea water reduces stress hormones and lowers blood pressure.

When sunlight or air movement breaks apart air molecules, negative ions are produced. These ions are believed to enhance mood, alleviate stress, and promote better sleep, despite limited scientific evidence supporting these claims. Nevertheless, one study did find that negative ions had a positive impact on depression.

Soak up the Sun

Vitamin D is now recognized for its numerous benefits beyond bone health, including supporting a healthy immune system, digestive health, mental well-being, and cancer prevention.

Although vitamin D can be obtained by spending time outdoors anywhere, Dr. Cracknell notes, "Research has shown that UV radiation tends to be higher at the coast due to the impact of the landscape on cloud cover -- in simple terms, more sunlight penetrates through."

Sleep Better

Coastal walks contribute to better sleep quality. In a study, 99 adults either walked seven miles along the coast or inland through hills, heathland, and parks.

Those who walked along the coast slept an additional 47 minutes after the walk, compared to only 12 extra minutes for those who walked inland. Coastal walkers also experienced higher sleep quality and increased alertness upon waking up.

Dr. Cracknell believes that the combination of breathing in fresh sea air, the restorative effects of sea views, and physical activity all work together to enhance the sleep quality of coastal walkers.

Soothing Sounds

According to Dr. Cracknell, the sound of water is "extremely restorative and can induce feelings of relaxation."

In Loja, a picturesque town in the Spanish province of Granada, the streets are filled with the sound of water from numerous fountains.

Research from the University of Granada revealed that such sounds can lead to a more relaxed state by altering brain wave patterns. The study participants associated the sound of water with positive emotions.

If you are unable to access the coast or visit a beach resort frequently or at all, Dr. Cracknell recommends visiting a public swimming pool, taking a bath with Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate), or exploring other options such as flotation pods, CDs with wave sounds, or natural water sources like rivers and streams.

While these alternatives may not offer the same experience as being by the sea, they still provide numerous benefits.