Is the sea so useful? Truths and myths about sea water. Why is sea water undrinkable? The effect of sea water on the body

Rest on the sea coast at all times was considered curative. Swimming in the sea, dosed tan, fresh air - such a picture is close to idyllic. At the same time, many people believe that sea water has a general strengthening and therapeutic effect on the body in such an environment. This is not entirely true. Rest as such, and even more so, rest at sea is a whole range of useful procedures for a person. That is why the term thalassotherapy implies healing not only with sea water, but with the sea climate as a whole. In a narrower sense, thalassotherapy refers to spa treatments using sea water, algae and therapeutic mud. However, about the sea ​​water there are many myths, some of which fairly accurately reflect the real state of affairs, while others mislead people. Let's take a look at seven of the most popular myths about sea water.

Myth 1. Sea water contains the entire periodic table

In layman's terms, this is indeed the case. Sea water contains a large amount of mineral salts, and their composition and specific quantity varies with the sea. Most salt is dissolved in the Dead Sea, one of the least saline is the Baltic Sea.

Sea water contains a lot of sodium, calcium, chlorine, sulfur, bromine, zinc, copper, iron, selenium and other trace elements. Minerals are found in sea water in ionized form and when bathing they penetrate the body through the skin.

Myth 2. Sea water cures all diseases

Of course, sea water is not a panacea, but it does have a therapeutic effect in various diseases. It is the presence of mineral salts that makes sea water useful for humans, their composition and quantity. The more salts in the sea, the healthier the water. Wherein healing properties possesses any sea water.

Regular water procedures at sea can save a person from osteochondrosis, rheumatism, joint pain, arthritis, arthrosis. Sea water stops inflammatory processes, allows you to recover from sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, eliminates the symptoms of gout, colitis, diarrhea,. Also, sea bathing stimulates blood circulation, strengthens the immune system, normalizes the nervous state of a person, eliminating and disinfecting the skin and allowing fungal diseases, etc.

It is important to understand that all the listed beneficial properties of sea water are not only the effect of salty liquid on the body, but a positive healing effect on the body of a whole range of procedures that a person receives while relaxing at sea.

Myth 3. Sea water disinfects

The water of the seas and oceans really has an antiseptic effect, which positively affects, among other things, the condition of human skin, but sea water is not at all sterile. You need to remember this in case you get hurt, and someone advises you to wash the wound with sea water, they say, it will disinfect and heal.

It should be borne in mind that despite its salt composition, sea water can also contain bacteria. Moreover, the coastline may not be completely clean. Also, coastal sea waters often mix with sewage. For this reason, you should not rely on the antiseptic effect of sea water, but rather wash the wound with clean fresh running water and use special disinfectants.

Myth 4. Sea water has cosmetic properties.

It really is. Moreover, the effectiveness of water procedures for the body lies not only in the composition of the water itself, but also in the movements that a person undertakes while bathing and swimming. In this case, we can talk about the anti-cellulite effect. It is supported by a general cleansing of the body at sea. Sea water gives the skin greater elasticity and smoothes it, tones the muscles and accelerates the processes of tissue regeneration,. It is believed that half an hour of swimming in the sea is comparable in its effect to a professional massage session.

The rich mineral composition of sea water has a beneficial effect on the nails on the hands and feet. Already on the third day of daily bathing, the nails become shiny, stop peeling and breaking, and without additional nutrition remain strong for several months.

Myth 5. After swimming in the sea, you should not take a shower.

Salts dissolved in water, as we have already found out, have a healing effect on the body, however, as they dry out, the benefits of these substances become less than the harm. The fact is that without a water base, salts are not able to penetrate through the pores of the skin into the body. Moreover, by crystallizing on the surface of the body, salt increases the risk of skin burns in direct sunlight. For this reason, after coming out of the sea and having dried a little, thereby allowing the salt water to soak into the skin, it is still better to take a warm or cool shower from fresh water.

By the way, scientists say that the body absorbs nutrients best from sea water heated to 37 ° C. Under natural conditions, this is practically unattainable, but in some sanatoriums and other medical institutions, sea water is specially heated for this reason. However, even at normal water temperatures, the effect of thalassotherapy is quite noticeable with regular bathing.

Myth 6. It is useful to swim in the sea all day long.

We have already found out the best sea water temperature for the human body and realized that in natural conditions it is impossible to achieve such “indicators”. And since even in the most warm seas the water temperature is below body temperature, this is a limitation of bathing time. The fact is that even in the strongest heat in warm sea water, the body is able to get hypothermia, and the harm from such a bath will be more than good.

It is usually recommended to swim in the sea 3-4 times a day, taking at least half an hour breaks between entries into the water. At the same time, it is not the best option to swim in the sea in the very heat from noon to three in the afternoon. In this case, even being in the water, you can get skin burns and even sunstroke.

Other simple rules for swimming include the recommendation not to swim on a full stomach. It is better if at least an hour and a half passes after eating. Also, do not rush into the water after a long stay in the sun. From a sharp drop in body temperature, you can feel dizzy and even lose consciousness. It is better to enter the water gradually, and before that, if possible, allow the body to cool in the shade.

Myth 7. Sea water is good for all people.

Despite the general strengthening effect of thalassotherapy and a pronounced healing effect in certain diseases, there are contraindications for taking baths from sea water. First of all, this applies to people with thyroid diseases. The presence of a high concentration of iodine in sea water and air in this case can be harmful. However, recent studies suggest that this is not an absolute contraindication, as previously thought.

Sea bathing is prohibited for epilepsy, aneurysm, kidney disease, cancer. Also, bathing in sea water is not recommended for people with an exacerbation of any chronic diseases.

Among other things, being at sea, do not neglect the means of protection from the sun. Observing simple rules, you can count on the fact that sea water, air and sun will not only give pleasure on vacation, but will also bring great benefits to the body with a lasting effect for several months to come.

The water of the seas, lakes, oceans and rivers is the hydrosphere of the earth, the composition of which has a huge impact on the processes of human life. The benefits of sea water were first noted in countries with an extensive coastline that had a developed civilization in ancient historical times, primarily in Ancient Greece.

At a later time, the influence of the water of the seas and oceans on the state of human health was studied in another state located on the island - Great Britain. Studies conducted in different historical periods on all continents confirm the positive effect of sea water on all physiological processes in the human body. Only one thing is harmful - to drink it.

Composition of sea water

The composition of the water of the seas and oceans was formed over a long evolutionary period under the influence of geochemical processes occurring in the bottom soil layer. At present, it is relatively stable, well studied, and is under the constant supervision of oceanologists, hydrobiologists, and ecologists.

Important! On the coast of industrial regions, the composition of sea water can differ significantly from that far from land, therefore, samples are taken for analysis at great depths, away from settlements and near the coast.

It always makes sense to focus on the research of reputable professionals, which undoubtedly includes the domestic geochemist V. I. Vernadsky. According to the results obtained in the last century by a team of scientists under his leadership, the composition of sea water in the free and bound state contains the following chemical elements (mass fractions,%):

• oxygen - almost 86;
• hydrogen - about 11;
• chlorine - almost 2;
• sodium - a little more than 1.

The concentration of other elements: magnesium, sulfur, calcium, potassium, bromine, carbon is measured in fractions of a percent. At the same time, the leading positions are occupied by the first four elements from the presented list.

The significant content of oxygen and hydrogen is mainly due to the fact that a water molecule is built from these atoms - the main substance of the seas, oceans, and other natural reservoirs. A noticeable content of oxygen atoms is found in sulfates, bicarbonates, carbonates that enter the reservoir from the soil.

In addition, there is a lot of dissolved gaseous oxygen in the seas (35%) coming from algae, as well as during intense waves from the atmosphere. Even more impressive is the nitrogen gas content of 65%. Among the gaseous compounds, carbon dioxide, known as carbon dioxide, and hydrogen sulfide are present to a significant extent in the seas.

Why is ocean water salty

A high concentration of sodium ions and chloride anions determines the salinity of sea water, which on average approaches 3.5%. Often this indicator is estimated in ppm - a unit equal to a tenth of a percent; then the salinity is quantitatively equal to 35 ppm.

Sodium ions were washed out for thousands of years from the ocean floor, delivered to the sea by river flows. Chlorine anions got into the seas from the interior of the earth, ejected to the surface with volcanic eruptions, which always contain vapors of hydrochloric acid.

Salt concentration is not universally the same characteristic. So, for example, in the Baltic Sea it does not reach average values, and in the Red Sea and the eastern waters of the Mediterranean Sea, salinity exceeds the average figures. The concentration of salts depends on the time of year, for example, in the southern seas in summer these figures increase due to the intensive evaporation of water.

Note! The coastal waters of the Black Sea, due to the large number of inflowing rivers, have a salinity equal to about a maximum of 9 ppm near the coast, at a depth, away from the coast - 18 ppm. In the Sea of ​​Azov, salinity reaches a maximum of 13 units.

The salt component in the waters of the lake, which is called the Dead Sea, is dramatically increased. This explains the very high density of water in it, which is noticeable even when swimming. It is known that in the Dead Sea you can lie on the surface without much effort, which is popular with bathers and novice swimmers. It is interesting to note that in this sea-lake, unlike the others, magnesium and calcium salts predominate, followed in descending order by the concentrations of sodium and potassium salts. Less salinity is noted in the mouths of the rivers and the zone of ice melting. The specific composition makes the water curative for a large number of diseases.

The usual density of purified water approaches 1 g/cm 3 , while this figure for sea water, on average, slightly exceeds the indicated value by hundredths of a percent. The density of water in the Dead Sea is much higher, it is equal to 1.2 g/cm 3 .

It is interesting to note that as the temperature drops, salt particles approach each other in the aquatic environment, causing an increase in the density of any sea water.

Why can't you drink

Specific chemical composition water resources of the seas makes them unsuitable as a source for drinking. The ingestion of such a significant amount of salts is unacceptable for the body and harms it.

In extreme situations, for a maximum of one week, sea water can be drunk for lack of another, which was confirmed by the experience of a famous French researcher with medical education Alena Bombara.

With the hypothetical constant use of sea water as drinking water, too high a concentration of salts is formed in the body, which can disrupt the excretory system. To normalize the condition in such cases, it would be necessary to use purified drinking water in large volumes.

Application of sea water

Since ancient times, the well-known beneficial properties of sea water have made it an invaluable source, primarily for healing when used externally.

For household needs

Entrepreneurial residents of Hong Kong, washed almost from all sides by the seas, have found another peculiar use for it. They use it in everyday life to flush plumbing equipment. The non-standard solution is due to the lack of fresh water, the desire to save water resources. In other parts of the world, this practice is not widespread.

For treatment

Sea water is used as a healing agent for the treatment and preventive improvement of the body. Water from the seas is recommended to rinse the nose and throat. At the same time, the mucous membrane is strengthened, the ability of the entrance ways to reject foreign microorganisms and viruses increases.

Dentists testify that the gums are strengthened from sea water, the tendency to develop inflammatory processes in the oral cavity decreases. There is information about the ability of water saturated with sea minerals to whiten teeth. This procedure is much safer and more beneficial than using artificial chemical bleaches. It simultaneously provides sanitation of the oral cavity.

In cosmetology

Sea water serves as the basis for the preparation of cleansing lotions, ointments, creams recommended for skin care of the face, décolleté and hands. Means are recommended for use by women and men; additional advice should be obtained before using formulations for the care of growing children. Babies do not need to use cosmetics based on sea water due to the increased sensitivity of the skin to certain components.

Cleansing the body

AT last years the procedure for cleansing the intestines with salt water is becoming popular, which can be carried out both in special medical offices and at home. Useful action due to the ability of minerals to absorb slag deposits of food channels, saturate the body with biologically active elements. Cleaning should be carried out with water of a strictly defined concentration, after reading the recommendations of specialists. It should not be abused, carried out more often than doctors advise, because active intestinal lavage can disrupt the natural microflora.

Why swimming is good

An incomparable pleasure comes from swimming in the sea, which is useful for a hardened organism from early spring to late autumn. In the northern latitudes, the procedure turns into winter swimming, which, of course, is also important for health, but is available only to the elite.

Everyone can swim in the sea, the main thing is to choose a coast with a good sanitary condition, where the natural mineral composition is not distorted by industrial and other waste.

During bathing, intensive absorption occurs chemical elements sea ​​water by the skin, which leads to relaxation of spasms, improvement of blood supply and microcirculation, restoration of skin tone. A person after bathing feels vivacity, a feeling of rejuvenation, an increase in mood. The list of pathological conditions in which sea bathing in natural conditions is indicated is several dozen items.

In winter, it is recommended to use concentrates for taking sea baths - sea ​​salts, which to some extent can replace holidays at sea, subject to the instructions on the labels. It is important to remember that dry salt from the seas contains a high content of active elements, especially Dead Sea salts, so taking sea baths at home should be treated with caution, as a medical procedure.

There is nothing better on a summer vacation by the sea than a refreshing dip in the sea water. Its benefits are undeniable. But have you ever wondered how they affect your body, skin and hair? Find out what salt water actually does and whether it's worth diving into it for a long time. So, sea water for hair and skin - is it good and bad?

Salt is one of those things that Everyday life we must avoid, especially in food. Its excess causes water retention in the body and leads to unsympathetic swelling in the eye area. However, the properties of salt do not need to be afraid when it comes to hair and skin care. Moreover, the action of salty sea water in summer should be used as actively as possible. The rest of the time, you should not avoid the useful pools of sea water. Why exactly?

Water of the seas and oceans - natural cosmetics

Sea water is one of the best natural cosmetics, and the higher its salinity, the richer the effect. Its beneficial properties were known in ancient Greece, where thalassotherapy was used - medical procedures with sea water.

Minerals and trace elements such as magnesium, potassium and calcium contained in this natural product, contribute to the fact that immersion in the sea or ocean depths for our skin becomes a kind of nutritious cocktail. Bathing in salty waves provides the body with an excellent skin tightening procedure, hair cleansing and natural volume.

Let's take a closer look at the benefits of staying in such natural and artificial reservoirs.

Sea water for the skin: the benefits and harms of "salt care"

pros

Bathing in the sea and ocean can have beneficial effects both for the body as a whole and for the skin, cosmetologists assure. Of course, this only applies to contact with water, which meets certain requirements for purity. What are the benefits of sea water for the skin?

• It has a draining effect and helps to lose weight, improves blood circulation and smoothes the skin, thereby contributing to the fight against cellulite.
• Such a bath is a good spa treatment that detoxifies the body and skin thanks to the oxygenation, cleansing and gentle exfoliating action of the salt (natural peeling).
• Exfoliating the skin and stimulating it to renew itself is not the only benefit of sea water for the skin. Staying in the depths of such a liquid is a kind of therapeutic compress that does an excellent job with inflammatory diseases, including acne, as well as with more serious dermatological problems, such as eczema, atopic dermatitis or psoriasis. Sea salt fights bacteria, stimulates regeneration processes, softens and soothes.
• Helps heal minor wounds. Antiseptic, accelerating healing and nourishing useful properties sea ​​water can be enjoyed even by people with sensitive skin. Because, unlike cosmetics, the risk of irritation is very small.
• Natural salt can also help regulate excessive sebum production and “unblock” clogged pores.

Is sea water bad for skin?

It is worth emphasizing that after leaving the sea, you need to wash off the salt in the shower. Exposure to the sun of skin that has left salt on it can lead to severe allergies and irritation, experts warn. Sunscreen cosmetics (even waterproof ones) do not protect her from the possibility of such problems.

The best effect in terms of skin care and smoothness can be achieved with short but regular baths. If you go too far with staying in sea water, then you can harm yourself - overdry the skin. Then it will be more vulnerable to ultraviolet rays with all the ensuing consequences.

Sea water for hair: benefits and harms

pros

Sea water for hair: possible harm

It is difficult to talk about the negative effect of sea water on hair. Rather, it would be appropriate to recall the negative impact of its insufficiently good rinsing and exposure to sunlight. In the long run, this will dry out and rob the strands of shine. But a few vacation sea baths, of course, will not be able to greatly affect their condition.

As in the case of the body, after contact with healthy sea water, the hair should be thoroughly washed and rinsed. Left out in the sun, they can dry out a lot and lose their luster.

Take care of them before bathing by applying a layer of your favorite oil. Valuable minerals will still be able to function and benefit, but the hair will be less susceptible to UV damage and dehydration.

Thus, the question of whether sea water for skin and hair is good or bad is decided in favor of the first. However, the body and head must be rinsed after contact with it so that the salt does not remain on them for too long.

Sea water is both healing and cosmetic. If you want to get healthy, lose weight and become unusually prettier - pack your bags - and go to the sea!

From all diseases

Warm waves, bright sun, air filled with exotic aromas, incomparable starry sky, which happens only in the south, as well as almost obligatory novels and romance - what else is needed for happiness? Truly, the sea heals not only the body, but also the soul. Tell me, where else can you combine treatment with passion so successfully?

Waves give the skin the effect of a light massage, enrich the body with oxygen, improve the functioning of blood vessels, and lower blood pressure. Therefore, moderate sea bathing is recommended by cardiologists.

The water of the seas and oceans normalizes thermoregulation, increases vitality, has a hardening effect, strengthens defensive forces organism. And yet - it improves blood circulation, increases the number of red blood cells and normalizes the heart rhythm, due to which sea baths are prescribed to their elderly geriatric patients.

Salt waters supply the body with negative ions that neutralize the excess of harmful positive ions that city dwellers accumulate in the stone jungle. Thanks to this, the sea has an anti-stress effect, which is well known to neuropathologists.

And the sea also gives us a huge amount of useful substances that normalize metabolic processes and have a beneficial effect on the endocrine system and hypothalamus. Iodine, which is rich in sea water, activates the brain, improves memory, improves the functioning of the thyroid gland. Any person suffering from chronic ENT diseases and frequent colds is always advised by doctors to go to the sea.

In addition to swimming, gargling and rinsing the nose with sea water heated to 37 ° C will not interfere. Dentists also advise rinsing your mouth with this useful liquid: real sea water contains much more healing substances than the best toothpaste with sea minerals, and the oxygen contained in the water contributes to the natural whitening of a smile. True, before gargling with sea water, you need to make sure that it is clean.

The consequences of injuries, as well as rheumatic ailments, are also more successfully treated in combination with sea bathing. And the sea heals the nerves and cleanses the skin, helps with eczema and psoriasis.

From sea foam

The composition of sea water includes iodine, calcium, potassium, silicon, sodium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, iron, nickel, copper, arsenic, oxygen, nitrogen, neon, helium and many other elements. We absorb all this wealth through pores and capillaries. The richer and more concentrated the salt composition of sea water, the more intensively the skin is nourished.

According to thalassotherapy, the skin can get the maximum of useful substances from water heated to 37 ° C, but even after bathing in ordinary sea water with an average temperature of 20–25 ° C, the beneficial effect is preserved. Saturated with minerals and salts, the skin becomes more elastic and elastic, puffiness decreases. Sea water is especially useful for problem skin: it washes off microbes, excess fat from its surface, and exfoliates the stratum corneum.

Salt water sharpens not only stones, but also sharpens our figures. A high concentration of nutrients helps to intensively remove toxins from the body. In addition, the waves produce a light "anti-cellulite" body massage, and if you combine bathing with sports games on the water or just swim vigorously, the orange peel will melt before your eyes. By the way, iodine, which is rich in marine microorganisms, additionally burns fat deposits in problem areas.

Regular bathing in the sea will replace you with nourishing nail baths and hair masks. After relaxing by the sea, your manicure will be flawless, and your hair will become thicker and more beautiful (of course, if you protect your hair from the sun). In general, you will return from vacation rejuvenated and prettier. Just be sure to follow certain rules.

Six rules of the sea

• Before entering the water, spend 10 minutes in the shade to avoid a sharp temperature contrast between water and air.
• Upon arrival at the resort, the first days it is better to swim once a day. Then the number of sea baths can be increased up to 2-3 times a day with intervals between baths of at least half an hour.
• Don't sit in the water until you're blue in the face. Hypothermia can provoke a cold, bronchitis, cystitis, exacerbation of chronic sores. If you are still cold, urgently go ashore and vigorously rub yourself with a terry towel.
• Do not swim immediately after eating - it harms digestion, and do not swim on an empty stomach. This can cause weakness and tachycardia.
• After leaving the sea, do not rush to take a shower - let the skin absorb useful substances.
• If being in the sea is contraindicated for health reasons, just douse yourself with sea water or do foot baths.

By the way

The term "thalassotherapy" (treatment by the sea) was introduced by the German physician Friedrich Wilhelm von Halem in the 18th century. Around the same time, the English physiologist Richard Russell published a book on the healing properties of sea water. Since then, doctors began to prescribe sea bathing to their patients, like a potion.

At the same time, for the first time, there was a demand for the services of swimming teachers, because before that only sailors were able to swim. Since then, Europe has taken to swimming massively. The first one-piece bathing suits, which appeared a little over a century ago, contributed to the development of the swimming fashion. And the first seaside resorts appeared only in the 19th century.

Hippocrates knew about the benefits of sea water. Outwardly, he suggested using it to heal wounds, cracks and bruises, as well as to treat scabies and lichen. He prescribed sea bathing for everyone suffering from nervous diseases and pain in the joints. Steam from sea water recommended to treat headaches, and the water itself (when taken orally) used as a laxative.

Unfortunately, sea water cannot be transported: the healing microorganisms living in it die after 48 hours. Therefore, without delaying the matter, get ready for the present blue sea. However, before buying a ticket to the resort, consult your doctor.

The sea and the sun can be dangerous for patients with heart disease, hypertensive patients, cancer patients, people suffering from infectious diseases, allergies to iodine, as well as some skin and especially fungal diseases. To determine the presence of an allergy to iodine, take a special test. With hyperfunction of the thyroid gland, rest in seaside resorts is also not recommended.

Which beaches are the best–sandy or pebbly?

It is useful to walk barefoot on pebbles - to stimulate active points on the soles that are associated with all internal organs. Walk in zigzags: water - land, cool sea - hot stones - perfect hardening. You can lie down in the shade and apply hot stones to your lower back. The procedure is called stone therapy.

And it's nice to burrow into the sand. Leave only the heart area open. Spending 15-20 minutes in hot sand is useful for osteochondrosis, joint problems, prostatitis and gynecological diseases.

Active research into the benefits and harms of the sea began less than 100 years ago. But even in ancient times, healers prescribed walks along the sea coast to restore strength. The sea is not only healing water and a lot of entertainment. This is oxygen-saturated air, sand warmed by the sun and stones that burn the skin and are polished for centuries. In the complex, this is the most powerful natural healer, which you can visit almost without restrictions.

The chemical composition of sea water

In all seas and oceans, the composition of water is almost the same, but the concentration of substances varies. So the most salty is the Dead Sea, and the most "fresh" - the Baltic. In the classical sense, sea water is an oxygen molecule combined with two hydrogen molecules. But it is sea water that contains a huge amount of impurities.

These are mainly metal salts. It is estimated that 1 kg of liquid contains an average of 35 g of salt. That is why in tropical countries the extraction of salt from sea water is developed. Here is a list of elements that are present in water:

• sodium;
• bromine;
• magnesium;
• potassium;
• fluorine;
• chlorine;
• calcium.

These are the main 8 elements whose ions are present in any sea water. Less than a century ago, German scientists also found gold in water, albeit in negligible amounts. The water of the oceans and seas has the most chlorides and the least carbonates. This significantly distinguishes it from fresh river water. And that is why sea water tastes salty with bitterness.

Benefits of a holiday at sea

Rest on the coast implies close contact with natural healers. These are water, sand, air, sun and stones. In combination, they have a unique impact on the strength of the impact on the external integument and internal organs of a person. It is not for nothing that health improvement at sea is considered so popular, and most importantly, effective.

Under the influence of external natural factors, many processes are activated in the human body:

• metabolism;
• skin regeneration;
• mucosal cleansing;
• stimulation of heart contractions;
• breakdown of cholesterol;
• oxygen saturation;
• lowering blood pressure.

The benefits of bathing in sea water are based on direct contact with the elements, and it is the massage of the body with waves that gives a positive effect. Under their light pressure, blood circulation and metabolism are stimulated in the upper layer of the skin. The bronchi expand and the depth of breathing improves - this is a good exercise for the lungs and the prevention of bronchitis.

2-3 weeks in the coastal zone allow you to strengthen the immune system, cleanse the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract, and carry out an easy hardening of the whole organism. Especially sensitive to this are children who remain charged with solar and sea energy for many months after returning from the resort.

The benefits of sea air in saturating the body with useful metal ions through the respiratory system and partially through the skin. This is a passive recovery, which is suitable for people with cardiovascular diseases, weakened by long-term illnesses or operations.

Benefits of sea water for the body

Purified sea water is now found in many therapeutic and prophylactic nasal sprays and gargles. Its alkaline environment has a positive effect on the skin and especially the mucous membranes. It has been proven that regular swimming and diving for 2-3 weeks gives a stable remission for sinusitis, rhinitis, tonsillitis and other diseases of the upper respiratory tract.

Sea water, rich in salts, has antibacterial properties. Its components, in systematic contact with mucous membranes and skin, kill pathogenic microbes and fungi. They are afraid of her ubiquitous staphylococcus aureus and streptococcus, the main causative agents of inflammatory diseases of the nasopharynx. If a fungus lives on the skin or nails, sea baths will help get rid of them or achieve a stable remission.

Important! The most valuable components in the composition of water are iodine, bromine and calcium. It is their lack in the body that causes disturbances in the work of the musculoskeletal system, nervous and endocrine systems.

Bromine is a natural sedative, regulates the transmission of nerve impulses, reduces emotionality and nervousness, gives good dream. Iodine is useful for the thyroid gland, both for the prevention of pathologies and for maintaining normal functioning. Calcium is responsible for the strength of teeth and bones, the normal functioning of the immune system.

The sea for children is an opportunity to partially cope with beriberi, weakened immunity, chronic diseases of the upper respiratory tract. Through the skin and nasopharynx, sea water nourishes skin cells with oxygen, increases hemoglobin, and helps to eliminate toxins. If you alternate sand baths with sea baths, the healing effect increases significantly.

sea ​​water treatment

Thalassotherapy is the name used in official medicine for treatment with sea water. This method of healing is used in all seaside health resorts. The benefits of the sea for the human body is a comprehensive recovery that covers all systems and organs. Diseases for which treatment with sea water is indicated:

• metabolic disease;
• obesity, cellulite;
• psoriasis, dermatitis;
• allergy;
• sinusitis, vasomotor rhinitis, sinusitis, adenoids;
• tonsillitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis;
• depression, irritability, neuroses;
• asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia;
• arthritis, arthrosis, osteochondrosis;
• rheumatism;
• gynecological diseases.

It is believed that salty sea water acts more actively on the body when it is heated to body temperature. It is these baths that sanatoriums offer their patients. A greater effect is achieved by combining water heating with a hydromassage or shower. Under the action of an active jet of water, a massage effect is achieved. Due to this, the skin warms up, the pores open, and useful microelements enter its deep layers. From there, through the blood vessels, they enter the internal organs, bones and joints.

The procedure is especially useful for people with problems in the musculoskeletal system or those who have undergone injuries or operations. Sea water in this case stimulates the healing of wounds and scars, and also activates the restoration of the integrity of cartilage. The benefits of swimming in the sea, although not as high as in the shower or hot tub, but also gives a good effect, especially in combination with warming sand baths.

With purified and heated sea water, the nasal sinuses are washed with sinusitis and rhinitis, the inflammation of the mucous membrane of sea water is also removed with allergies. In chronic diseases of the ENT organs, it is also recommended to rinse with sea water every day for 1-2 minutes 5-6 times.

Sea water for weight loss is also useful. Bathing activates all metabolic processes from the skin to the bloodstream. Thanks to this, the processes of burning fats and splitting cholesterol are launched. The main thing is not to make up for the lack of energy spent during swimming with sweet buns.

Hardening is another healing effect of sea water. Its temperature in the world's oceans varies depending on the region, but is always lower than body temperature by more than 10 ° C. With regular water procedures, blood vessels are trained, which narrow and expand under the influence of contrasting temperatures. In addition, the body increases its adaptive capacity. Best of all, such hardening is reflected in children's health.

Sea water for skin

Problematic skin reacts positively to sea water. For the effect to be visible, baths must be regular. After bathing, they do not immediately visit the shower, but allow useful minerals to be absorbed into the skin. Sea water is good for skin and hair due to the following properties:

• disinfects;
• saturates with oxygen and minerals;
• improves blood microcirculation in the superficial layers of the skin;
• regenerates;
• promotes sunburn.

With pimples, acne, blackheads, they dry out, inflammation disappears, wounds from old rashes heal. The antibacterial properties of water prevent the reproduction of pathogenic microbes, which protects the skin from repeated rashes.

With atopic dermatitis of an allergic nature, sea bathing is also useful. When combined with sunbathing, a long-term remission is achieved. New rashes do not appear, and old ones heal.

Sea water increases the formation of melanin, the pigment that provides tan. In moderation, it is useful and protects the skin from burns.

Walks along the sea coast

Walking along the coastal zone is also good for health. The main thing is to do it right. Firstly, walks are made barefoot, alternating entry into the water with a walk on the sand. Secondly, it is important to choose land areas with sand and pebbles. Thirdly, do not interrupt walks for 2-3 weeks, regardless of the weather.

During walks, blood oxygen saturation increases, blood circulation and heart rate normalize, and lymph accelerates. Through the respiratory system and partly the skin, useful metal ions enter the body, which reduces the concentration free radicals and their negative impact on humans. Walking on sand and pebbles activates the points on the feet, which are responsible for the functioning of the internal organs.

Walking is useful for absolutely everyone, but it is especially valuable for people with nervous disorders and oncological diseases.

What is useful sea air

The first and most important thing that distinguishes sea air from others is its purity. It does not contain dust, gases, slags. Active oxygen, ozone and particles of sea water make it very useful for children, people with respiratory diseases and allergies. Sea air treats asthma, bronchitis, helps the lungs recover from pneumonia.

Important! The concentration of useful ions in the air decreases at a distance of 1000 meters from the sea.

It is best to walk and breathe the sea air at the very edge of the water no further than 200 meters. Here the air is saturated with the smallest particles of water. It is almost a healing aerosol that moisturizes the mucous membranes and disinfects them. This air is also good for the skin.

Breathing is useful not only while walking or swimming. Actively increases the level of health in the fresh air under a canopy. At this time, the heart rate normalizes, the level of blood pressure returns to normal, and immunity is strengthened.

The benefits of swimming in various seas

In the sea - this is the activation of the muscles and all internal organs. But due to the peculiarities of the chemical and ionic composition of water in different reservoirs of the world, the degree of this benefit is different. To understand where it is better to improve your health, you can study information about the seas from experts.

Black Sea

It differs from other seas by a high content of hydrogen sulfide in water and moderate salinity. Health resorts of the Black Sea are the best place for the treatment of bronchopulmonary diseases and allergies. Hydrogen sulfide has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system. Regular bathing strengthens the lungs, normalizes the heart rhythm, and tones the blood vessels.

The Dead Sea

Even those who have never been able to swim here swim. The highest concentration of salt is in the Dead Sea. The water contains a lot of bromine, potassium, iron, chlorides and sulfates. People come here with such skin diseases as psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis.

In addition, sea water in combination with therapeutic mud enhances metabolism and blood circulation. The high concentration of bromine calms the nervous system. For the treatment of the musculoskeletal system, they also go to the Dead Sea.

Sea of ​​Azov

The muddy bottom of the Sea of ​​Azov is a storehouse of 92 trace elements. The water here is especially saturated with iodine and bromine. People come here with metabolic disorders, pulmonary diseases, problems in the endocrine system. Swimming in the sea contributes to the restoration of the nervous system.

Mediterranean Sea

The composition of sea water is almost identical to the Black Sea. Swimming in its waters improves lung function and normalizes arterial pressure. It is useful to visit the resorts of the Mediterranean Sea for people with vegetovascular dystonia, asthma, bronchitis.

Baltic Sea

The coolest of all the other seas. Its coast is a pine forest, and the air of the coastal zone is saturated with phytoncides. Swimming in the sea helps to harden and strengthen the immune system. It is useful to take sea baths for people with pulmonary diseases and problems in the cardiovascular system.

the Aegean sea

It has medium salinity, optimal temperatures during the holiday season. It is useful to swim here for people with diseases of the heart and blood vessels. The condition of hypertensive patients and everyone who suffers from vegetovascular dystonia improves markedly. As in all seaside resorts, asthmatics recover here.

Rules for swimming in the sea

In order for sea water and air to bring only health benefits, you need to know some rules for healing. They boil down to the following recommendations:

• you can plunge into the sea 1-2 hours after lunch and you can’t go on an empty stomach;
• the optimal time is from 10:00 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 20:00;
• swims over long distances are done after a preliminary rest;
• you can not plunge after a long stay in the sun, you need to sit in the shade for 20 minutes to avoid heat stroke and cramps;
• for hypertensive patients and people with heart disease, long swims are prohibited; short dives or passive water baths are useful for them.

Swimming in the sea should be combined with walking on stones and warming sand baths, then the healing effect will be complete.

Harm to the sea

The sea itself cannot significantly harm human health. In most cases, he himself is to blame for the deterioration of well-being. The harm of sea water can be expressed in hypothermia, allergic rashes, burns, hypertensive crisis and loss of consciousness. This happens when the elementary rules of behavior in the new climatic zone are not observed.

Exceptions are cases when a person is unaware of the presence of an allergy to sea water. It is manifested by urticaria in large areas of the skin, a rise in temperature is possible. Sometimes a person learns about the pathologies of the thyroid gland only when visiting a resort.

Important! Air and water saturated with iodine cause hyperfunction of the thyroid gland, which is manifested by weakness, chills, fatigue.

Sea air for a child can also be dangerous in the case of infectious diseases of the bronchopulmonary system. From the influence of salts, an exacerbation of the disease with bouts of bronchospasm is possible. People with sensitive skin and disorders in the synthesis of melanin are prone to burns, this is also taken into account when leaving for a resort.

Who is contraindicated vacation at sea

Not everyone can go on vacation to the sea. Here is a list of those conditions and diseases that are an obstacle to visiting the sea coast:

• exacerbation of chronic diseases;
• ulcers and abrasions on the skin, weeping wounds;
• increased body temperature;
• dry and irritated skin;
• kidney disease;
• phlebeurysm;
• hyperfunction of the thyroid gland;
• herpetic eruptions;
• hypertension stage 3-4.

Staying at sea can worsen the condition of people after a stroke, heart attack, or surgery on the internal organs. Any climatic fluctuations are contraindicated for them. In the presence of infectious diseases, a trip to the resort is also contraindicated. Water and sea air are good for the child. But there are children who react sharply to fluctuations in iodine, which causes them serious allergies. The sea will only cause harm to such a category of young vacationers.

Conclusion

The benefits and harms of the sea are two components of a summer holiday. The degree of effectiveness of healing procedures largely depends on their competent organization. Proper rest charges with health for the whole season until the next vacation, which means that visiting doctors will be only preventive.

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