Since I moved to Malibu in 2011, I feel healthier and more energetic. Living near the ocean must be good for you.
If somebody spouted that poppycock to me, I’d tell them to kick rocks. We’re good at identifying this bias in others, but when it comes to our own experiences, we believe them to be proof of concepts. We go out to convince others that we’re right.
If I’m going to try to convince you (which I am), I’m going to need some evidence. Buckle up. From ecehh.org:
This study used data from the UK’s census to examine how health varied across the country and has found that people are more likely to have good health the closer they live to the sea. Proximity to the coast was positively associated with good health, with a small, but significant increase in the percentage of people reporting good health among populations residing closer to the sea.
Boom. Case. Closed.
Not so fast you say? Good for you for having the courage to speak up. Enough about you, let’s talk about me.
I love to swim in the ocean. Your favorite warm water spot in the Caribbean is lovely and all, but I’m talking about the deep blue Pacific; the angry, nasty, cold, seaweed-filled monster. When the tourists are gone and the beach is quiet, I sneak out with the few wet-suited softie surfers that remain and really get after it. I like to listen to the waves smash against the shore as the current struggles trying to sweep me into deeper waters. I’m just a kid at heart.
When my feet once again meet the dry sand, I’m refreshed and rejuvenated. The sun’s rays brush my skin, gradually baking the salt. I feel…healthy. From livestrong.com:
Seawater contains vital elements, vitamins, mineral salts, trace elements, amino acids and living microorganisms that can produce antibiotic and antibacterial effects to help promote a healthy immune system. Reportedly, the components of seawater, similar to human blood plasma, are easily absorbed and utilized by your body while swimming. Inhaling a sea mist filled with negatively charged ions, or molecules that attach to your lungs also boosts your immune system, according to naturopathic doctor Connie Hernandez. In addition, proponents claim that swimming in seawater opens pores in the skin to allow the absorption of sea minerals and the expulsion of disease-causing toxins from the body.
Arghhh! We were so close, Lance. Then you went and pointed out Connie’s “degree” in naturopath-ology (don’t Google it, it’s not a word). Wait, that’s not nice or fair of me. The naturopathic schools are only overseen by their own organization, require less than half the time as a traditional medical degree, and involve no residency programs or training…but that doesn’t indicate inadequacy.
“Naturopathic physicians combine the wisdom of nature with the rigors of modern science,” says naturopathic.org.
Steeped in traditional healing methods, principles and practices, naturopathic medicine focuses on holistic, proactive prevention and comprehensive diagnosis and treatment. By using protocols that minimize the risk of harm, naturopathic physicians help facilitate the body’s inherent ability to restore and maintain optimal health. It is the naturopathic physician’s role to identify and remove barriers to good health by helping to create a healing internal and external environment.
Oh. Fine. Anything Connie says about the ocean’s healing properties is now legit.
Before I left to play for the Texas Rangers in 2000, I spent countless mornings training at the beach. I’d wake up in the icy, pitch black winter dawn (hey, it happens in Cali once in while), then drive 40 minutes to Malibu. I’d run sprints and football patterns on the sand before diving into the frigid ocean waters. I’d often emerge half-frozen. On one occasion, I took my dad with me. The poor guy was shivering with such violence, he was unable to tie his shoes.
That season, I hit .300. Coincidence? I think not. My nasal passages were clearer, therefore, I breathed better, therefore, I hit better. From dailymail.co.uk:
Sea water may also lessen the symptoms of hay fever such as a runny and itchy nose — the water acts like a ‘saline douche’, washing the nasal passages clear of the irritating pollens.
See? It’s not just my personal experience. This blog is scientific. And ridiculous.
Kap
Kap, living on the East coast, a dive off the docks and swim in the crisp waters of the Sound after a hard early morning run is all I need to keep the mellow for the day! I’m a believer.
Dig that, Stan.
Richie says
Great post! Your email post always shows up when I am rating lunch here in NJ and I truly look forward to them. Some hit home and some don’t, but none the less I appreciate your insight my 4.5% brother!
My man, thank you.
It is something — something about the openness? Psychological? Psychosomatic (whatever that means)?
During the years I lived at the beach, I had more energy, slept less (5 - 6 hours /night) but with more quality, worked a high-stress job, worked-out almost daily, socialized like crazy, spent lotsa time in the water.
Only drawback? My skin took a beating. Too much time outside, prior to benefits of sunscreen being a widely-known thang.
That’s my only science on this.
Anecdotal evidence rules (something).
Interesting post. I’m recently back in NH after 5 years in Wisconsin. Damn, I missed the ocean. It’s hard to explain, but I just have a better sense of well-being living near the ocean, feeling its presence, driving along the coast every day, and breathing that ocean air.
Feels good, Joel.
Allow me to save millions and millions of dollars spent on future scientific research and studies about this subject. The sun, sand and ocean make people feel better.
You’re welcome.
How’d you know I was going to thank you? So smart.
Christian says
I couldn’t agree more on this post. Beyond the actual benefits of the water I think there is something to be said for the culture of it all as well. Of course people are going to put more of an emphasis on healthier living when they live close to the beach and are constantly hanging out in little clothing. As a beach vball player spending time up and down the coast of Cali I can definitely attest to the fact that beach living is good living!! The culture, the sand, the sun, it all attributes to a healthy happy lifestyle, aka kaplifestyle. Now if we could just get Kap to give us his address so we can enjoy a long weekend in Malibu. HA
Malibu is 36 miles long. There are only so many houses….wait, that’s a whole lot of trial and error.
And I quote you “This blog is scientific. And ridiculous.”
Obvious stated. haha
The ocean is one of the few places I feel at peace and that makes me feel better.
-Kelebek
Dig.
Robin says
Of course I agree. Boston is on the coast, at least my part of Boston is. That’s why you played well here as well!
Spent 20 years in Sarasota, so I’m behind you all the way with the benefits of saltwater (even WARM saltwater!). Have nothing against a nice mountain lake either. Don’t know just WHAT it is, but I do know it’s good for me. I love to just be quiet and soak up the energy.
Mountain lakes = heaven.
Excellent post as always. Maybe that’s why my wife loves going to the beach. This is a new meaning to “kaplifestyle”. Now we can just say we live a “kaplifestyle”. So when can we move in? Always educating!!
Always on time.
Very nice post. You should draw positive energy from your home.. i skate every morning before work at my friends ice rink..its truly my happy place quiet.no one around. Colder the better
Skating is your surfing.
Kap-
I’ve got to imagine there is a pretty hefty mental benefit here as well… Which… Is often overlooked in one’s physical well- being.
I can honestly say that simply staring out at the ocean, reduces my stress levels and makes me feel better…
No poppycock or fiddlesticks about it.
Side note: Pops is a trooper. Buy that guy an organic cup of joe next time you see him.
Read you mañana.
My man. Great comment today. Thanks.
So, if I have my runners make the two hour drive to the closest beach once-in-a-while for a run in the sand, followed by a little cross training swimming in the ocean, they’d cut their times? Think the AD will cover the cost?
Doesn’t hurt to ask, Matthew. Go for it.