The doctor named the main disadvantages of living by the sea. You may not want to move

doctor of integrative medicine, therapist, infectious disease specialist at UniProf Academy of Physicians

How is it useful to live by the sea? How can it be dangerous?

Living by the sea is a dream of many people. Sea resorts attract most of us, as it brings pleasure and benefits for physical and mental health. Sun, sea, sand – relaxation, which millions are waiting for during their vacations. It is not for nothing that back in the Soviet Union people were sent to the sea for treatment, special vouchers were issued, arguing that the healing properties of water and moist salty air.

But what if the sea coast will be a permanent place of residence? Is it really so useful? Or does the sea have a downside?

The benefits of living by the sea

Treatment of skin diseases

Sea water has disinfectant properties due to iodine and sulfur. It also contains a huge amount of other minerals that also help fight skin diseases. UV radiation also contributes to this. People who live near the sea and bathe in it often have much less dermatologic diseases.

Thalassotherapy (treatment with sea water and air baths) is also recommended for psoriasis. Most patients feel improvement. And they remain for a long time.

Reducing inflammation in the respiratory tract

Sea vouchers used to be the standard solution in the treatment of tuberculosis. And all because the micro- and macro-elemental composition of water (increased concentration of bicarbonates, calcium, magnesium) and humidity of salty air improve the condition of mucous membranes in the respiratory tract.

Bronchial asthma, sinusitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic bronchitis – diseases that are much milder in the inhabitants of the sea coast and generally occur very rarely.

Optimizing vitamin D levels

It is no longer a surprise to anyone that vitamin D plays a huge role in maintaining health. Its deficiency can manifest itself in a variety of ways, from lack of energy (just getting up can make you tired) to severe cardiovascular and neurological disorders.

The sunny climate of coastal areas has a positive effect on vitamin D levels, as UV rays are needed for its production. Those who live by the sea are well supplied with the vitamin. As a consequence, it helps to avoid many different diseases.

Read more about the dangers of vitamin D deficiency in the material at the link.

Other advantages of living by the sea

• Positive impact on mental health and sleep. Sea air is much cleaner and contains more oxygen, the sound of waves relaxes, soothes. Contemplating the immensity of the sea helps to cope with stress.
• Active lifestyle. The opportunity to engage in interesting sports – surfing, diving, sailing, swimming. This contributes to the development of physical endurance, weight optimization and reducing the risks of diseases, in particular cardiovascular system.

Minuses of living by the sea

Infectious diseases

People living in coastal areas are probably more susceptible to contagious diseases. Especially those that are waterborne. In addition to its rich micro- and macronutrient composition, seawater contains harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi. A person can become infected both by swimming and by eating fish and shellfish from contaminated water.

Toxins released by algae

Most algae are harmless to humans, but still there are some that can “spoil” the life of swimmers.

For example, cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) release biotoxins that can penetrate the body by ingesting water, through the skin and by inhaling vapors. The effects manifest as rashes, irritation, swelling, ulcers, stomach upset, fever, etc.

Harm from contaminated water

Pollution poses a danger not only to marine life, but also to humans. Drainage of harmful and poisonous substances like oil and petroleum products, animal waste, garbage left on beaches, lead to the fact that swimming in the sea is fraught with the development of severe poisoning, allergies and disorders in various body systems.

Other disadvantages of living by the sea

• Humid and hot climate contributes to the reproduction of dangerous fungi for humans. Their toxins suppress immunity and cause a variety of disorders of the nervous, digestive and other systems.
• Above we said that sunlight and the view of the sea favor a good mood. But excessive exposure to the sun, as recent studies have shown, on the contrary, can contribute to depressive disorders.
• In addition to depression, excessive sunlight exposure can lead to eye damage.
• Higher humidity supports the activity and rapid spread of viral infections. This includes coronavirus.

Read more about how not to get sick at sea in the article at the link.