The Natural Health Digest

SARAH HOWDEN

JUST like a dip in the pool, getting into the sea and having a swim - or even a wade - is great for the body. As well as providing a good cardio workout, it provides all-over toning too.

“It’s one of the safest forms of low-impact exercise and is great for all ages,” says Gareth Brown, an independent personal trainer from Edinburgh. “It’s also great for lowering the percentage of body fat.

“You also don’t have to exert the same force for equal results, so there’s less effort in swimming in comparison to, say, running.

“And you’re using all of your muscles in the water, so you’re developing more solid muscle.”

And, as swimming is a non weight-bearing sport, it’s ideal for those with joint problems.

Plus, taking a dip in the cool sea, as opposed to a warm pool, gives the body a shock, gets the heart pumping, the adrenaline pumping, and you work harder against the current.

Water sports can help you tone up too.

“Water-skiing works the arms surprisingly hard, as well as the back, shoulder and abdominal muscles,” says celebrity personal trainer, Matt Roberts.

“And wind surfing is particularly good exercise because if you’re a learner you spend the whole time falling off the board into the water and hauling yourself and the sail back up again.”

He adds: “Pedaloes are surprisingly tough. If you pedal out to sea and back for 25 minutes, it’s the same as working out on an exercise bike - but more fun. Aerobic and fat burning, it tones the leg muscles beautifully.”

BEAUTY AND THE BEACH

Why spend hours couped up in some spa shelling out a small fortune when the coast can give the same effect - for nothing.

“The sea helps to firm and tone the skin,” explains Maria Hatzistefanis, founder of skincare brand Rodial, available at Harvey Nichols. “If there is plenty of seaweed in the ocean, this is especially beneficial as its extracts help to break down fat cells and reduce cellulite. The cold water also increases blood circulation and reduces water retention.”

Edinburgh beauty therapist Louise Caithness of Zest Health and Beauty agrees. She says: “The sea is a like a large spa bath in disguise. Full of essential minerals and salts, it’s great at invigorating and restoring the body’s natural mineral balance, stimulating the circulation and relaxing tight muscles.

“Sea salts have a softening effect, and help damaged skin to heal. They are great at improving minor skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis too.

” The sea can also help to detox the body because it’s full of mineral-rich algae, which means it’s great at cleansing the body of impurities.”

The sea is a rich source of silicon which leaves skin looking younger and more toned, while the iodine in the salt water is great for hair growth. But let’s not forget the ultimate exfoliator - the sand.

“Take a leisurely stroll barefoot along the beach to ensure your feet stay super smooth,” adds Louise. “Massage sand on to your arms and legs too before a dip in the sea for a quick and inexpensive full body scrub.”

THE SUN

We all know that prolonged exposure to the sun’s rays can be deadly or, at the very least, lead to premature ageing. And so a high protection sunscreen is the only way to go. But the sun can also be good for us too.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of winter depression, affects an estimated 60,000 Scots every year.

A spokesperson for the Mental Health Foundation, explains: “In the darker months there is no sunlight to kick-start the serotonin release and so the balance of melatonin and serotonin is not restored.

“This can result in depression, irritability, loss of sex drive, and is why many people find themselves struggling to cope during winter.”

So, to boost their mood, SAD sufferers are encouraged to step into the great outdoors as daylight triggers the production of the happy hormone, serotonin.

As well as controlling mood, libido and sleep patterns it helps to counteract depression. “Even if it’s just half an hour at lunchtime, it will make a difference,” says the MHF spokesperson.

So it makes sense, therefore, that in the summer when the days are longer, brighter, and the sun is shining, some UV rays - with sunscreen protection, of course - can be an instant mood booster, improving your physical and emotional wellbeing.

Louise Caithness agrees, and adds: “Even a few minutes in the sun can promote a feeling of total wellbeing, which instantly makes us more relaxed and radiant. I’d advise exposure before the midday sun (when the rays are at their strongest) or after 3pm. But always wear a sun protection factor when in the sun.”

As well as boosting your mood, getting out in the sun and catching some UV rays stimulates the production of Vitamin D, which allows our body to make good use of calcium and phosphorus that promote strong bones.

And small amounts of sunlight can even fix blemishes and encourage nail growth and strength.

A BREATH OF FRESH AIR

A recent survey revealed one of the quickest and most effective ways to reduce stress is the sight of the sea. The sound of the waves breaking on the shore has a calming effect no glass of wine or gym session can rival.

And with no exhaust fumes, no air-conditioning, and no urban pollution, a walk along the beach can hugely revitalise and does wonders for the body - and mind.

The increased levels of oxygen will leave the brain, heart and other organs feeling rejuvenated, and can be particularly restorative for those who suffer from health problems such as asthma and hayfever.

SEA CHANGE

Apart from the faint noise of children playing happily in the distance, all you can hear is the sound of waves gently lapping against the shore of soft white sands. Things couldn’t be more different to home.

“If you are stuck in a routine, you get institutionalised and it is hard to get a feel for what you’d rather be doing with your life or how you could approach things better,” says Fiona Harrold, author of The 10-Minute Life Coach. “A holiday by the sea is a time to reassess your life. Putting some distance - literally - between yourself and your home life means you can get some perspective on it, ‘hear’ yourself think and be a little bit spontaneous, for a change.”

Edinburgh life coach Susanne Blake agrees, and adds: “Even an afternoon or day at the seaside, away from normal life helps you relax. This quality time can often mean you become open to new ideas and opportunities.”

And at the very least, you can indulge your inner child with some playing in the sea and building sand castles. Who said adults can’t have fun?

Source: Scotsman.com