The maritime climate, clean air, and iodine make a stay on the Baltic Sea act as a natural therapy for the body . It's no wonder that a vacation in Łeba, Władysławowo, or other seaside towns is not just a vacation, but also a way to regenerate and strengthen the immune system.
Iodine - a small element of great importance
One of the most important reasons to spend a seaside vacation is the presence of iodine in the air. This trace element plays a crucial role in the functioning of our bodies, especially the thyroid gland. Iodine is a trace element essential for life and is responsible for, among other things, the production of thyroid hormones, which regulate many bodily processes.
Importantly, the air along the Baltic Sea contains more iodine than in many other regions of Europe. Studies indicate that the iodine concentration in the air along the Polish coast averages between 0.75 and 2.53 micrograms per cubic meter of air. Where does the iodine in coastal air come from? Waves and wind are responsible. Waves crashing against the shore release particles of seawater, which float in the air in the form of so-called marine aerosol. Along with this, iodine and other minerals enter the atmosphere. That's why a walk on the beach, especially on a windy day, is more than just a pleasure. It's a natural inhalation.
"When I was little, I used to get sick a lot. I remember my grandmother and mother deciding I should be taken to the seaside. I spent about three weeks there. I remember being surprised, because even though it was cool, as it was early spring, the wind was blowing, and my mother let me play on the beach. Later, I was told many times that I had inhaled a lot of iodine, and that it improved my health ," Maja, 35, from near Warsaw, told leba.pl. "My friend has a son who suffers from allergies and asthma, often gets infections, and they often go to the seaside so that he could inhale iodine," she added.
Holidays on the Baltic Sea. Rest and support for the respiratory system
Coastal air has another important characteristic – it's humid, clean, and contains mineral salt particles. This microclimate favors respiratory health and can be beneficial for those with allergies or respiratory problems. According to studies on coastal climates, sea spray has a bactericidal effect and helps cleanse the respiratory tract, while regular walks by the sea improve lung function and support the body's immune system.
It's no wonder that many sanatoriums and rehabilitation centers are being built by the sea. Doctors have been emphasizing for years that the maritime climate promotes regeneration. Beach walks, cycling, or swimming in the sea improve circulation and oxygenate the body. Combined with sunshine, this promotes the production of vitamin D, which is crucial for the immune system. Mental health shouldn't be forgotten either. The sound of waves, space, and contact with nature help us unwind, reduce stress, and improve the quality of our sleep. In an age when many of us work at computers and live in a constant rush, such relaxation is invaluable.
A trip to the seaside not only in summer
Many people believe that the Baltic Sea is only worth visiting during the summer. However, experts emphasize that the highest levels of iodine in the air occur in autumn and winter, when strong winds blow and waves crash intensely on the shore. This means that a seaside vacation during the off-season can be even more beneficial for your health than a summer vacation. Furthermore, accommodation prices are significantly lower, and many of the area's attractions are less crowded.
"I used to think that people only went to the Baltic Sea in the summer, but for several years now we've been organizing trips to the Polish seaside in the winter or spring. It's really great, the kids love it, there are no crowds, and there's so much to do. We love walking on the beach, watching the waves, the silence; it's very relaxing," Ilona from Białystok (last name for information) , a mother of two children, ages 6 and 10,
