This kind of air is very good for you

Added: 2026-05-31

[00:00:00]Most of us experience a sense of relaxation and well-being when spending time by the sea. Studies show that living near the ocean is associated with better health. Living near the ocean, especially within 5 km, was linked to public health benefits. The evidence supporting this coastal health effect comes from epidemiological studies that based on self-reported metrics such as general health and depression levels.

[00:00:22]Clinical data regarding lower COVID-19 hospitalization rates at the Italian coast further underscore this link.

[00:00:29]While the exact mechanisms behind the mental and physical health benefits of living near the ocean remain unclear, the prevailing theories are that coastal environments alleviate perceived stress levels, promote social interactions, offer affordable exercise opportunities, and exhibit lower levels of air pollution. Recent research illuminates another surprising factor. The air we breathe near the sea contains microscopic aerosols >> [music] >> that transport bacteria and other bioactive compounds from seawater into the atmosphere. It was demonstrated that these airborne particles may influence our immune system when inhaled. Frequent exposure to these sea spray aerosols SSA [music] containing marine microorganisms and bioactive compounds may influence human health. My name is Ty, and in today's video we try to understand why and how come sea air is so influential and so beneficial to our health. Sea air is not only a refreshing breeze. It contains microscopic particles known as sea spray aerosols. [music] These tiny particles are created when waves break and bubbles burst releasing seawater into the air.

[00:01:33]Seaside air is also rich in negative ions and microscopic salt [music] particles that act as a natural decongestant and mood booster. Together with salt ions, SSAs [music] carry various microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and phytoplankton as well as biogenic molecules such as lipids, carbohydrates, amino acids, and vitamins from the ocean. This means that while walking on the beach, we probably are inhaling this mixture that comes from the sea. A study of airborne bacteria was conducted by collecting air samples from the rooftop of a marine station that was situated 600 m from the sea during the hot seasons of spring and summer. Results showed that the composition of the airborne bacteria varied with wind direction and the seasonal temperature of seawater and air and bacterial communities in the nearby coastal waters. By comparing the bacterial communities in the air samples with the surf zone water, it was found that wind speeds that exceeded 4 m per second accompanied by winds blows from the sea results in SSA dominance. A greater proportion of airborne bacteria resembled those found in local seawater.

[00:02:39]It was also found that marine bacteria affect the immune system. In order to understand how inhaled marine bacteria affect immune responses, human cells were exposed to SSA samples for approximately 24 hours in the laboratory. The bacteria and endotoxins, a component of the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria in these aerosols, were found to mildly activate key immune receptors, toll-like receptor 4 and toll-like receptor 2/6, as well as the transcription factors nuclear factor kappa B and interferon regulatory factor. The strength of the effect depended on the concentration of bacteria and endotoxins in the SSA samples. Follow-up experiments showed that low concentrations of marine bacteria and endotoxins dampened TLR 4 and IRF activation. In response to subsequent exposure to pro-inflammatory E. coli LPS, [music] these findings suggest that exposure to low levels of airborne marine bacteria and endotoxins in SSAs may help regulate immune responses, potentially contributing to the health benefits associated with coastal environments.

[00:03:45]>> [music] >> However, many questions remain open, but there are most definitely respiratory benefits of sea air.

[00:03:51]>> [music] >> One, sea air is a natural cleanser.

[00:03:54]Crashing waves release sea spray aerosols [music] containing salt, magnesium, and iodine, which help thin mucus and flush out the respiratory tract. [music] Two, sea air is anti-inflammatory. Inhaling coastal saline mist helps reduce airway swelling, [music] providing relief for asthma, bronchitis, and sinus pressure.

[00:04:12]Three, sea air can increase oxygen intake. The high concentration of negative ions in sea [music] air is known to accelerate oxygen absorption and balance serotonin levels, resulting in increased energy and focus. [music] Given the presence and size of SSA in coastal air, inhalation emerges as a frequent and continuous mode of exposure to marine substances and microorganisms for people living near the ocean. After inhalation, SSA can enter the human respiratory tract extending from the upper airway all the way down to the alveolar region, where they may enter the bloodstream and exert systemic.

[00:04:48]Consequently, the regular inhalation of SSA might have a noticeable, yet overlooked, health effect on coastal residents. So, yes, the sea influences our breathing primarily through ocean air, which is rich in natural aerosols, negative ions, and humidity that clear airways. If there is good weather now in your end of the globe, I would recommend breathing some sea air for better health and good breathing days.