Short Answer: Cold sea water is good for arthritis. Because it has salt and minerals that can reduce inflammation and pain in the joints.
Arthritis is a condition that affects your joints.
In arthritis, your body’s immune system attacks the lining of your joint capsule, causing inflammation, pain, stiffness, and damage to the cartilage and bone.
This can lead to various health problems, such as reduced mobility, disability, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
One of the key factors in managing arthritis is diet.
What you consume can affect your inflammation levels, which can impact your arthritis symptoms and overall health.
To effectively manage arthritis, you should consume omega-3 fatty acids rich foods like fatty fish, nuts, and seeds and avoid omega-6 fatty acids rich foods like vegetable oils, processed meats, and fried foods.
Now, cold sea water is the ocean water that has a low temperature, usually below 10°C (50°F).
People usually swim or bathe in cold sea water for recreational or therapeutic purposes.
Cold sea water is good for arthritis because it contains salt and minerals that can help reduce inflammation and pain in the joints.
Salt can draw out fluid from the swollen tissues and improve blood circulation.
Minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium can help relax the muscles and nerves and promote healing.
One study found that bathing in salt water for 20 minutes a day for two weeks improved the quality of life and reduced the pain and stiffness of people with osteoarthritis of the knee.
Another study found that swimming in cold sea water for 12 weeks improved the physical function and mental health of people with RA.
Furthermore, cold sea water is a natural cryotherapy and cryotherapy is good for arthritis.
Because, it can lower the skin temperature and reduce the nerve activity, which can decrease the sensation of pain and inflammation.
You can swim or bathe in cold sea water for 10 to 20 minutes a day safely.
More than that can cause hypothermia, which is a dangerous drop in body temperature.
Hypothermia can lead to shivering, confusion, drowsiness, and even death.
Also, you shouldn’t swim or bathe in cold sea water if you have heart problems, diabetes, or poor circulation to prevent complications.
Because, cold sea water can constrict your blood vessels and increase your blood pressure and heart rate, which can strain your heart and organs.
You can find cold sea water in many coastal areas, especially in the northern and southern hemispheres.
Always choose a clean and safe beach or pool to swim or bathe in.
Because, polluted or contaminated water can cause infections or irritations.
Finally, remember, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management and essential medical care is key to managing arthritis effectively.
I always recommend my arthritis patients to follow an arthritis-friendly diet to improve their overall well-being, and enjoy a longer and healthier life.