Since I moved to Malibu in 2011, I feel healthier and more energetic. Living near the ocean must be good for you.

If somebody spouted that poppycock to me, I’d tell them to kick rocks. We’re good at identifying this bias in others, but when it comes to our own experiences, we believe them to be proof of concepts. We go out to convince others that we’re right.

If I’m going to try to convince you (which I am), I’m going to need some evidence. Buckle up. From ecehh.org:

This study used data from the UK’s census to examine how health varied across the country and has found that people are more likely to have good health the closer they live to the sea. Proximity to the coast was positively associated with good health, with a small, but significant increase in the percentage of people reporting good health among populations residing closer to the sea.

Boom. Case. Closed.

Not so fast you say? Good for you for having the courage to speak up. Enough about you, let’s talk about me.

I love to swim in the ocean. Your favorite warm water spot in the Caribbean is lovely and all, but I’m talking about the deep blue Pacific; the angry, nasty, cold, seaweed-filled monster. When the tourists are gone and the beach is quiet, I sneak out with the few wet-suited softie surfers that remain and really get after it. I like to listen to the waves smash against the shore as the current struggles trying to sweep me into deeper waters. I’m just a kid at heart.

When my feet once again meet the dry sand, I’m refreshed and rejuvenated. The sun’s rays brush my skin, gradually baking the salt. I feel…healthy. From livestrong.com:

Seawater contains vital elements, vitamins, mineral salts, trace elements, amino acids and living microorganisms that can produce antibiotic and antibacterial effects to help promote a healthy immune system. Reportedly, the components of seawater, similar to human blood plasma, are easily absorbed and utilized by your body while swimming. Inhaling a sea mist filled with negatively charged ions, or molecules that attach to your lungs also boosts your immune system, according to naturopathic doctor Connie Hernandez. In addition, proponents claim that swimming in seawater opens pores in the skin to allow the absorption of sea minerals and the expulsion of disease-causing toxins from the body.

Arghhh! We were so close, Lance. Then you went and pointed out Connie’s “degree” in naturopath-ology (don’t Google it, it’s not a word). Wait, that’s not nice or fair of me. The naturopathic schools are only overseen by their own organization, require less than half the time as a traditional medical degree, and involve no residency programs or training…but that doesn’t indicate inadequacy.

“Naturopathic physicians combine the wisdom of nature with the rigors of modern science,” says naturopathic.org.

Steeped in traditional healing methods, principles and practices, naturopathic medicine focuses on holistic, proactive prevention and comprehensive diagnosis and treatment. By using protocols that minimize the risk of harm, naturopathic physicians help facilitate the body’s inherent ability to restore and maintain optimal health. It is the naturopathic physician’s role to identify and remove barriers to good health by helping to create a healing internal and external environment.

Oh. Fine. Anything Connie says about the ocean’s healing properties is now legit.

Before I left to play for the Texas Rangers in 2000, I spent countless mornings training at the beach. I’d wake up in the icy, pitch black winter dawn (hey, it happens in Cali once in while), then drive 40 minutes to Malibu. I’d run sprints and football patterns on the sand before diving into the frigid ocean waters. I’d often emerge half-frozen. On one occasion, I took my dad with me. The poor guy was shivering with such violence, he was unable to tie his shoes.

That season, I hit .300. Coincidence? I think not. My nasal passages were clearer, therefore, I breathed better, therefore, I hit better. From dailymail.co.uk:

Sea water may also lessen the symptoms of hay fever such as a runny and itchy nose — the water acts like a ‘saline douche’, washing the nasal passages clear of the irritating pollens.

See? It’s not just my personal experience. This blog is scientific. And ridiculous.

Kap