Sea air has long been thought to be a cure for many ills. Victorians visited seaside resorts to take in the supposedly restorative air, but it may just have been a respite from the sooty cities. Whether sea air actually is good for you is a matter of debate. Some believe that the moist air full of salt, iodine, and other minerals stimulates the immune system and can clear the lungs of those with respiratory illnesses.
There’s some anecdotal evidence that patients with cystic fibrosis can breathe better after spending time at the ocean, but there’s no statistical evidence to support it yet. In some cases at least, healthy people report feeling better because they’re relaxing, feeling lulled by the sound of the waves, and getting more exercise.
