When is there the most iodine by the sea? This question keeps coming back like a boomerang, and it's no wonder. After all, iodine by the sea is associated with lightness, better well-being, and that characteristic feeling that you can finally breathe deeply.
However, it's worth knowing one thing: the concentration of iodine in the air is not constant. It depends on many factors - the weather (whether it is windy, whether the sea is rough), the season, and even how close you are to the shoreline.
What is iodine and why is it so important for health?
Iodine is an element (a trace element) without which the thyroid gland could not function normally. It is needed for the production of its hormones - thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones regulate metabolism rate, affect the nervous system, energy levels, and how the body functions daily.
When there is an iodine deficiency, the thyroid may function worse and worse, and metabolic processes slow down along with it. That is why iodine is simply essential for maintaining a healthy thyroid and entire body.
Iodine by the sea - where does iodine in the air come from?
The source is sea aerosol - tiny droplets of seawater carried by wind and waves. When seawater crashes against the shore, particles containing iodine enter the air. Therefore:
winds and rough seas increase the amount of iodine in the air,
the closer to the shoreline, the usually higher the iodine concentration.
A walk along the seashore makes more sense than a stroll in the center of a seaside resort.
When is there the most iodine by the sea?
There is no single "magical" time that guarantees the most iodine. In practice, the most iodine is present when the sea is rough, and the wind is strong - this is precisely when the most sea aerosol is created.
It is often suggested that the best time is the cooler months - autumn, winter, and early spring. Why? Because storms occur more frequently. On the other hand, studies also show that in summer (from June to September), iodine availability in the Baltic environment can be very high.
The simplest and safest conclusion? Instead of clinging tightly to one season, watch the specific conditions of the day - whether there is wind, waves, and choose places as close to the shore as possible.
Seasons and iodine levels
Winter
In winter, the Baltic Sea is rarely calm. Frequent winds, stronger waves, and rough sea cause high iodine concentrations to appear in the air. This is a good time for healthy walks, although of course, you should dress warmly and choose safe routes.
Spring
Spring is a real weather roulette. One day calm and sunny, the next windy and wavy. It's these windy, cooler days that can create great conditions for inhaling iodine. It's a good time for those who want to combine a walk along the seashore with regeneration after winter.
Summer
In summer, the sea often calms down, so there is a belief that there is less iodine. But that's not always true. When wind and waves appear, and the air stops being completely still, there can be a lot of iodine in the air. Just choose a less hot, windy day and walk right by the water.
Autumn
Autumn is the golden time by the Baltic for many. More frequent winds, first storms, and less tourist traffic make conditions for enjoying sea air often very good. Add to that peace and space - the perfect backdrop for long, healthy walks.
Highest iodine concentration - during storms and windy weather
The mechanism is really simple: waves + wind = more sea aerosol, which automatically means higher iodine concentration in the air. The more the sea "works," the more valuable particles float in the air you breathe during a walk.
One important thing - safety. In strong wind and stormy weather, avoid breakwaters, cliffs, and slippery beach access points. Instead, choose safe, open walking routes along the shore.
Where is the most iodine by the sea?
The number one rule is simple: the closer to the shoreline, the usually higher the iodine concentration in the air. Therefore, the best effects come from walks right by the water, not several streets inland.
On the Polish coast, eastern and northern parts of the Baltic Sea are often mentioned as particularly favorable, but it is better to treat this as a general guideline rather than a strict ranking of places. In practice, the specific conditions of the day - wind, waves, and your distance from the sea - matter much more.
How to best take advantage of iodine by the sea?
The best method is surprisingly simple - a walk along the seashore. And it doesn’t have to be anything extreme or sporty. Walking protocol (a starting point):
30-45 minutes of calm walking right by the water,
unhurried pace - walk, breathe deeply, without shortness of breath or pressure,
plan outings on windier days when the sea is "working," not when it is completely calm.
Sounds trivial? Maybe, but the power lies exactly in this simplicity. For many, it is a true blessing, both for the body and for the mind.
Iodine and diet - sources of iodine besides the air
A stay by the sea can support well-being, but one thing is clear: it does not replace a well-balanced diet. When it comes to iodine, food is the most important source. The main dietary sources of iodine are:
iodized salt - the simplest and most common solution,
fish and seafood - naturally rich in iodine and other valuable nutrients.
If you suspect an iodine deficiency, the foundation should always be ensuring iodine intake through diet, not relying solely on sea air. A walk by the sea? Excellent support. But the foundation is what lands on your plate.
Iodine deficiency and the thyroid - when to be cautious?
People with thyroid diseases, for example hyperthyroidism, should consult a doctor for any health decisions - also those related to iodine and staying by the sea.
It is also worth keeping a healthy distance from promises of "miraculous effects." Contact with sea air may improve well-being, can be part of prevention and general health care, but it is not a form of treatment. Moreover, it is important to remember that excess iodine is also not recommended; in this case, more does not mean better.
