Due to the increased prevalence of electronic devices, WiFi, and electricity in general, there is growing concern about the impact that electromagnetic fields, or EMFs, have on the body. Although not yet a mainstream health concern, the International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified EMFs as “possibly carcinogenic to humans” and notes that we should “keep a close watch for a link between cell phones and cancer risk.”1
Additionally, a review of scientific studies suggests that EMF and RF, or radiofrequency, have a significant effect on living organisms. The most prominent of these ecological effects can be observed in the development and reproduction of insects and birds.2
What are EMFs
Electromagnetic fields are invisible areas of energy produced by electricity. Electric fields are produced by voltage that is run through an electrical wire, while magnetic fields are produced by the current flowing through electrical wires. The interaction of an electric and magnetic field creates an electromagnetic field.
Electromagnetic fields are not only produced by electricity, but also the Earth’s magnetic field and other natural phenomena. Whether man-made or produced by nature, EMFs can be classified as generating a low level or high level of radiation. EMF sources that produce high levels of radiation, or ionizing radiation, include ultraviolet rays from the sun, x-rays, and gamma rays. Sources of low-level radiation, or non-ionizing radiation, include the man-made sources known as electropollution, such as:
- Cell phones
- Cell phone towers
- Computers
- Microwave ovens
- Electrical wiring
- Power lines
What problems can EMFs cause?
While high-level sources of radiation are certainly a big concern, they are more easily avoided and we typically don’t encounter them as frequently in our daily lives. Low-level radiation sources, however, are constantly penetrating our bodies as long as we are in the general vicinity of electricity. The concern is that although they emit lower levels of radiation, extended exposure to these low-EMF sources may eventually lead to significant health issues over time.
Concerns regarding low-EMF radiation are not unfounded. For example, radiation from cell phone use has been linked to a condition known as “leaky brain.”3 Furthermore, a link has also been found between EMF exposure and diminished nervous system function, as well as increased DNA reactivity.4 5
Along with these issues, symptoms that are commonly associated with over-exposure include:
- Headache
- Irritability
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Lack of concentration
- Skin tingling and burning
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Increased cancer risk
- Depression
- Anxiety 6 7 8
8 ways to protect yourself from harmful EMFs
We can’t avoid EMF exposure completely in our modern world, but there are plenty of things we can do to mitigate the potential harm from constant exposure. Here are 8 habits to practice if you are wondering how to protect yourself from the harmful effects of electromagnetic waves. These include both avoidance of and increasing your resistance to electromagnetic pollution.
1. Limit sun exposure
Ultraviolet rays produce less radiation than x-rays and gamma rays but more than man-made electromagnetic fields. These rays are responsible for causing the majority of skin cancers. A moderate amount of sun is beneficial, but you should take steps to protect yourself if you are going to be out in the sun for a long period of time. This includes wearing a hat and sunglasses, applying a natural sunscreen, and frequently seeking shade. Similarly, you should limit your exposure to tanning beds, as these produce ultraviolet rays as well.
2. Reduce cell phone use
Cell phones are one of the biggest sources of low-EMF radiation, as they are usually on our bodies or within 1 or 2 feet of us at all times. The EMFs cell phones produce aren’t the only issue, as they can also be a traffic hazard and cause eye strain when used excessively.9 To reduce cell phone use and exposure to EMFs, you should:
- Use your speakerphone or a wired headset when on a call
- Use your phone only when you have a strong signal
- Keep your phone away from your body
- Take regular time outs from your phone (turn it off, etc.)
3. Ditto for computers
The same precautions taken for cell phones should apply to other digital devices such as laptops and personal computers as well. Limiting your use is always the best solution. However, computers are a necessity of the modern world just like cell phones. So to limit your EMF exposure from these sources, you can:
- Use a corded mouse and keyboard
- Use a wired Internet connection instead of WiFi
- If you must have WiFi, turn it off at night and when you aren’t using it
- Keep the computer a couple feet away from you
- Use a corded landline phone instead of a wireless one
- Use your laptop on battery power (not plugged in)
- Take frequent breaks
4. Ground every day
Grounding, or Earthing, is a simple way to detox from EMF exposure. Walking barefoot on a lawn or other natural surface allows our bodies to soak up negatively charged ions from the earth. These ions neutralize positively charged ions that we accumulate from EMFs.
While walking on the earth’s surface is the best way to ground, there are also a variety of grounding mats available that provide a similar effect. These are useful when you aren’t able to ground outside, such as in cold weather, and can be implemented for longer periods of time, such as when sleeping. One study found that grounding while sleeping specifically resynchronized cortisol hormone secretion to align more with the body’s natural circadian rhythm, leading to improved sleep and less stress.10
5. Make your bedroom a sanctuary
One of the best things you can do to protect yourself from the harmful effects of electromagnetic waves is to make your room a low-EMF sanctuary. Keeping your cell phone, computer, TV, and other electronic devices out of your room will reduce your exposure so you can experience a longer, more restorative sleep. Doing this will also ensure that you aren’t exposed to blue light before sleep, which can easily disrupt hormone production.11 Additionally, you may also want to take it a step further and unplug everything in your room or turn off the circuit breaker to your room at night. And if you want to go really extreme, you can even buy a bed canopy that blocks out EMF and RF.
6. Remove your wireless smart meter
Smart meters are a growing topic of controversy. The issue with these meters is that they are essentially powerful WiFi devices that pulse thousands of times per day over long distances. Many people have reported health issues after smart meters were installed on or near their residences. One study of Australian citizens found that exposure to wireless meters may actually lower a person’s threshold for various negative health symptoms. 12
The concerns over smart meters have led to a movement of getting them replaced with traditional analog meters. Some states now have an opt-out policy for smart meters. If you are unable to opt out of a smart meter, you may want to look into Faraday-like cages that fit over the meter. These cages are said to block out most of the EMF, while still allowing the power company to pick up their signal to read them.
7. Spend time outdoors
In addition to grounding, routinely spending time outdoors in general is a great way to protect yourself from the harmful effects of electromagnetic waves. Spending time outside allows us to get away from enclosed areas that can be saturated with harmful EMFs. Plus, being outdoors allows the body and mind to reconnect with the natural environment. Various studies have shown that being outdoors offers a number of health benefits, including boosting mood, lowering blood pressure, and improving memory.13 Being in nature and engaging in outdoor activities will not only get you farther away from harmful EMFs, but can also give your body the boost it needs to combat their potential negative effects.
When spending time outdoors, it’s also recommended that you turn your cell phone off. Additionally, your outdoor time will be more beneficial if you stay as far away from power lines, cell phone towers, and other EMF sources as possible.
8. Eat antioxidant-rich foods
Did you know that simply eating certain foods can help your body neutralize EMF radiation? Foods rich in antioxidants are effective at helping the body neutralize free radicals that may result from radiation exposure. Nutrients that have antioxidant capacity include melatonin, vitamin C, omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, and resveratrol. These and other antioxidant substances are abundant in the following foods.
- Flaxseeds
- Kale
- Oranges
- Salmon
- Spinach
- Almonds
- Tomatoes
- Walnuts
- Strawberries
- Curcumin
- Garlic
- Rosemary
- Oregano
Get insight into electromagnetic fields with a ZYTO scan
If you are worried about the harmful effects of EMFs, make sure to follow the 8 tips above to protect yourself. Additionally, by measuring your body’s galvanic skin response, a ZYTO biocommunication scan can provide more insight into how your body responds to electromagnetic fields. There is an actual category within the ZYTO software library representing electromagnetic fields which includes many sources of harmful EMFs, such as cell phones, power lines, and computers. The ZYTO software can scan for these and display the top wellness products and other items to help balance these areas and more.
About Seth Morris
Seth Morris is an experienced article writer with a background in marketing, Web content creation, and health research. In addition to writing and editing content for the ZYTO website and blog, he has written hundreds of articles for various websites on topics such as holistic wellness, health technology, and Internet marketing. Seth has earned Bachelor’s Degrees in Business Management as well as Literary Studies.
Sources:
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2. Cucurachi, S., W.L.M. Tamis, et al. “A review of the ecological effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EFM).” Environment International 51 (2013): 116-140.
3. Salford, L.G., A.E. Brun, et al. “Nerve cell damage in mammalian brain after exposure to microwaves from GSM mobile phones.” Environmental Health Perspectives 111, no. 7 (2003): 881-883.
4. Sun, Z., J. Ge, et al. “Extremely Low Frequency Electromagnetic Fields Facilitate Vesicle Endocytosis by Increasing Presynaptic Calcium Channel Expression at a Central Synapse.” Scientific Reports 6, no. 21774 (2016).
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9. “Health Risks of Using Mobile Phones.” South University. Southuniversity.edu.
10. Ghaly, M., & D. Teplitz. “The biologic effects of grounding the human body during sleep as measured by cortisol levels and subjective reporting of sleep, pain, and stress.” The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 10, no. 5 (2004): 767-776.
11. “Blue light has a dark side.” Harvard University. Health.harvard.edu.
12. Lamech, F. “Self-Reporting of Symptom Development From Exposure to Radiofrequency Fields of Wireless Smart Meters in Victoria, Australia: A Case Series.” Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine 20, no. 6 (2014): 28-39.
13. Loria, Kevin. “Being outside can improve memory, fight depression, and lower blood pressure — here are 12 science-backed reasons to spend more time outdoors.” Insider Inc. Businessinsider.com.