Learn about the effects of electromagnetic fields and how you can limit your exposure today.
Here’s a question for you: How many times have you looked at a screen today?
It’s nearly impossible to count, isn’t it? Because our modern lives have made us dependent on our screens. We text family members, like our friends’ Facebook posts, scroll through our favorite celebrity’s Instagram, and stream TV series or movies almost every night.
Our children are learning remotely and our very own jobs depend on a working computer screen and a strong internet connection.
And while modern technology has provided us with countless amenities and miracles, there is a very serious downside to being screen-dependent. And it’s something no one is really talking about.
So let’s dig in. Today we’ll cover what exactly electromagnetic fields are (EMFs) and why your screens have more effect on your health than you think.
What are EMFs?
Electromagnetic fields are energy fields (also called radiation) created by both electric fields and magnetic fields combined.[1, 2]
Electric fields are present when a device is plugged in, whether it’s turned on or not. Alone, electric fields are easily weakened by walls and other objects.
Magnetic fields are produced when a device is turned on and the current is active. For example, power lines give off magnetic fields because electricity constantly runs through them. Magnetic fields are strong and can easily pass through many types of objects, including big buildings and living things.
Electric and magnetic fields come together to form two types of EMFs: high-frequency EMFs and low-frequency EMFs. Below, we’ll take a look at how ubiquitous EMFs are in your everyday life.
Where are EMFs found?
EMFs are invisible to the naked eye. But just because we can’t see them, doesn’t mean they aren’t there. They exist all around us since many things (both natural and manmade) give off electric and magnetic fields.
Some natural sources of low EMFs are the earth, our very own bodies, and the sun. But the majority of our EMF exposure comes from modern manmade sources.
These are a few sources of high-frequency EMFs:
- X Rays
- Gamma rays
- Ultraviolet light
These are sources of low-frequency EMFs:
- Cellphones
- TVs
- Computers and laptops
- Video game consoles
- Wi-Fi routers
- Power lines
- Appliances
- Radiowaves
If you can think of an electronic item you use, chances are it’s emitting EMFs. And while electronics certainly make our lives easier, constant exposure to EMFs does not go without its consequences.
Are EMFs Harmful to Humans?
There is some dissent in the medical community about the effects of EMFs. According to the World Health Organization, EMFs are “possibly carcinogenic” to humans, and a small recent study found that adults exposed to high levels of EMFs showed an increase risk of particular types of of leukemia.[3, 4, 5]
While more research is needed to understand exactly how EMFs are harmful, there is clear data the high-frequency EMFs damage DNA and other types of EMFs increase the presence of free radicals in the body, which are unstable reactive atoms.[6]
When free radicals aren’t prolific, they’re a normal part of the human biome. But when free radical levels spike, they begin to damage healthy cells through a process called oxidation.[7]
When oxidative damage increases, healthy cells may lose the ability to function properly or die altogether.
Eventually, oxidative damage can lead to destruction of proteins, lipids, and even DNA.[8] This can lead to damage that prohibits your cells from functioning properly and may affect the way they reproduce.
Changes at the cellular level can cause harmful conditions that have been linked to EMF exposure. Over time, consistent exposure to EMFs may lead to: [9,10, 11]
- Chronic fatigue
- Digestive issues
- Reproductive issues
- Skin conditions
- Neurological deficits
- Cancer
Since we’re inundated with EMF exposure regularly, you might be wondering if there are steps you can take to protect yourself from exposure. Let’s take a look.
How Can I Protect Myself From EMFs?
While the medical community works hard to determine the particulars, one thing is for certain. The human body is resilient, and it’s designed to combat plenty of environmental toxins, including EMFs. But when EMF exposure is constant, it begins to take a toll.
While there isn’t a way to relevant EMF exposure entirely, there are a few things you can do to lessen your exposure, protect yourself and your family, and stay healthy.
Minimize exposure. When you aren’t using your tech devices, stow them away. Carrying your cellphone or laptop around with you all day means you’re never giving your body a rest from the energy fields they emit.
Don’t lean too close to screens. EMFs are strongest in close proximity to the device or appliance it radiates from. Keep this in mind when you look at a computer, television, or cell phone screen.
Take breaks from tech. As simple as it is, putting all your devices away and stepping outside for a walk can be beneficial. There are EMFs all around, yes, but detaching from tech and being in nature is a sure-fire way to replenish and take a much needed break from EMFs.
Use a Safesleeve. Investing in protective coverings for some of your most-used devices is a good idea. Safesleeve is a company dedicated to limiting EMF exposure from cellphone, tablet, and laptop use. Purchase a sleeve to lessen exposure here.
*And while you’re at it, grab some Blu Blox glasses to protect yourself from blue light, too. Screen-staring is the new tobacco. Protect yourself. Remember to use the code “drnasha” at checkout for 10% off!
Foster Good Habits to Stay Healthy
As obvious as it seems, fostering good habits can help you stay healthy so your body is primed to recover, repair, and regenerate. Below are some of my favorite ways to promote whole-body health, maintain metabolic flexibility, and stay in tip-top shape to tackle free radicals and mitigate the effects of EMFs
Eat whole foods and healthy fats. A diet rich in whole foods is the best medicine. Stick with lots of veggies, grass-fed meats, and healthy fats like ghee, nuts, and good oils (olive, avocado, and coconut are my favorite). If you can manage that and stay hydrated with clean, filtered water, you’re well on your way to a healthy, happy life.
Practice Intermittent fasting. Scientifically speaking, fasting has been linked with improved blood pressure and cholesterol levels, improved blood sugar control, decreased levels of inflammation, metabolic flexibility, and weight loss. Incorporating intermittent fasting into your lifestyle will help you maintain healthy cellular reproduction and metabolic flexibility.
Keep a gratitude journal. Practicing gratitude is simple, costs zero dollars, and has a profound effect on your health and wellbeing. Not sure where to start? Write down five things you’re grateful for when you wake up every morning. What a simple way to stay thankful.
Get good quality sleep. The power of sleep is immense. Between 11 pm and 3 am, key digestive and detoxification processes take place in your body. If you’re awake at this time, you’re interfering with important clean-up functions that keep you healthy. To be safe, I recommend getting to sleep by 11 pm so your body can get to work.
Get moving. Yep. Good old-fashioned sweating is an important detox function that can help your body flush everything from small toxins to heavy metals. Sweating has been linked with increased energy, healthy weight, improved mood, and good sleep.
Practice meditation. Meditation has been shown to reduce the harmful effects of stress. When we recognize stress as a chronic toxin and widespread problem that leads to many serious diseases and disorders, anything that naturally helps us avoid stress should be welcomed with open arms and an open heart.
While it’s true that EMFs are nearly unavoidable, following these simple steps will help you maintain the most important thing you have: your health. When you’re metabolically flexible, mentally clear, and spiritually fulfilled, you’re stronger.
For a more in-depth conversation about biohacks to help you combat the potential negative effects of EMFs, check out our previous article “Biohacking for Beginners: 5 Free and Easy Tips to Boost Your Energy and Support Whole-Body Health.”
*The advice and/or products on drnasha.com are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or illness. Further, the information in this article is not intended to replace the recommendations of your healthcare provider or physician. Please review references cited at the end of the article for scientific support of any claims made.
References:
- https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/emf/index.cfm
- https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/radiation/electromagnetic-fields-fact-sheet
- https://www.iarc.fr/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/pr208_E.pdf
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20483835/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0013935118301403
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3444040/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6025786/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3897901/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0013935118303475?via%3Dihub
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27083321/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6108834/
Learn about the upcoming virtual conference:
EMF Medical Conference 2021
Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment
of EMF Associated Illness
Learn more: emfconference2021.com
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