Exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) is increasing and so is the interest in their health effects.
Every day we are exposed to EMFs generated by electricity production by power lines, power distribution networks, internet, household appliances, mobile phones, and computers. EMF exposure has been proven to disrupt:
● Brain activity
● Hormone activity
● Enzyme function
● Cell cycle regulation
● Protein synthesis
● RNA/DNA synthesis
● Nervous system function
● Cognition and learning
● Liver function
● Eye health
These disruptions are thought to lead to increased risk of depression, anxiety, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, learning disorders, and sleep disturbance. EMFs have also been linked to childhood leukaemia, adult brain cancer, and increased risk of miscarriage.
EMFs were actually classed as a carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer
Detrimental effects of EMFs
Mobile phones emit radiofrequency EMFs that can penetrate 4 to 6 cm into the brain, even when on a call. This can cause blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption, liver damage, and eye damage. The damage caused by EMFs is thought to be due to the electric fields, thermal effects, and radiation, depending on frequency and strength of exposure.
It is thought that EMFs alter calcium metabolism pathways, increase intracellular calcium levels; as well as increasing free radical production and damaging protective endogenous antioxidant systems. The result is oxidative damage, cell dysfunction, and chronic low-grade inflammation. The brain is particularly susceptible to free radicals, and is most affected by EMF exposure. Oxidative stress in the brain is linked to neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
The brain is particularly susceptible to oxidative damage and is most affected by EMF exposure.
EMFs can alter sleep patterns
Melatonin, the main sleep hormone, also acts as an antioxidant within the central nervous system (CNS). However, as EMF exposure may reduce the activity of the pineal gland and suppress melatonin production, the body loses this antioxidant benefit, further increasing the oxidative damage of EMF exposure. Suppression of melatonin can also lead to sleep disorders, depression, and cancer.
EMFs in stress, depression and anxiety
Nitric oxide is an intracellular messenger formed in the CNS. It is involved in many physiological and pathological processes, especially in the brain and particularly in the stress response. EMFs can cause excessive levels of intracellular calcium, which increases nitric oxide production.
The nitric oxide pathway is closely linked to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA), gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and glutamate levels. A disruption to nitric oxide levels due to EMFs is known to disturb HPA feedback mechanisms, disrupt GABA/glutamate balance, and is linked to anxiety and depression.
This was demonstrated in a study of 132 power plant workers exposed to EMFs. Stress, depression, anxiety and sleep disturbances were higher with increased exposure. A separate study showed that participants experiencing reactions to EMFs also had a higher level of physiological symptoms like fear and anxiety. Researchers found a potential bi-directional relationship of EMF exposure and psychological disorders, with each influencing the other.
A disruption to nitric oxide levels due to EMFs is known to disturb HPA feedback mechanisms, disrupt GABA/ glutamate balance, and is linked to anxiety and depression.
Less screen time, more green time!
“Screen time” refers to time spent on devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, computers and televisions. Many children and teenagers have a high level of screen time, often exceeding the recommendation of a maximum two hours per day.
The topic of screen time has been popular in recent years with known links between increased screen time and poorer health outcomes. High amounts of screen time is associated with:
● Increased risk of overweight/obesity
● Lower life quality due to isolation and lack of social interaction
● Psychosocial issues such as lower self-esteem, impaired social behaviour, reduced academic achievement and increased risk of depression
Treatment for the damaging effects of EMFs
For patients whose exposure to EMFs and/or screens are affecting their sleep, mood or health, the following strategies can be considered:
● Reducing screen time, especially in children and adolescents
● Using a metal protector to protect from EMFs
● Utilising natural antioxidant protective agents to protect from EMF-induced oxidative/inflammatory damage
● Using clinically relevant natural antioxidants
Take a holistic view
Exposure to EMFs can cause oxidative damage, inflammation, sleep issues, and disruption to many body systems.
Consult a qualified naturopath to help if you are adversely affected by EMF exposure. In addition to protective measures and natural antioxidants, they may recommend lifestyle changes to improve symptoms and health outcomes.
References
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- Bagheri Hosseinabadi, M., Khanjani, N., Ebrahimi, M., Haji, B., & Abdolahfard, M. (2018). The effect of chronic exposure to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields on sleep quality, stress, depression and anxiety. Electromagnetic Biology And Medicine, 38(1), 96-101. doi: 10.1080/15368378.2018.1545665
- Kjellqvist, A., Palmquist, E., & Nordin, S. (2016). Psychological symptoms and health-related quality of life in idiopathic environmental intolerance attributed to electromagnetic fields. Journal Of Psychosomatic Research, 84, 8-12. doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2016.03.006
- Warille, A., Altun, G., Elamin, A., Kaplan, A., Mohamed, H., Yurt, K., & El Elhaj, A. (2017). Skeptical approaches concerning the effect of exposure to electromagnetic fields on brain hormones and enzyme activities. Journal Of Microscopy And Ultrastructure, 5(4), 177. doi: 10.1016/j.jmau.2017.09.002
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- Ortiz, F., Fernández-Gil, B., Guerra-Librero, A., López, L., Acuña-Castroviejo, D., & Escames, G. (2016). Preliminary evidence suggesting that nonmetallic and metallic nanoparticle devices protect against the effects of environmental electromagnetic radiation by reducing oxidative stress and inflammatory status. European Journal Of Integrative Medicine, 8(5), 835-840. doi: 10.1016/j.eujim.2016.06.009
- Bruenig, D., Morris, C., Mehta, D., Harvey, W., Lawford, B., Young, R., & Voisey, J. (2017). Nitric oxide pathway genes (NOS1AP and NOS1) are involved in PTSD severity, depression, anxiety, stress and resilience. Gene, 625, 42-48. doi: 10.1016/j.gene.2017.04.048
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- Saunders, T., & Vallance, J. (2016). Screen Time and Health Indicators Among Children and Youth: Current Evidence, Limitations and Future Directions. Applied Health Economics And Health Policy, 15(3), 323-331. doi: 10.1007/s40258-016-0289-3
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- Salehi, B., Sharopov, F., Fokou, PVT., Kobylinska, A., Jonge, LD., Tadio, K., Sharifi-Rad, J., Posmyk, MM., Martorell, M., Martins, N., Iriti, M. (2019). Melatonin in Medicinal and Food Plants: Occurrence, Bioavailability, and Health Potential for Humans. Cells. 8(7), 681. doi: 10.3390/cells8070681
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