Detoxing from EMF Exposure

We’re all pretty aware of the risks of exposure to toxins in the air we breathe and water we drink, as well as the hormones, antibiotics and pesticides commonly found in our food.

But what many of us pay less attention to is the risk of exposure to EMFs.

What are EMFs?

Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are invisible forces that are emitted from wireless and electrical technologies all around us and may be harmful to your health and wellbeing. 

Electric fields, which include anything that is electric and has a voltage. Magnetic fields which include anything that has an electric motor, such as a refrigerator, power meter outside your house and even hair dryers!

EMFs are typically grouped into one of two categories by their frequency:

• Non-ionizing: low-level radiation which is generally perceived as harmless to humans
• Ionizing: high-level radiation which has the potential for cellular and DNA damage

Ionizing radiation sources include ultraviolet (UV) light, sunlight, X-rays and gamma rays.

Non-ionizing radiation sources include extremely low frequency (ELF), radio frequency (RF), microwaves and visual light.  Examples include: 

• Microwave ovens
• Computers
• House energy smart meters
• Wireless (wifi) networks
• Cell Phones
• Bluetooth devices
• Power lines
• Electrical outlets
• Household appliances
• MRIs

Be honest with yourself, how much exposure do you have to these sources on a daily basis?

Are EMFs harmful to your health?

Lifetime exposure to EMF is becoming the subject of significant scientific investigation since it has the potential to cause crucial changes and deleterious effects in biological systems.  In fact, EMFs can cause symptoms of illness in infants, children and adults, particularly those who already experience low immunity.

Common symptoms from high EMF exposure:

• Headaches
• Disturbed sleep
• Mind-fog
• Digestive problems
• Depression

Recent research has shown:

• Electrical devices produce frequencies which communicate with our cellular structures, such as electrons and atoms. These frequencies can disrupt our chemistry. In 2011, The WHO/International Agency for Research on Cancer labeled magnetic radiation as a class 3 carcinogen.
• EMF exposure research shows it may reduce the pineal glands production of melatonin. We all know the benefits of the hormone melatonin for sleep and its ability to suppress cancer cells.
• If you are sensitive to EMF exposure, you may have fatigue, poor sleep, and a lower ability than normal to handle stress. Chronic EFM exposure or sensitivity can also lead to a foggy brain. It has also been linked to chronic fatigue, mitochondrial issues, poor neurological health, anxiety and ADD/ADHD.

Detoxing from EMFs (Digital Detox)

Detoxing from your EMFs doesn't have to involve deprivation or a complete lifestyle change. 

It's about learning to live with technology with more informed balance and some healthy boundaries.

Reducing your electromagnetic fields may create an environment that supports improved health and wellness for the body, mind and soul. 

Body benefits include improved sleep quality, more energy and may lower the risks of breast and brain cancer.  As well, your mind may experience better memory, less brain fog and more mental clarity, while your soul will allow for more mindfulness, likeability and improved relationships. 

12 Ways to Reduce Your EMF Exposure:

The biggest culprit?  Cell phones!  Followed by other modern-day electronics.

• Keep your cell phone away from your head: Use your phone speaker instead of holding it up to your ear and avoid making calls when you have poor service. The National Toxicology Program found an increase in brain cancer from overexposure to cell phones.
• Put your phone on Airplane Mode whenever not in use:  Since when did we need to be instantly available to everyone else?
• NEVER store your phone in your pocket, your coat, your shirt, your bra, your sock, your underwear or anywhere in close proximity to your body. If you do, it’s got to be airplane mode. Instead, keep it in a shoulder or cross-body bag, with a strap long enough to keep radiation away from your vital organs.
• Don’t talk, text. Whenever you can, text rather than talk. The total radiation is lower because you’re not generating a continuous back and forth signal.
• Get yourself off Social Media as much as possible: It’s an addiction, not a necessary part of your life!
• Put a barrier between you and your laptop: Keep your laptop away from your lap (the irony!) by using a blanket or pillow barrier between you and your computer.
• Avoid wearables such as wireless watches, wireless sleep monitors, wireless headsets and fitness type devices.  This is a tough one for me, as I like to measure things like sleep, steps, etc!
• The power of plants: Plants can absorb toxins through their leaves and serve as a natural way to filter the air in your home. Beneficial plants include peace lily, chrysanthemum, cactus, and Aloe. 
• Salt Lamps: Salt lamps act as natural negative ion generators, ionizing the atmosphere, and help in neutralizing EMF radiation. 
• Spend time in nature: Grounding in nature is the best way to reach optimal mental and physical health, even just 15-30 minutes at a time.   Better yet – walk barefoot in dirt or grass!
• Ditch the blow dryer: Did you know that a hair dryer can emit roughly 40 milligauss to 20,000 milligauss in EMFs? To put this in context, a microwave emits 100-500 milligauss. 
• Antioxidant Rich Foods: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant-rich foods help negate the effects of EMFs, so include lots of fresh fruits and veggies at every meal.  According to Canada's Food Guide, at least half your plate should be these antioxidant rich superfoods!

 Plus 3 more: Optimizing Sleep Through Reducing EMF Exposure:

• No phone in the bedroom: Avoid having your phone in the bedroom. This is one of the most important things you can do for your sleep! Go old-school with battery alarm clocks and leave the phone in the kitchen. Or, if that just isn’t practical for you, make sure your phone is in airplane mode.

• Try keeping plugs 6-8 feet away from your bed. This is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Try unplugging as many things as you can at night. Power strips can be great for this.  Again, do not charge your phone next to your bed!

• Turn off the WiFi: We live in an instant gratification society and high-speed wifi is no exception. Check and see if there are wifi signals in your bedroom, this includes Bluetooth connections, wireless printers, and cable boxes.

Home Practice This Week ~ Awareness and Practice to Reduce EMF exposure

• As always it starts with awareness! 
• Do you notice any of the symptoms common to EMF exposure, without being able to figure out why you have them?
• Read the list above of detoxification steps you can take, and select one or two to try for the next few days.
• Start with a small change, a new practice to incorporate into your daily habits.  It could be leaving your phone in the kitchen overnight, and digging out your old analog alarm clock.  Or perhaps you might decide to limit your social media use!
• Check-in in a week or two of following new practices, and see if you notice any changes in how you feel, both mind and body.
• Enlist family members, friends, or neighbours, to join you and help keep you on track!