We are exposed to electromagnetic fields, or EMFs, in our daily lives. Although this is not a new development, the intensity and frequency continues to rise significantly every year. This continuous exposure has led to health complications in susceptible people. In fact, researchers estimate up to 13% of the public will experience adverse health complications due to EMF radiation.
Where do EMFs come from?
EMFs are produced both naturally in our environment and through technology. Our cellphones, electricity in our homes and businesses, appliances and industrial equipment all generate EMFs. This makes it nearly impossible to avoid exposure.
Research continues to uncover the unhealthy side effects of frequent EMF exposure, suggesting this is becoming a growing public health concern. One key health complication associated with EMF exposure is oxidative stress. This occurs when there is an imbalance of free radicals in the body compared to antioxidants. Free radicals cause cell damage and increase the effects of aging over time.
Other complications of EMF exposure include an opening of calcium channels in the brain. It also causes an increased use of magnesium, calcium and zinc, leading to depleted levels of these crucial nutrients over time.
Calcium channels at a glance
Calcium channels exist in the body to selectively allow calcium ions into our cells. These charged particles play an important role in cell activity and function, including communication between cells and affecting all stages of the cell’s life cycle. This system is tightly regulated. So, when these channels begin opening abnormally due to EMF radiation, it can lead to symptoms such as:
- Headaches
- Irritability
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Pain/tingling due to nerve stimulation
Thankfully, incorporating one key nutrient into the diet has been shown to offer natural EMF protection:
The benefits of magnesium for EMF radiation protection
Magnesium is a key nutrient important for a variety of functions in the body, including EMF radiation protection. Why? Well, magnesium is involved in over 300 chemical processes in the body, and acts as a cofactor for several antioxidant enzymes. This suggests magnesium has the ability to help decrease oxidative stress due to sustained EMF exposure. Furthermore, magnesium acts as a natural calcium channel blocker.
Beyond magnesium’s role in improving antioxidant capacity and calcium channel blocking, it regulates neurotransmitters (chemical messengers in the brain that affect our mood and stress response). This enables us to transition away from our fight and flight response, and into a calm, more peaceful state. In fact, the calming effect of magnesium is so significant that it has been coined “the original chill pill”. So for those struggling with poor sleep quality or impaired immunity due to stress, EMF exposure, or inflammation, magnesium supplementation is key.
Top dietary sources of magnesium
Despite its crucial role in the body, about half the US population aren’t getting enough magnesium. In fact, magnesium is one of the most prevalent nutrient deficiencies in the United States, following closely behind vitamin D deficiency.
Deficiency is easily remedied by incorporating foods rich in magnesium into your diet. Top sources of magnesium include:
- Seeds – 764 in 1 cup pumpkin seeds
- Nuts – 307 mg in 1 cup of nuts
- Dark leafy greens – 157 mg/1 cup of cooked spinach
- Fatty fish – 53 mg in ½ salmon filet
- Legumes – 48 mg/serving
- Avocado – 42 mg/whole avocado
Final thoughts
If you struggle from symptoms of EMF exposure and are looking to implement natural EMF protection measures in your life, ensuring you are receiving adequate doses of magnesium in your diet is key. The daily Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) for magnesium are as follows:
- 400 mg/day for men between 19-30 years
- 310 mg/day for women between 19-30 years
- 420 mg/day for men over 31 years
- 320 for women over 31 years
Do you have any questions regarding magnesium supplementation, or would you like to get involved in our cause? If so, contact us today to connect with a member of our team!
Resources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26372109/
- https://www.who.int/gho/phe/emf/en/
- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11011-017-0016-2
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26368042/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20872091/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15031956/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26404370/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1494942/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19621270/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28140318/
Citation
Sturges, Missy. How magnesium may protect against EMF radiation. Go Integrative Health, 2020.