In today’s technological environment, advances have become unbelievable in wireless technology. Although wireless technology is convenient, there are associated health issues that we need to be made aware of. Wireless technology results in electromagnetic force(EMF) which has a direct effect upon our body and our health. With the ever-increasing electronic world combined with our disconnection to the Earth, the result is greater EMF exposure, which has an inflammatory effect upon our bodies. I became more aware this after treating a patient recently that had difficulty controlling her atrial fibrillation (cardiac rhythm problem making the heart beat irregularly). She was on appropriate medical therapy, but had continual difficulty in controlling her dysrhythmia. Upon further questioning, it was made aware to me that she was exposed to multiple situations involving wireless technology, as well as living right next to high-tension electrical lines. My recommendation was to place her on a grounding blanket, a simple device to allow her to connect to the Earth during her sleep. To my surprise several weeks later, her fibrillation became better controlled and on follow-up laboratory evaluations it was necessary for me to reduce her Coumadin (medication to thin the blood) as grounding had a significant effect on her coagulation studies.

This is when I really started researching how EMF can affect our bodies and the necessity to reconnect ourselves directly to the Earth. Many of us have gone on vacation to the beach and we notice how much better we sleep, how much more energy we have, and how our overall sense of well-being improves. Certainly there are effects regarding reduction in stress, but have you ever thought of the possibility that walking barefooted on the stand and swimming in the ocean allows a connection to the earth and reduction in EMF. Some of us have a higher electro-sensitivity. When these individuals are exposed to electro-pollution, (a term used for the unfelt and unnatural EMF of electromagnetic fields often generated by electrical wires, appliances, and wireless technology), the response is often detrimental. These individuals can develop arthritic pain, cardiac arrhythmias, underlying anxiety and depression, insomnia, and even chest discomfort. We all know the effects of oxidative stress and chronic inflammation upon the body. There is an increase in the activity going on at the site of inflammation, and the simultaneous destruction of healthy tissue from the free radical environment in the surrounding territory. Free radicals are extremely important in the immune response, but problems occur when these free radicals go out of control. One popular theory when we lose contact with the earth and are not grounded is that there may become an electron deficiency with not enough electrons to satisfy the amount of free radical formation. This constant attack may stimulate in autoimmune response and result in chronic inflammation.

One important impact of EMF exposure is the activation of our sympathetic nervous system. Sympathetic nervous system activation can come from multiple environmental factors including air pollution, EMF exposure, or toxic exposure from the environment. Certain medical conditions may also stimulate sympathetic nervous system activation which include hypertension, obesity, sleep apnea, diabetes, and congestive heart failure. Behavioral and psychological conditions include smoking, high simple sugar diet, sleep deprivation, anger, chronic stress, and the abuse of stimulants. Interventions which may improve nervous system function involve use of natural supplements, lifestyle modufication, and earthing. The use of omega-3 fatty acids has been shown to improve the balance within the autonomic nervous system. Lifestyle modifications include regular exercise, meditation such as yoga or tai chi, restoration of normal sleep, weight loss, stress reduction, and good social support. Earthing (connecting yourself to the earth through grounding) has also been shown to improve the balance in the autonomic nervous system.

So one simple step to improve your health and reduce oxidative stress and inflammation within our body is to simply take your shoes and socks off and go out for a long walk. Take time to connect with the earth. In today’s fast-paced environment, we are often forced to neglect this need. Grounding devices are also available and can be used at home or in the workplace which offer a simple solution to removing EMF exposure that is so prevalent in our environment. Devices are also available to check electropollution enabling you to find out the direct exposure within the environment you live. Simply becoming aware of EMF and the possible negative effects upon your health is a solid move forward in the quality of your life and longevity.