What are EMFs and How Can You Protect Yourself?
In today's digital age, we're constantly surrounded by technology that connects us to the world. While this connectivity brings countless benefits, it also introduces us to something less visible but equally important: electromagnetic fields (EMFs). Understanding EMFs, their potential impacts, and how to protect ourselves is essential.
What are EMFs?
We encounter two types of electromagnetic frequencies (EMF): natural and man-made. While natural EMF comes from sources like sunlight and the ground that are beneficial for us, man-made EMF stems from our modern devices such as smartphones, laptops, WiFi routers, and electrical appliances.
EMFs are invisible energy fields produced by electrically charged objects. They're emitted by various sources, including power lines, electrical wiring, wireless devices like smartphones and Wi-Fi routers, and household appliances like microwaves.
The body's intolerance to radiation falls into two categories: non-ionizing and ionizing. Non-ionizing radiation, emitted by sources like power lines and cell phones, have lower frequencies and longer wavelengths, enabling penetration of living tissue without electron removal. Conversely, ionizing radiation, such as gamma rays and X-rays, exhibits higher frequencies and shorter wavelengths, directly harming DNA.
How do EMFs harm you?
This risk is heightened when devices are in close proximity to our bodies, as they can generate heat and further alter our biological material.
Have you ever noticed your ear warming up while holding a smartphone to your head? Or felt your lap heat up while using a laptop? These are clear signs of radiation entering your body and causing changes at a cellular level. Children, whose brains and organs are still developing, are particularly vulnerable to these effects due to their increased screen time from a young age.
Symptoms of EMF sensitivity vary widely in type and severity. Physiological effects span from headaches and nausea to more severe conditions like cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Higher EMF exposure has 3 times greater risk of miscarriages and mobile phone/laptop exposure has an effect on fertility for both men and women.
Some serious effects can be:
- Cancer
- Tumors
- Infertility
- Decreased melatonin production
- Brain Fog, Fatigue and sleep disorders
- Links to ADHD and autism
- Skin Conditions
- Headaches
- Neurological cognitive disorders
- Anxiety and mood disorders
Protecting Yourself from EMFs
While we can never fully limit EMF exposure, we can take proactive steps to minimize exposure. Here are some practical tips for reducing EMF exposure:
- Keep Laptops Off Your Lap: Avoid placing laptops directly on your lap to reduce exposure to magnetic EMFs. Instead, use a thick pillow or desk surface with wired accessories.
- Keep Devices Away from the Body: Avoid carrying cell phones directly on your body, whether in your hand, pocket, or bra, to minimize exposure to RF radiation.
- Do Not Put Your Phone to Your Ear: Always use wired headphones or put your phone on speaker when taking calls.
- Use Phone Stands: Opt for a phone stand to keep your device at least 8 inches away from your body when watching video, facetiming, on social media, and on calls.
- I use this one from Amazon
- Turn Off WiFi: Turn off WiFi routers whenever possible, especially at night, to reduce RF radiation in your home. Use remote switches for convenient control and prioritize wired internet connections for faster and safer browsing.
- Switch Control you can buy
- If you cannot turn your wifi off, getting a Faraday Cage is another option.
- Secure Baby Monitors: Turn off baby monitors when not in use and keep them at least 15 feet away from you and your baby to minimize EMF exposure. Opt for wired ones over ones that use wifi.
- Go wired Baby Monitor!
- Other option for Low EMF - LeReve Baby Monitor
- Avoid Device Use on Planes: Minimize device use on planes, cars, or trains and avoid using anytime there is a weak signal.
- Opt for Wired Headphones: Choose wired headphones over wireless options like AirPods to minimize RF exposure to your head. AirTube Technology offers an additional layer of protection.
- Apple wired headphones
- Tube headphones
- Ditch the Microwave: Try and use the microwave as little as possible, and if you do use it avoid standing directly in front of or up against the microwave while it is operating.
- Get Rid of the Apple Watch: No swap here just get rid of it, you have radiation just running at all times on your wrist. We need to separate from our devices more, not wear them.
- Don't Go Through the Xray Machine at the Airport: This is like a large microwave for your body, opt for the pat down.
- Power Down Devices: Turn off or switch to airplane mode whenever possible to reduce unnecessary radio frequency.
- Opt for Wired Connections: Replace wireless accessories like mice and keyboards with wired alternatives to eliminate RF energy. Hardwired connections not only enhance security but also minimize EMF exposure.
- Create EMF-Free Zones: Keep computers, cell phones, and wifi routers out of sleeping areas to promote restful sleep and minimize EMF exposure during the night. Whatever you do, do not sleep with your phone near your head.
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Limit Phone and Computer Use When it is Charging: When our devices are on the charger they emit higher levels of EMF so try and charge them away from you.
- Turn Off Bluetooth: When not using bluetooth turn it off your laptop and phone to eliminate additional sources of radiation.
- Limit Your X-ray Exposure: Try to not get X-rays unless medically required.
- Take Technology Breaks Daily: Occasionally disconnect from your electronic devices. Go outside without your phone or meditate without your phone. Learn to separate from your electronics!
- Get a digital alarm clock: Stop using your phone for your alarm clock, get a digital one that plugs in. I personally love The Hatch.
- Use an EMF meter: You can use a meter to detect EMF levels in your home. They are not always fully accurate but good to get a level of detection on where things are at.
- Eat an antioxidant rich diet: Go get your antioxidant levels checked and eat a high antioxidant diet because they help neutralize free radicals in the body.
- Limit Ultra Processed and Inflammatory Foods: Inflammation is the root of all disease so we want to limit inflammation in the body as much as possible.
Conclusion
While EMFs are an inevitable part of modern life, understanding their potential impacts and taking proactive steps to minimize exposure can empower us to live healthier, more balanced lives. By adopting simple strategies to reduce EMF exposure and creating EMF-aware environments, we can embrace technology's benefits while safeguarding our well-being in an increasingly digital world.