13 Powerful Healing Supplements to Protect Against the Effects of EMFs

Sep 03, 2020

“The number of peer-reviewed scientific research papers on the negative health effects of electromagnetic field exposure is growing every year”, says Conscious Spaces founder, Tara Williams.

“Symptoms as far-reaching as fatigue, depression, sleep issues, anxiety, weight gain, thyroid issues, blood pressure problems, heart rate issues, fertility issues, headaches, dizziness, nausea...the list goes on...have all been linked to the electromagnetic radiation emitted by our technological devices – like phones, computers and smart tech.”

“Looking at all the research out there”, says Tara, “whether it’s Dr. Martin Pall discussing voltage-gated calcium channels ^[1], Arthur Firstenberg ^[2] considering porphyrins, or Dr. Mercola talking about oxidative stress ^[3] - whilst they each have a slightly different angle and field of research - essentially they are all highlighting the same thing: the disruption of our biological systems by EMFs at a cellular level.”

“When you’re talking about effects happening at a cellular level, that means knock-on consequences for the entire body - and therefore there is no system or organ that can be said to be safe from the effects of EMFs”, says Tara. “This is why I feel we need to focus our energies on supplementing our diets in ways that can help us to significantly reduce the impact of electromagnetic radiation.”

“By using targeted nutritional support, you can work to reduce symptoms of EMF sensitivity and bolster your body’s natural protection - whilst also actively combating EMF toxicity and aiming to help with any existing EMF-induced damage.”

Read on to discover the 13 powerful healing supplements Tara recommends you take if you want to help protect your body from the harmful effects of EMFs…

Magnesium

“Because magnesium acts as a natural calcium channel blocker in the body”, says Tara, “it is one of the key supplements I would recommend for guarding against the effects of EMFs.”

“However, even though we know magnesium helps with such a huge range of key bodily functions, lots of people these days are also low in it – due to factors like soil depletion and diets lacking in nutrients and high in processed foods”, explains Tara.

Luckily, magnesium supplements come in many forms – not to mention the foods it is naturally found in, including legumes, nuts, dark chocolate (over 70% minimum) and leafy green vegetables.

“When choosing a magnesium supplement, make sure you go for a good bioavailable form or even a combination to get your levels up initially - such as an Mg malate (also known for its benefit for mitochondria/cellular energy) and magnesium salts or even a magnesium oil”, advises Tara.

Zinc

Some of the recognised adverse health effects of EMF exposure are lipid peroxidation (where free radicals ‘steal’ electrons from the lipids in cell membranes) and cell damage in various tissues. Research suggests ^[4] that long-term exposure to low-frequency EMF increases lipid peroxidation in the brain, which may possibly be reduced by zinc supplementation.

There are lots of different types of zinc supplements out there. Zinc gluconate and zinc orotate are some of the most common, whilst zinc picolinate has been found by studies ^[5] to be one of the more easily absorbed forms.

Foods rich in zinc include pumpkin seeds, turkey, lentils, cashews, seafood such as oysters (the highest known food source of zinc!) or crab and (grass-fed) beef.

13 Powerful Healing Supplements To Protect Against The Effects Of EMFs

Kombucha

Emerging research suggests that electromagnetic radiation can potentially cause a slowing in the growth of beneficial bacteria ^[6] - thereby allowing harmful bacteria to dominate. Such an effect poses worrying implications for the gut microbiome – suggesting our delicately balanced internal ecosystem could be thrown off-kilter by over-exposure to EMFs.

Kombucha, a fizzy fermented drink made from green and black tea which naturally contains a species of the gut-friendly bacteria lactobacillus, could provide a solution.

A scientific study ^[7] on rats exposed to a 950 MHz electromagnetic field found that those who had been given kombucha showed a noticeable reduction in adverse EMF-induced effects, compared with those who hadn’t. This led the study’s authors to conclude that “kombucha as a supplement has ameliorative signs against the effects of electromagnetic radiation”.

Pick up a bottle of Kombucha at your local health food store, or why not have a go at brewing your own ^[8]?! Tara recommends The Farmhouse Culture Guide to Fermenting: Crafting Live Cultured Foods and Drinks with 100 Recipes from Kimchi to Kombucha as a good place to start your at-home fermentation adventures.

Glutathione

Known as the ‘master antioxidant’, glutathione ^[9] is a molecule found in all human tissue. An integral part of the body’s detoxification system, glutathione plays a critical role in fighting off infection, defending against disease and slowing signs of ageing.

However, studies on the health effects ^[10] of wireless radiation have revealed that glutathione’s powers can be significantly weakened by exposure to environmental toxins like EMFs. Scientists believe that this is because EMFs can cause overproduction of free radicals (unstable molecules that can damage cells and lead to inflammation and disease) – resulting in oxidative stress.

One study ^[11] into the effects of oxidative stress caused by EMFs on rats supported this idea, finding that brain and liver glutathione activities decreased in the group exposed to electromagnetic radiation for 1 hour a day.

To keep your antioxidant levels topped up and fight oxidative damage caused by EMFs, eat glutathione-boosting foods like onions, garlic, and cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, kale and cabbage. Take a good quality glutathione supplement, and combine it with fellow supplements that can help build glutathione, such as selenium.

13 Powerful Healing Supplements To Protect Against The Effects Of EMFs

Vitamins C & E

In a research paper ^[12] published in Toxicology and Industrial Health, rats were exposed to 900 MHz electromagnetic radiation from a mobile phone to examine the effects on their cellular systems. One group of rats in the experiment, however, were exposed to the same radiation – but treated with vitamins C and E.

For the rats who were given vitamins C and E – both of which possess powerful antioxidant properties - the negative effects and oxidative stress caused by the mobile phone radiation were mitigated and decreased.

Whilst dealing with rodents rather than humans, this study shows the potential promise of vitamins C and E as a treatment for EMF-induced damage.

Why take them together? When paired, vitamins C and E make a pretty impressive duo. Vitamin C regenerates vitamin E, whilst vitamin E scavenges free radicals – which increases the antioxidant effect and further helps repair damaged cell membranes. Vitamin E also works to stabilise vitamin C and stops it from degrading too quickly. Aim for high-dose varieties of vitamin C, and look out for liposomal supplements which are more easily absorbed into the bloodstream.

Molecular Hydrogen

Molecular hydrogen is a colourless, odourless, non-toxic gas that binds to other elements like oxygen, carbon, and nitrogen to create various compounds, including water.

Studies show ^[13] that molecular hydrogen acts as a therapeutic antioxidant that selectively reduces and fights free radicals in the body - including those linked with EMF exposure. Further research^[14] revealed that drinking hydrogen-rich water significantly improved enzymatic activities (such as glutathione peroxidase) which help protect our bodies from oxidative stress, compared with a placebo.

Why not enjoy an extra boost of hydrogen by drinking hydrogen water (regular water that has been enriched with added, health-giving molecular hydrogen)? You can find Hydrogen Water products in the Conscious Spaces shop here.

NADH

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) is the biologically active form of niacin (vitamin B3). A biological spark for energy production, niacin is vital for the proper functioning of all living cells, including brain cells and the cells of the nervous system – both of which are believed by some scientists to be negatively affected by long-term exposure to electromagnetic radiation.

“You can find NADH at your local health food store in supplement form”, says Tara. “I love it when combined with Q10.”

Resveratrol

Resveratrol is a compound found in plants that is thought to act as an antioxidant in the body.

Interestingly, a recent study ^[15] found that resveratrol may reverse the effects of long-term exposure to electromagnetic fields on power plant workers. Whilst extensive exposure to high-voltage electricity lines was shown to have an adverse impact on oxidative stress and immune response amongst workers, resveratrol supplementation “significantly reversed” these effects.

Whilst red wine is one of the most frequently cited sources of resveratrol (due to the high concentration in grape skins) any red-hued berry – blueberries, raspberries, blackberries – will do the trick.

“When choosing red wine”, says Tara, “be mindful of the source and hidden pesticides and herbicides including glyphosate. Stick with as clean a wine as you can find, such as the organic/biodynamic varieties offered by companies like Dry Farm Wines or Vintage Roots.”

Resveratrol is also widely available in supplement form.

13 Powerful Healing Supplements To Protect Against The Effects Of EMFs

NrF2-Boosting Foods

“The NrF2 pathway is an important biological pathway”, says Dr. Mercola in his book, EMF*D. “It is the master regulator of responses to oxidative damage from free radicals, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. In addition to helping your body address the effects of EMFs, the NrF2 pathway protects your cells from the damaging effects of ionizing radiation such as X-rays”.

NrF2-boosting foods and supplements include vitamin D (we recommend D3, preferably taken in conjunction with vitamin K), hydrogen water, broccoli, apples, quercetin, curcumin, red grapes, oregano, thyme, dark chocolate and berries. Essentially, anything that contains a lot of polyphenols - a type of phytonutrient with a range of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Iodine

Considered by many to be the most important of all the supplements to protect against radiation damage (both ionizing, like X-rays, and non-ionizing, like EMFs), iodine is an essential mineral that is naturally present in some foods, added to others and also available as a dietary supplement.

Used by the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones, iodine helps to regulate metabolism and, crucially, repair damaged cells (making it an excellent choice for protection against EMF-induced harm). It also works to support the immune system by scavenging free radicals and boosting the healing influence of antioxidants on the body. And, if that wasn’t enough, iodine may even help remove heavy metals from your system, which some believe can act as a conductor for electromagnetic radiation.

Seaweed, yoghurt, and dried prunes all make great natural sources of iodine. Taking vitamin C, selenium, magnesium and other co-factors in conjunction with a good quality nascent iodine liquid supplement, meanwhile, should increase its effectiveness.

13 Powerful Healing Supplements To Protect Against The Effects Of EMFs

Propolis

It turns out honey isn’t the only thing busy bees produce: they also make propolis – a sticky, greenish-brown resin which they use to strengthen and seal their hives.

Prized by ancient civilisations from the Greeks to the Egyptians for its ability to treat infection and heal wounds (as well as to embalm a few mummies), propolis is a potent antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and even antiviral.

“I think Propolis is an absolute hero of a substance and have used it countless times over the years”, says Tara.

Interestingly, emerging research suggests ^[16] that caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) – one of propolis’ main medicinal components - can have a protective effect on oxidative stress in rats’ livers caused by EMF exposure. Further research shows how CAPE can also reduce oxidative stress in rats’ retinas triggered by long-term exposure to mobile phone radiation. Such studies make a promising case for the supplementation of propolis to protect against the harmful effects of EMFs.

Propolis can be bought from pharmacies and health food stores and comes in topical forms (creams, ointments and lotions) as well as oral forms like tablets, liquid extracts and capsules.

Green Tea

Intriguingly, a 2016 study ^[17] on the effects of green tea on the wellbeing of workers exposed to overhead power lines found that long-term use of this traditional Asian brew could be “effective protection against the health issues induced by high-voltage power lines” – suggesting that the oxidative stress caused by EMF exposure might be remedied by the protective antioxidant effects of green tea.

Melatonin

Melatonin, the hormone produced naturally by the body in response to darkness – helps us to fall asleep – and stay asleep, too. Research also shows ^[18] melatonin may increase the Rapid-Eye-Movement (REM) phase of sleep, during which the body repairs and regrows tissues and strengthens the immune system. Studies suggest ^[19] that melatonin production may be decreased by exposure to EMFs – introducing a whole host of potential knock-on health problems.

“That said, we do not recommend taking a melatonin supplement long term”, explains Tara. “We prefer instead to opt for boosting the body's natural ability to increase its melatonin production - so for example by increasing exposure to natural daylight, swapping artificial light for non-flicker red incandescent light in the evenings and making sure to use blackout material and blinds for sleep.”

13 Powerful Healing Supplements To Protect Against The Effects Of EMFs

“There are so many great supplements that can help mitigate the effects of EMFs, but this list covers my current top 13”, says Tara.

“I also think it is vital to take supplements to remove heavy metals from the body, which are becoming more prevalent in our environments – so stay tuned for future articles looking into this further.”

It is important to also note that whilst an excellent mode of boosting the body’s natural resilience to EMFs, supplementation does not replace EMF radiation shielding or the use of EMF protection devices, both of which target the root cause. You can find Qi-Technologies certified EMF protection here in the Conscious Spaces shop, or browse our shielding options here.