Are you using one of this?

During World War II, in an effort to find ways to overcome the logistical problems of producing edible food in a short time, and to be able to reduce the amount and bulk of cooking fuels that would be required to support their planned operations for the military invasion of Russia, the Nazis began research and development of these devices. When the war ended, the United States’ War Department and the Soviet Union obtained the German microwave research and some of the devices. They took these home for further evaluation. The Russians continued to research the biological effects of microwave ovens and microwave-cooked food. In 1976, results led them to issue an international warning concerning the biological and environmental dangers of using such ovens and similar electronic frequency devices. They also find evidence that this same frequency of radiation causes blood sugar to spike in susceptible individuals and may actually be the cause of one type of diabetes.

The most significant German research concerned with the biological effects of microwaves was done at the Humbolt-Universitat zu Berlin in 1942 to 1943, during the Barbarossa military campaign. Beginning in 1957 and continuing up to the present, Russian studies in the field have been conducted at the Institute of Radio Technology. In most research, the foods were exposed to microwave propagation at an energy potential of 100 kilowatts per cubic centimetre per second, to the point considered acceptable for sanitary, normal ingestion.

Below are these alarming findings:

1. After being subjected to microwave emissions, meat prepared will cause to create a substance called d-nitrosodiethanolamine, a well known carcinogenic agent. The active molecular compounds of proteins are destablized. There is also an increase in radioactivity of the meat you heat up from saturation. Milk and cereals creates carcinogenic compounds. Your frozen food, when heat up upfront by the microwave heat, causes the molecular compounds of nutrients to break down, thus making them useless.

When you have consumed these microwaved food, a multi-system effect is expected. Unstable catabolism of microwaved food alters the elemental food substances, causing disorders in your digestive system. A statistically higher percentage of cancerous growths result in these organs, plus a generalised breakdown of the peripheral cellular tissues and a gradual degeneration of digestive and excretory functions, thereby increasing incidence of stomach and intestinal cancers. The chemical alterations within food substances causing malfunctions occurring in the lymphatic system, consequently causing a degeneration of the body’s ability to protect itself against certain forms of cancer cell growths. The growth of these cancer causing cells is further supported by the free radicals circulating in your system from trace-mineral molecular formations in plant substances.

1. Nutrients from your food are rendered useless. Why? Microwaving lowers the metabolic behavior and integration-process capability of alkaloids, glucosides, alactosides and nitrilosides. The nutritive value of nucleoproteins in meats are destroyed. It greatly accelerates the structural disintegration of all vital nutrients including vitamin B complex, vitamins C and E, essential minerals and lipotropics.

Foods that have been subjected to microwave radiation are dangerous to our health. Microwave ovens heat food with high-frequency microwaves that force water molecules to heat up by violently vibrating them. This causes a fracturing of the molecules, and a rearrangement of the chemical composition of the food.

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Do you know microwave is harmful?

Do you believe in the catchword, “You are what you eat.” Ideally, you would like to eat most of your food raw. But most of us won’t be able to accomplish that, that we cook our food. When you need to sterilize your cloth hand towel, you can use your microwave oven but not in preparing your food. Here’s why.

Due to soil depletion, the quality of your fresh food has declined. This can also be attributed to unsustainable farming practices, overproduction of crops, and the use of pesticides and herbicides. You can no longer believe you’re getting all the vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and phytonutrients you need by eating a multitude of fresh products, even if you are eating organically. Research shows that your microwave oven will NOT help you in these efforts – in fact it will threaten your health by violently ripping the molecules in your food apart, rendering some nutrients inert, at best, and carcinogenic at its worst.

Microwave ovens heat food by causing water molecules in it to resonate at very high frequencies and eventually turn to steam which heats your food. While this can rapidly heat your food, what most people fail to realize is that it also causes a change in your food’s chemical structure.

Notice that when you microwave food, there are some spots in your food that still feels cold while there are some areas that are too hot? These hot spots in microwaved food can be hot enough to cause burns. This is also the reasons why mothers are advised against using the microwave to heat baby bottles. Babies have been burned by super-heated formula that went unnoticed.

Another problem with microwave ovens is that carcinogenic toxins can leach out of your plastic and paper containers/covers, and into your food. The January/February 1990 issue of Nutrition Action Newsletter reported the leakage of numerous toxic chemicals from the packaging of common microwavable foods, including pizzas, chips and popcorn. Microwaving fatty foods in plastic containers leads to the release of dioxins which are known carcinogens and other toxins into your food.

The use of microwave contorts molecules of whatever food or other substance you subject to it.

One non-food product that can be distorted are blood products. Blood is normally warmed before being transfused into a person. When you use microwave to heat blood products, it damages the blood components. In 1991, a woman died after receiving a transfusion of microwaved blood which resulted in a well-publicized lawsuit.

Let’s say the microwave you bought is “top of the line” microwave oven. You would think, with all the quality assurance tests and regulations that oven went through, you would be safe. However, Powerwatch, a non-profit independent organization with a central role in the microwave radiation debates: “Even when the microwave oven is working correctly, the microwave levels within the kitchen are likely to be significantly higher than those from any nearby cellular phone base-stations. Remember also that microwaves will travel through walls if the microwave oven is against an inside wall.”  We don’t really know if the current regulations about leakage are truly safe and recommends ovens be checked at least annually, since microwave emissions can change with normal use.

The eyes are known to be particularly susceptible to microwave radiation because high microwave exposures are known to cause cataracts. Thus, it is highly recommended that you step away from your microwave while it is in use.

Photo by Theogeo / Lindsey.T

Consuming more vegetables will improve your bowel movement and prevent colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer ranks third in the mortality rate, worldwide, (Lung cancer ranks first among the major cause of death afflicting 1.3 million of the world’s population which results to about 639,000 deaths per year). The threat of a person becoming afflicted with colon cancer is very real. Noticeably, these statistics increase in number per year and the only way is prevention (my recommendation is colon cleansing).

It is difficult (if not impossible) to reverse colorectal cancer. The organ cannot be replaced or transplanted. There are people who spend the remaining years of their life with a colostomy bag. (It is a small pouch for feces that is usually attached to your belly). Colostomy bags are provided for those who cannot expel their feces due to ineffective bearing down or a section of the colon has been resected to save the small intestine due to inability of the colon to contract and discharge its contents.

This cancer starts with what you consider an innocent condition called constipation. You think being constipated for three days is just fine as long as you discharge it on the fourth day.  Medical professionals  says that the recommended size of your fecal discharge should be the length of your elbow to the tip of your hand per day. Now, if you happen unable to remove that specified length for that day, think how long that waste materials inside your colon if you haven’t visited the lavatory for 3 days? What happens? This creates a process inside our body called auto-intoxication. The toxins that should have been eliminated will be allowed to roam your body’s system once again through your blood stream. When they get back to your colon, they deposit themselves to your colon linings and starts to harden.

When this consistently happens, these hardened deposits thicken and attract the bacteria, the cycle of reabsorption and circulating again into your system gets repeated. Then you start feeling the symptoms. You sometimes feel colicky, or gassy, til the pain increases in intensity. That is the only time you consult your doctor and it may be too late. The usual treatment for constipation is enema. The nurse will be inserting a small tube attached to some rubber tubing with a solution. This can be as simple as soap water solution or solutions that are sold by the pharmacy. Regardless of what the doctor ordered, the solution will be introduced into your anus and when you feel like you are about to bear down, the nurse will remove the tube, and have you get up to run to the toilet or serve you a bedpan to release what was there in your colon for a long time. Quite embarassing? Nurses are used to it, you should not worry, but still you cannot help but be embarrassed. And this procedure doesn’t even guarantee you won’t be back for other occassions to do it again.

My friend, keep in mind: “An ounce of prevention is always better than a pound of cure.” Fiber which helps sweep that will help you get rid of those toxic wastes are readily available in your daily food. It is naturally present in fruit and green leafy vegetables. Water helps replenish fluids as well as helps liquefy those fecal materials attaching themselves to your colon.You just have to learn ways of eating or having them. If you don’t have time to peel a mango or munch on a pineapple, you can have them processed by the very reliable blender, pour into a bottle and store in the fridge so that you can always have the fruit by just gulping it down.  It’s just a matter of choosing which way you want to go, to drink a blender-processed fruit or wait until these fruit fibers and water won’t do any difference at all because your poop is catched by small plastic pocket on an opening in your belly. Choose well.

Photo by mckaysavage/ McKay Savage

Does stress affect your hair?

Stress. Everyday, we face this it. We cannot help but be affected. What to do? “Long-term stress – the kind that stems from constant anxiety about the bad economy or your unhappy job situation- can cause an increase in cortisol hormone levels,” says Amy Wechsler, MD, author of The Mind-Beauty Connection, who specializes in psychodermatology, the science of how emotions affect your image.* Get a small mirror and one-by-one let’s take a look at some telltale signs of the effects of stress on you.  Our body was created to adopt and when it can’t it tells us. Sit down and try to listen what your skin is trying to tell you.

“My face. I have a zit. Hey, this has been around for weeks. Why does it take a long time before it dries up? Wow. Look at these circles under my eyes. I can’t say that I’m sleeping more or less but why is it a bit puffy? I don’t remember crying.”

• Zit that won’t exit. Stress induces the cortisol hormones making our skin’s natural defense weak, thus bacteria are much easier to enter and plug our pores. Incessant pressure from work among other things in our life compromises our immune system making it more difficult to clear these acne.

• Nature finds added to your cleanser in fixing skin problems: A teaspoon of brown sugar – to slough off dull, dead cells. Be sure to use gentle circular strokes. A few drops of natural lemon juice – to kill the bacteria and detoxify your complexion. Few drops of aloe extract – a natural healing ingredient to help soften the skin.

• Tiredness that shows in the eyes. Anxiety constricts your blood vessels which slows circulation, which can lead to fluid build up under your eyes.

• Get a potato from your fridge or a cucumber. Slice them and make at least two pieces that would fit the circle of your eyes. Then go lie down, relax and put the cold veggie unto your eyes. The cold will dilate the blood vessels to aid the slow circulation step up a little bit.

“My body. Mom just changed the bedsheets. I just took a bath. I applied my lotion. Then why do my arms and legs feel itchy? Even my neck. Now, where did this soreness on my shoulder and lower back came from?”

• Weird rash. If this doesn’t go away for days, you may have mild eczema. Many times, these goes unnoticed but stress do make them worst.

• Avoid using products with detergents and opt for more free natural, fragrance-free lotions. You can use an oatmeal and honey body wash to reduce inflammation. If itching persists, you might need to see a physician.

• Aches and pains. If your work constitutes sitting down facing a computer or poring over some articles or materials, the most likely places that would hurt would be the shoulders and the lower back.

• A massage would be the best solution for those tense muscles. You can also take a hot shower and angle the shower head so the water hits just above your butt. The heat helps relaxing the muscles, thus reducing pain.

“My hair. Shampooed, checked. Used a conditioner, checked. Rinsed it well, checked. Everyday, checked. Am I using a wrong conditioner or shampoo? My hair feels oily and frizzy. Shocks. Look at those hair on the floor. Are those mine?”

• The resultant frizz and oiliness of your hair is caused by inflammation at the hair follicle that is usually caused by stress. When the hair follicles are inflamed, it cannot absorb the nutrients that makes your hair soft. You might also have a nervous habit of twisting your hair which further weakens the hair.

• Tie back hair in a loose bun or at least pin it away from your face so your tendency to twirl is lesser. Eat and mash avocado. Yes. Aside from vitamin A that improves vision, it also has vitamin E that restores the natural shine of your hair. Mash half an avocado in a bowl and apply the mixture to your unwashed hair from the roots to the ends, then leave on for 20 minutes. Afterwards, shampoo and condition as normal. Your hair will be shinier than ever.**

These suggested solutions are within our reach and all natural. It lessens our anxiety from buying expensive products to alleviate our skin problems thereby increasing our capacity to fight off stress.

Photo by StarMama

Did you know squatting is the best position for elimination?

While we have excellent solutions and techniques for colon cleansing, we may have overlooked a fundamental reason for the buildup of colon-bound toxins. For centuries humankind lived without the “thrones” now found in the majority of bathrooms or water closets in the western world. Indeed, our use of the commode has made us consider not having one as a certain degree of barbarism. But, we commode users are only a small reflection of the world’s population. The toilet practices of billions of people around the world and for thousands of years of civilization can’t be all that barbaric. Commodes may be yet another example of  “modern living” interfering with human health and natural biological functioning.

Physiologists point out that squatting is the most natural and physiologically sound posture to use for evacuation. In the squatting position, with the thighs flexed upon the abdomen, the capacity of the abdominal cavity is greatly diminished and abdominal pressure is increased and thereby encourages elimination. Squatting helps to open the muscles of the pelvic area, angles the rectum for the best possible mechanical advantage, and braces the muscles of the abdomen to supply extra force for the abdominal muscle structure.

Studies show that using the squat position for elimination is more effective for complete evacuation of waste and toxins. It helps one avoid the discomforts and consequences of irregularity, thus improving health and the quality of life. Squatting eliminates the strain of evacuation; with less strain, there is less chance of  developing hemorrhoids, varicose veins in the anal area, bowel herniations and muscle strain.

Constipation is often relieved by adopting the squatting position to evacuate. Even many pregnant women have found squatting to be far more easy for elimination over the regular seated posture. When the mechanics of the human anatomy are called into play as they were meant to be, elimination becomes easier, more comfortable and more complete

Examining the typical western bathroom or water closet makes it pretty clear that squatting was never considered regarding their design. Some agile individuals may be able to perch themselves on the commode rim, but this is not recommended. A plastic tub could be employed. Choose one that can be easily rinsed and stored. The contents can be disposed of in the commode. There are also products on the market that are made to sit unobtrusively around the existing commode and should be safe to use, but always use caution. The installation of support bars on nearby walls might be helpful.

For the sake of keeping your colon clean and healthy, and therefore improving the quality of your life, obey your anatomical structure and do what comes naturally. Check out The Health Step to convert your toilet bowl into a squatting-friendly device.

Photo by moriza/ Mo Riza

Do you know how to stimulate your child's brain for development?

Children’s minds are synonymous to sponges. They absorb everything around. Be it a good information or a junk, their brain is non-selective. Because the early formative years in the life of children affect their later choices in life, parents should nourish them well during their formative years. Several developmental researches prove that nature and nurture are the two predictors in determining the learning of patterns of children. Although the nature provides the innate and uncontrollable factor, parents can modify the expression of the genes through proper nurturing. Here are the ways to maximize the development of the brain.

Provide a Loving Environment

If you want to maximize the brain development of your children, nurture them with love and care. If you need to discipline their actions, talk to them and explain the misbehavior. Never resort to spanking. In a study conducted at the Center for Child and Family Policy at Duke University, researchers found out that spanking leads to aggressive behavioral problems and lower scores on mental development. Parents who choose physical punishments are most likely the stressed, single, depressed or uneducated individuals. Instead of piling up abusive behavior with your children, create a loving environment and aim to build happy memories for them to recall when they grow up.

Play with them

Play is the children’s way of learning. Creative play and ordinary play are two different things. To stimulate your child’s brain development, choose the creative play. This kind of interaction provides room for kids to development their artistic nature and allows their imagination to work. Previously, parents overwhelmed their children with books with the belief that only school can provide the education they need. However, nowadays, researches prove how the life outside the four corners of the classroom can affect the abilities of people. Instead of the traditional experiences, provide innovative and enjoyable ways to stimulate their mind to work.

Read

You do not have to wait until your children reach the pre-school age to read to them. No child is too young for reading. You can start the habit even with infants by showing colorful and simple pictures. You can progress with the difficulty of the subjects as the child grows older. By providing room for reading, you can expect better growth and development of their brains when they are ready for the formal education.

Protection from Secondary Smoke

A study in Environmental Health Perspective authored by Kimberly Yolton showed that children exposed on household with smokers have reduced IQ points by as much as two to five. The exposed kids displayed lower scores on math, reading and visual spatial skills than children with no exposure. The result of the study is just one of in the long list why parents should keep their children from second hand smoke.

The first few years of life are the formative years for learning. By providing your children ways to nurture their intelligence, you can raise a genius in your family. Keep in mind that your actions today will bear their impact on your children ten or twenty years from now.

Photo by Photo8.com/ Sam Photo8.com

Do you know diving may have effects on long-term neuron-function?

The human brain receives about 20% of total body oxygen consumption, usually through normal breathing in a normal situation. It functions mainly for cognition, consciousness, orientation, speech and memory. Its enclosure in a cranium with the protection of meninges and brain- blood barrier suggests its vulnerability and fragility especially from abrupt changes of conditions such as temperature or pressure.

Change in pressure

The principle of Robert Boyle in the gas law identifies the volume of gas that is inversely proportional to the pressure, or as the pressure decreases, the volume of gas increases. In addition, Henry’s law describes the solubility of gases in liquids, which means that the solubility depends mainly on the ideal pressure of the gas in contact with the liquid.

Normally, the human body consists mainly of water, thus the solubility of gases in water plays a significant role in the absorption and release of inert gases by the body’s tissues. Even a slight deviation of air consumption, pressure, or temperature will indeed yield traumatic effect to the body, particularly to the brain.

Sea Diving

There are many physiological effects when the human body is submerged into the deep, like in the case of sea diving. Scuba diving is a recreational sport in diving to a depth between 130 and 150 feet. Before, this was primarily used in the military sea operation. Today, it has increased its popularity especially to people who are nature trippers; making it a sought-after water sports during summer vacation. This high-risk sport should be made only after a pre- training, to test scientifically the individual diver’s capabilities and sensitivity to increasing depths.

Effects of Deep Sea

It is true that the underwater environment is really exquisite, extravagant, and exceptional; yet it can be potentially hazardous or risky to anyone not familiar to the condition. Whenever, the diver goes deeper into the sea, the pressure of the surroundings increases. A diver’s cognition is not affected on dives as low as 10 meters in depth, but the changes in depth are not usually perceptible. If this happens where the condition is under increased pressure, oxygen changes its effect on the body. From a gas of prime importance at normal pressure, it turns into a lethal gas as depths progress. When the toxic oxygen saturates the system then it starts to destroy some neurons and eventually triggers the central nervous system to be overexcited which then causes death.

Decompression

Another effect of deep dive is the decompression sickness or commonly known as the bends. This results from the formation of bubbles in the blood or body tissues. Usually, some functions of the brains are affected by this condition like the weakening of movement coordination, decrease of higher brain function, and delayed reflexes.

Nitrogen narcosis

Scuba diving may also have long-term negative neuron-functional effects when performed in extreme conditions, such as the dip in cold water, more than 100 dives per year, and a depth below 40 meters. Significant impairment due to narcosis is an increasing risk below depths of about 30 meters.

Nitrogen narcosis is a condition in scuba diving where a diver has feelings of ecstasy and euphoria. This state has the potential to be extremely dangerous, because the nitrogen gas does not react chemically with the body; it is considered that the nitrogen gas affects the signals that are sent along the nerve fibers in the body. Then, resulting in the impact being mainly related to brain and nerve functions.

Conclusion

The diver is exposed to increasing dangers, which develops as he/she approaches the depth. Pressure becomes intense as the diver dips down the sea. Improper use of sea materials or lack of knowledge about diving can lead to a serious problem. Divers should undergo proper education and guidance from experts before they finally take the plunge.

The simplest way to avoid nitrogen narcosis is for a diver to limit the depth of dives. When narcosis occurs, it is only temporary and would disappear instantly when the diver ascends to a shallower depth.  To guarantee safe sea diving, hold on to all rules and take all possible precautions. In doing so, you will ensure a safe, pleasurable diving experience, without any harmful side effects to your body particularly to your brain.

Photo by Ilse Reijs and Jan-Noud Hutten

Acupuncture is one method of alternative medicine known today as the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Believed to have originated from China, its use was traced back about 5,000 years ago.

Cause of Illness

Energy has always affected the nature of life. It becomes a usual source of power, strength, and balance. Every matter is supposed to be attracted by the opposite energies and repelled by the similarities. This is manifested in people and in nature.  A vital energy, which is called the Qi, circulates in the body along the pathways, which are called meridians; this energy has been responsible for the body’s equilibrium against external forces within the body.

The early proponents of this practice believed that good health depends on the correct flow of Qi. If external forces disrupted or disturbed the continuity of this vital energy, this will agitate the normal pathway, making the body experience stress and consequently no Qi; thus resulting to illness with the body’s physiology affected.

Use of acupuncture

Acupuncture is a procedure that uses the technique of inserting the sterilized needle superficially through the skin where acu-points are located and palpated. There are many acupuncture points along the body’s energy-carrying channels. However, after the stimulation of these points, it is believed that the blocked or disrupted meridians restore the proper flow of energy and result to the stability and balance of external and internal forces of the body.

Some experts say that acupuncture is useful in prompting the body to release the natural painkiller known as endorphins, which is responsible in decreasing or alleviating pain such as migraine, menstrual cramps, headache, and toothache, among others. It has also served as a natural painkiller prior to surgical operations and was confirmed to have a positive effect when combined with a local anesthesia.

Action in the Brain

Acupuncture has long been used to ease chronic pain where it allows the flow of energy to the pain response system of the brain known as the opioid, releasing promptly the natural painkiller. It can change the brain’s long-term ability to manage pain.

The benefit of this technique is indeed good for brain activity. There are Qi in the vital points of the body that give warmth and which initiate homeostasis. Brain is proliferated by numerous neurons and ganglia, each function well when acupoints are triggered and the signal of information is optimized. As we grow, our brain cells also mature, sometimes degeneration happens due to external forces like stress, pollutions, pathogens, and chemicals that advance and accelerate this process. With this acupuncture technique, it has effectively prevented such occurrence.

Conclusion

Though many say that acupuncture technique does not have any healing effect and is not widely accepted in the Western medicine, still, there are many researches proving its benefit in the brain activity, like the increase flow of blood in the diencephalon part of the brain when the acu-point is activated by the insertion of the needle. This revealed that there is a prompt flow of pain signal to the brain stimulating the release of endorphins.

The treatment is very safe and uses needles that are disposable or sterilized. There are no side effects as in the case of antibiotics or oral medication. Only some marks or bruises at the spot where the needles are inserted become evident after the procedure. Most of the time, patients do not feel anything at all, as the needles are inserted or removed. However, very few might experience some discomfort, but it does not exceed the threshold of pain.

Photo by sellyourseoul

Did you know depression could be "cured" by exposing yourself to sunlight?

The brain is composed of brain cells called neurons.  There are about 10 billion neurons in a person’s brain.  Said to be the center of the central nervous system (CNS), the brain recognizes emotions and feelings by a person.  The brain also reacts to these stimuli that can make us happy, sad or depressed.

Depression is one common emotion that most people feel at some point in their lives. You may have a first-hand experienced  about this too. But what is depression?  What causes depression and what is its effect on brain function?

Depression is a state of being sad due to events that happened in one’s life or due to unknown etiology.  You can feel depressed without any reason at all.

What may be the causes of depression?

A question of whether depression affects brain chemistry or that brain chemistry affects the secretion of substances is slowly being unraveled by researches and studies. Common knowledge endorses that major changes in one’s life like a transfer of residence, a death in the family, a separation and many other occurrences.  These are the emotional causes of depression.

Serotonin and the brain

Physiologically, low levels of serotonin, a monoamine neurotransmitter essential for proper brain function, are shown to have caused depression.  Serotonin is usually enhanced by natural or artificial light that is why more people are depressed during winter than in summer.

People who are depressed because of low serotonin can be “cured” by subjecting them to sunlight or artificial light. This has been effective in lifting the moods of depressed persons.

According to a recent study conducted by Dr. Philip Gorwood, et al entitled,” Toxic Effects of Depression on Brain Function: Impairment of Delayed Recall and the Cumulative Length of Depressive Disorder in a Large Sample of Depressed Outpatients.”

Quote ”that there is a toxic link between the burden of depression and cognition.” This finding has important implications for public health. ^“ Unquote

Cortisol and the brain

Cortisol is a hormonal substance that is elevated when a person is depressed. This is because when a person is anxious or depressed the secretion of this hormone is increased because of stress.  Cortisol is secreted by the adrenal cortex in the adrenal glands.  The secretion of cortisol in the adrenal glands is in turn controlled by corticotrophin releasing factor or CRF, which is found in the hypothalamus.  That is why chronic types of anxiety disorders cause changes in the chemical structure of the brain.  It also results to block cranial arteries and eventual shrinking of the brain.

With these data, it is clear that depression and chronic anxiety disorders do affect the brain structure and chemistry.  Living a healthy lifestyle is the key to a properly functioning brain.  Get sufficient sunshine or artificial light exposure to maintain normal levels of serotonin.  Allow the body to relax to lower the levels  of your cortisol.  Being aware of these facts would help a lot in keeping your brain healthy and functioning properly.  Live right and think right.

Photo by DieselDemon

Are cell phones safe to use?

Cell phones flourished with the advent of the new millennium.   There are almost 5 billion users in the world today.  With this magnitude of users, these questions lurk in everyone’s mind, “Is the cell phone safe for the brain?”  “Do they really affect the brain?” These questions arise from the fact that cell phones operate making use of electromagnetic radiation to transmit messages and calls. What are the facts that surround these alleged hypotheses?  Here are some data that could shed light into these questions.

There are conflicting research results as to the effect of radio frequency (RF) on mobile users.

The European Commission Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks (SCENIHR) revealed in a study it conducted in 2007, that “Exposure to RF fields is unlikely to lead to an increase in cancer in humans.”

Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Hardell, et al, 2007 came up with the findings that long-term use of cellular phones for more than 10 years has also increased the risk for brain tumors especially for ipsilateral exposure. Ipsilateral exposure is exposure on the same side of the brain when you listen to the mobile device.

In Copenhagen, The Institute of Cancer Epidemiology said that “there was no significant increase in brain tumors from 1998-2003.”

Earthtimes News report, June 2006 cited that there was a definite effect of cell phone utilization in the brain. Whether it is good or bad, they still are not sure.

There are; however, more researches attesting to the fact that the long usage of cell phone especially in persons below 20 increases their risk of contracting brain cancer or tumor.

Remedies to solve the problem:

• Children below 20 yrs old should be discouraged to use cell phone.

• It was initially thought that using a handset would decrease the risk of radiation exposure. This was disproved though later and found out to be the opposite.  The metallic handset intensified the radiation from the cell sites.

• Use Non-metallic handset instead of the metallic device to reduce RF.

• Use Bluetooth wireless headsets.

• Avoid too much exposure to your mobile. Do not use it if you do not need to.

• The transfer of cell sites to non-populated areas to avoid the higher RF affecting residents.

• Use your ears alternately and do not keep the phone in your pocket or place it under your pillows.

• Do not press the phone to your ears while it is trying to find a connection. This would be the one of the strongest RF phases.

• Recently, clipping the hands free kit with a ferret bead stops radioactive waves’ transmission.

Another evaluation would be released soon this 2010 as a follow up study of the previously conducted researches. It would be interesting to learn whether the results will be positive or not.  Taking precautions when using mobile phones would still be the best way to deal with it.  Prevention, even without significant data, is wise and responsible.

Photo by timparkinson/ Tim Parkinson