Nutrition for Protection in Wireless Environments

The following have been suggested for reducing the adverse effects of wireless technologies. The best solution, however, is still avoidance, because EMF leads not only to biological damage, but also to reduced ability to repair this damage.

Protection through Nutrition

The following are some nutrients that may help in healing from the effects of EMF's, as well as natural sources of these nutrients.

• Antioxidants — Henry Lai and Narendra Singh at the University of Washington found that EMF-induced DNA damage could be blocked with antioxidants used before and after exposure. Vitamin C, E, caffeic acid, and melatonin are said to be helpful against microwaves, based on rat studies. In particular, Vitamin E and Glutathione may provide some protection against "iron-induced lipid peroxidation." One study also suggested that gingko biloba can also protect against the oxidative stress of mobile phone radiation.
  
  Recommendation: Eat plenty of organic fruits/berries for their antioxidants. Almonds are a good source of vitamin E. An iron-free multivitamin containing natural rather than synthetic vitamins may also be helpful on days when exposure is unavoidable. Look for one that does not include the additive titanium dioxide, nor potential excitotoxins (aspartate or glutamate).
  
  References:
  -(1) PubMed: "900 MHz radiofrequency-induced histopathologic changes and oxidative stress in rat endometrium: protection by vitamins E and C."
  -(2) PubMed: "The protective effect of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) on oxidative stress in rat liver exposed to the 900 MHz electromagnetic field."
  -(3) LEF Magazine "Nutritional Protection against Cell Phone Radiation" (end of article)
  -(4) Toxicology Letters: "The effects of glutathione and vitaminE on iron toxicity in isolated rat hepatocytes"
• Vitamin D3 may be beneficial to individuals with electrosensitivity. Dominique Belpomme's team observed more than 450 patients on electromagnetic field intolerance from 2008 to 2011 and found Vitamin D deficient in 70% of the group. Vitamin D may be neuroprotective, helpful to maintain serum calcium levels, and beneficial for those with Multiple Sclerosis.
  
  Recommendation: Vitamin D levels can be increased by 10-15 minutes of daily sunlight*.
  
  *Note, however, that vitamin D produced from exposure to the sun's UV-B rays may vary depending upon how cloudy it is, one's geographical coordinates, the time of day, one's skin color, and use of sunblock. Thus, some individuals may want to consider supplementation with Vitamin D3, with care not to overdose on it. 1000 IU to 2000 IU per day, monitored to prevent toxicity from vitamin D excess, may be helpful for those with vitamin D deficiency.
• Omega-3 fatty acids have been recommended by Dominique Belpomme as part of a treatment plan for electrosensitivity. The modern diet often has a higher proportion of omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids. Dr. David Servan-Schreiber recommends that we adjust this ratio because omega-6 fatty acids favor inflammation, in contrast to omega-3 which can reduce it. For omega-3 fatty acids, he advises olive oil, "oily fish twice a week (sardines, anchovies, mackerel, salmon); omega-3 eggs; nuts; lambs'-ear salad; green vegetables; linseed or flaxseed oil and flax seeds." Note that olive oil and flaxseed oil are heat-sensitive, and may be damaged by high heat. Walnuts can be used both for omega-3 fatty acids and glutathione content. To lower omega-6 levels, he advises avoiding red meat, non-omega3 chicken eggs, dairy products, "sunflower oil, corn oil, safflower oil, and soybean oil".
  
  Supplementation with omega 3, e.g., from fish oil, may also be helpful provided that the source is uncontaminated with mercury, and does not lead to over-dosage of vitamins A and D. Vitamin E is sometimes added to fish oil to protect the fish oil from oxidation.
• Phytic acid (IP6) — Microwaves have been found to increase free radicals by the iron-catalyzed Fenton cycle. Iron, in its unbound form from vitamin fortification, may be undesirable for those with electrosensitivity. Unbound iron may also contribute to vascular damage.
  
  Phytic acid, also known as IP6, is found in whole grains, nuts, seeds, and beans. Phytic acid is a natural iron chelator and may be beneficial for certain neurological disorders in which excess iron content in the brain may be involved, such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and Multiple Sclerosis. Nevertheless, it can also result in reduced absorption of other key minerals like magnesium and zinc. Thus, to avoid mineral deficiencies, it may be necessary to balance this with other nutrients like vitamin D, calcium, and magnesium.
• Glutathione — Some studies suggest that microwaves cause reduction in Glutathione levels, a powerful free radical scavenger, which can help repair damaged DNA, activate other antioxidants.
  
  Whey protein, Artichokes and asparagus: Dr. Mercola recommends cold pressed whey protein from grass-fed cows to increase glutathione levels. Be cautious, however, about the potential excitotoxity of certain amino acids in whey protein such as glutamic acid. In her book, Zapped, Ann Louise Gittleman recommends artichokes, not only for its high levels of antioxidants, but also for its glutathione-boosting silymarin. Additionally, Gittleman recommends asparagus, for its glutathione, selenium, and zinc. For more suggestions on boosting glutathione levels, and for an explanation of the differences between glutathione, and similar-sounding glutamine and glutamate, see This ONE Antioxidant Keeps All Other Antioxidants Performing at Peak Levels.
• Sulfur, found in fish, grass-fed beef, and free-range poultry, may play an important role in the synthesis of glutathione, proteins, and enzymes, detoxification, vitamin conversion, as well as many other functions. See Dr. Mercola. Sulfur may also help for the elimination of toxic aluminum. Powerwatch UK recommends MSM, a form of organic sulfur. Other sources of sulfur compounds include foods like Garlic, Onions, Leeks, Shallots, and Chives. Dr. David Servan-Schreiber, author of Anticancer, recommends combining garlic with a little olive oil to improve absorption.
• Melatonin levels produced by the pineal gland can be reduced by light and EMF's. Thus, it has been recommended to sleep in a room that is pitch dark and to lower EMF exposure at night. Some foods, like oats, may also provide a natural source of melatonin. Melatonin is an important free radical scavenger and is important for cancer prevention.
  
  References
  (4) PubMed: "Melatonin and a spin-trap compound block radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation-induced DNA strand breaks in rat brain cells."
  (5)PubMed: "Melatonin and N-tert-butyl-alpha-phenylnitrone block 60-Hz magnetic field-induced DNA single and double strand breaks in rat brain cells."
• Magnesium to Calcium ratio A recommended ratio in your multi-vitamin is 1 parts of magnesium to 2 parts of calcium, but an equal or higher proportion of magnesium may be called for in cases of magnesium deficiency. The modern diet focuses excessively on Calcium, but sufficient Magnesium is required to absorb the calcium, and counterbalance it. Certain forms of Magnesium, such as magnesium malate, may be helpful to reduce aluminum levels in the body, according to Dr. Russell Blaylock.
  • Kelp is one very good source of magnesium, as well as a wealth of other nutrients.
• Turmeric - Curcumin, a flavonoid found in the spice turmeric, is not only a potent antioxidant and anti-cancer food, but may also aid in DNA repair, according to neurosurgeon Russell Blaylock. It can be added to extra virgin olive oil, with a little black pepper to increase absorption, according to David Servan-Schreiber.
• Zinc Another recommended element, Zinc, helps preserve levels of anti-oxidants in the blood and protect cell membranes.
  • Zinc can be obtained naturally from pumpkin seeds and sea vegetables, which are also good sources of magnesium. Zinc may be best paired with vitamins C, E, and selenium.
• Selenium, which can be naturally obtained through barley, brazil nuts, and sunflower seeds, is a heavy metal chelator (e.g., for mercury) and antioxidant. Use in moderation, because high levels can also be toxic. (See Zapped for more on important minerals and supplements for EHS and see Russell Blaylock for suggestions on the proper form of Selenium to take.). Selenium may be best paired with vitamins C, E, and zinc.
• Caffeic acid comes naturally in foods such as white grapes, olives, cabbage, coffee, apples, radish, cauliflower, bok choy, and kale. An Indian study found that Caffeic acid can help protect blood lymphocytes against ionizing radiation.
• Vitamin B and folic acid have been recommended for neuropathy.

Acupressure

Alternative medicine, such as acupressure, may provide some benefits for those who are electrosensitive. Acupressure operates under the assumption that the human has electrical channels called meridians. Knowledge of acupressure may be helpful to rebalance the electrical system after interference from external sources. Different points may trigger either the sympathetic or parasympathetic system, similar to EMF, so some care should be taken. It may be helpful to apply acupressure to certain areas around the back of the head and neck. Various exercises related to acupressure can also help against calcium loss and boost the immune system.

Concerns Regarding Silver Amalgam Fillings

There have been some reports, for example in the Swedish experience in Black on White, linking microwave sickness to dental appointments involving silver mercury amalgam fillings. Replacing silver fillings with white plastic fillings, when done properly, has been reported to help some individuals in recovering from symptoms. Check that your dentist follows appropriate procedures to reduce mercury exposure during amalgam removal. For example, one method to reduce mercury exposure involves using a Rubber Dam. Check also for recommendations of nutritional support before and after, as well as procedures to minimize inhalation of mercury during the removal. Some individuals take a step further to check for the chemical safety/biocompatibility of the composite fillings.

Some have recommended protocols for detoxification, such as that of Dr. Klinghardt. However, exercise great caution, as the excretion of mercury in the body could potentially move mercury into areas where it can cause damage and make things much worse. It may be safer to rely upon our body's natural detoxification, rather than attempt aggressive detoxification.

Ohter Considerations: Metal Objects

The presence of metal implants within tissue may result in excess heating due to increased RF energy absorption. Thus, it is advisable in high microwave environments to minimize use of metal implants, metal-rimmed eyeglasses, metal wires in orthodontic braces and mouthgards, wearing of metallic objects such as metal belts and jewelry, and coils in mattresses, e.g., try a Tempurpedic mattress or futon mattress (one that is free of dangerous flame retardants). (See Kane, 33-34).

Exercise

Exercise can impact the brain in beneficial ways, including stimulation of new brain cell production in the area of the brain important for learning and memory. Recommendation: Exercising at least 30 minutes a day 4 days a week is recommended.

Further Resources

• LEF Magazine "Nutritional Protection against Cell Phone Radiation" (end of article)
• Ann Louise Gittleman's book, Zapped.
• See Environmental Medicine Matters for comments on differences observed for those adversely impacted by EMF's.
• For more nutrition ideas, see 1st Steps to Recover from http://www.raleighes.info and
• What you can do if you have ES, page 8 from Powerwatch UK
• Radioactivity: Dietary Protection and Natural Support and Cellular Triage, Nutrition, and Non-Ionizing EMF novamind maps
• Dr. David Servan-Schreiber, Anticancer

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