Health & Fitness

Its hard for some to imagine that talking on the phone could be so controversial. With the exponential increase in cell phone usage in the last decade, many have become concerned about potentially negative side effects of using a cell phone. Some experts warn that using a cell phone can be hazardous to your health.

The main issue that most people have with cell phones is that they emit low level electromagnetic fields. Not only do they produce electromagnetic fields, but in order to use a cell phone you have to have it tightly pressed against your head. You are essentially shooting a series of electromagnetic waves through your skull every time you use your cell phone.

The problem that some see in these electromagnetic fields is that they can cause neurological changes in people. These changes can ultimately cause dizziness, fatigue, and an inability to concentrate. These are just the mild side effects. Some researchers are concerned about much more life threatening consequences of excessive cell phone usage.

Can Cell Phone Usage Cause Cancer?
The concern at the top of the list of many researchers is that excessive cell phone usage might cause cancer. As we rely more and more on our cell phones and monthly usage continues to climb, what are the potential side effects? One way you might reduce your risk of the potentially harmful side effects of using a cell phone is to try and reduce your usage as much as possible. Additionally, you can use a hands free headset that will allow you to use your cell phone without having it pressed against your head.

In addition to worrying about our overall appearance, it seems we now have to be concerned about the relative health of our cells. In the due process of nature, the cells in our bodies break down and can be damaged over time. This cellular damage produces a series of potentially harmful side effects. The root of this cellular damage is generally oxidants.

Oxidants, or free radicals, are essentially oxygen based substances (hydroxyl, superoxide and peroxide) that are found in the body naturally. The amount of oxidants in your body can increase for a number of reasons including being subject to an undue amount of stress. The problem with oxidants is that they have the ability to damage our cells and essentially speed up the aging process.

Anti-oxidants are then just what they sounds like. They are substances that help to get rid of or counteract oxidants and their harmful effects. Keeping these free radicals away from cellular tissue is essentially a way to help slow down the effects of natural aging, and some believe anti-oxidants can actually help prevent certain diseases.

Sources of Anti-Oxidants
Many wonder where one might find these anti-oxidants. One good source of anti-oxidants is exercise. Stimulating cardiovascular exercise has been shown to increase the production of anti-oxidants. Additionally, a number of vitamins, including C and E are anti-oxidants. Therefore, a good diet supplemented with vitamins and a regular exercise routine can help you build up your supply of anti-oxidants and have a healthier cellular life.

It is a known fact that our bodies tend to store toxic chemicals that can accumulate over a long period of time. These chemicals build up in our blood streams and can ultimately cause damage on a cellular level. This cellular damage can then manifest in the form of an increased aging process or even serious diseases. Our bodys systems for getting rid of these harmful toxins isnt always as efficient as we would like it to be.

To that end there are a number of so-called detoxifying drinks on the market today. These products generally aim to reduce the amounts of chemical, environmental and biological toxins that are stored in our bodies. They generally work by helping the body flush out these toxins.

Many of these detoxifying drinks are composed of a blend of herbs and fiber. Each brand of detoxifying drink has their own secret blend, but they generally aim to help restore essential vitamins and minerals while reducing and flushing out toxins. Some common ingredients to a detoxifying drink would be high levels of vitamins C and E, beta carotene, and even fish oil.

Check with a Doctor Before Detoxifying
If you fear that you might have a serious health problem, or you suffer from a chronic illness, you might want to check with a physician before going into a detoxifying regimen. Detoxifying is generally not considered to be a health risk, but as always, its better safe than sorry. You can find detoxifying drinks at most health food stores and websites.

Electromagnetic fields are literally all around us. You can find electromagnetic fields in several forms including static electricity, UV rays, visible light, X-rays, microwaves and radio frequencies. Even the now nearly ubiquitous cell phone emits an electromagnetic field. The important question is are any of these fields potentially dangerous to humans?

Not all electromagnetic fields are created equal. They differ primarily in terms of frequency and wave length. The higher the frequency the shorter the wavelength. For example a power line might have a frequency of about 60 Hz or Hertz. A microwave oven, on the other hand, has a frequency of about 2.45 billion Hz. The power lines frequency has a wave length of about 5000 kilometers, while the microwave ovens wavelength is around 10 centimeters.

As frequencies get higher, they have a greater potential for disrupting chemical bonds. This is where the potential for health risk comes in. X-rays operate at a much higher frequency than power lines and thus can have a very detrimental effect on our bodies. Thats why we are only exposed to them for a very brief amount of time when were given an X-ray exam.

Electromagnetic Fields Surround Us
A brief encounter with X-rays in a doctors or dentists office is one thing, but we are literally bombarded with electromagnetic fields every day. For one, the sun emits powerful UV rays, but at least we can wear sun block. Some researchers are extremely concerned about the electromagnetic fields that were not shielding ourselves from (e.g., cell phones and microwave towers).

Weve all heard of air pollution, water pollution and even noise pollution, but theres a new pollution on the block and its referred to as electromagnetic pollution. Electromagnetic pollution is essentially referring to the levels of electromagnetic waves that many of us are exposed to on a daily basis. Many of us arent even aware of what electromagnetic waves are.

There are low levels of electromagnetic waves emitted from a wide variety of very common items. If you happen to live or work close to high voltage power lines, these lines emit a constant stream of electromagnetic waves. Closer to home, items such as electric clock radios, heated blankets, heated water beds and computer video displays all emit levels of electromagnetic waves.

It doesnt seem at first blush like these waves do any harm though. We cant see them, and they arent immediately bothersome like other forms of pollution. The upsetting truth, however, is that these waves penetrate our bodies quite easily. Many experts are concerned that constant exposure to these electromagnetic waves could eventually lead to diseases such as cancer.

Reducing Your Exposure
Though there hasnt yet been a conclusive enough study to convince the Federal government to take action, that doesnt mean you shouldnt take some fairly simple precautions. You can reduce your exposure to electromagnetic waves somewhat by eliminating the above mentioned devices from your home. In terms of a computer monitor, LCD screens dont emit electromagnetic waves and are generally considered harmless.