Nutrition for Protection in Wireless Environments

The following are ideas that have been suggested for reducing the adverse effects of wireless technologies, which can potentially be exacerbated by both deficiency of key nutrients (e.g., antioxidants) and toxicity (e.g., metal toxicity). Where key nutrients are suggested for healing the effects of EMF, recommendations are provided for either natural sources (through food) and/or nutritional supplements (such as vitamins). The best solution, however, is still avoidance, because EMF leads not only to biological damage, but also to reduced ability to repair this damage. For more recommendations, check out our blog articles on EMF and Nutrition.

Disclaimer: The author is not a physician. Please check with your physician before making changes to your diet. Both food and vitamins may be subject to varying quality, depending upon increasing use of GMO and pesticides, depleted soils, and/or artificial vitamins, and should be chosen with care.

Protection through Nutrition

• Antioxidants (Vitamins C, E, flavonoids, etc.) — 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 C is said to offer protection to aqueous, or watery areas of the cell from oxidative damage. Meanwhile, vitamin E, is said to offer protection to the fatty areas of the cell from oxidative damage, such as the cell membrane, and may therefore help protect nerve membranes. Both 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: For the antioxidant vitamin C, eat plenty of organic non-GMO fruits, especially berries like the wild blueberry. Dr. Russell Blaylock recommends to avoid combining vitamin-C rich foods with foods with high aluminum content, like tea, or high iron content, to avoid increasing one's absorption of these metals. For the antioxidant vitamin E, almonds are a good source. You can search on high ORAC foods for a list of foods with high Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity. See below for more information on increasing levels of glutathione and melatonin.
  
  If one's intake of antioxidants through foods is inadequate, 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 high levels of potential excitotoxins (aspartate or glutamate), nor synthetic forms of vitamins. Additional vitamin C (buffered as magnesium ascorbate) on an empty stomach and/or vitamin E (e.g., d-alpha tocopheral succinate) may also be helpful. Dr. Blaylock recommends avoiding synthetic vitamin E which starts with dl- rather than d- as well as avoiding the acetate form of vitamin E.
  
  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"
  -(5) Blaylock, Russell. Health and Nutrition Secrets That Can Save Your Life
• 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 may be beneficial for those with Multiple Sclerosis. Dr. Russell Blaylock explains that vitamin D can cool down overactive immune reactions that may be involved in multiple sclerosis.
  
  Recommendation: Under optimal conditions, 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.
  
  Due to the above limitations, 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. Some even suggest that 5000 IU a day may be helpful, although this should be done with care to prevent overdose.
• 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, omega-3 eggs, nuts, lambs'-ear salad, linseed or flaxseed oil and flax seeds. Note that olive oil and flaxseed oil are heat-sensitive, and may be damaged by high heat. Chia seeds are also a source of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. Walnuts can be used both for omega-3 fatty acids and glutathione content. To lower levels of the inflammatory omega 6 oils, 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 pharmaceutical-grade, 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.
• Coconut oil, although a saturated fat, has also been said to have some protective effect for the brain, for conditions like Alzheimer's. It may be helpful to try cooking with coconut oil to see if it provides any benefits. Proponents say that in contrast to animal fat, the saturated fat found in coconut oil is healthy.
• Phytic acid and Flavonoids — 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.
  
  Flavonoids - 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 and in binding iron, 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. Other potentially useful sources of flavonoids, according to Dr. Blaylock, include quercetin, rutin, hesperidin, catechins from green tea, or grape seed extract, which may also help with binding iron. Eating vegetables when consuming red meat may help to reduce the absorption of iron from the red meat.
  
  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 may not be helpful in the case of anemia, or it may also result in reduced absorption of other key minerals like magnesium and zinc. Thus, to avoid mineral deficiencies, it may be necessary to take it on an empty stomach, for a short-term only, and balance it 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, and help chelate mercury.
  
  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.
  
  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 natural sources of sulfur compounds include foods like Garlic, Onions, Leeks, Shallots, and Chives, which may also provide anti-cancer benefits as well.
  
  Nutritional Supplements: Dr. Russell Blaylock explains that N-acetyl L-cysteine (NAC), alpha lipoic acid (ALA), and acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC), can help increase glutathione levels. However, such use must be done with caution, due to the possibility of binding mercury and redistributing it back to the nervous system. There may be methods to minimize this effect, e.g., Dr. Blaylock suggests branched chain amino acids. 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.
• Magnesium A recommended Magnesium-to-Calcium 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. (See Carolyn Dean, The Magnesium Miracle). 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/citrate, may also be helpful as supplements to reduce aluminum levels in the brain, according to Dr. Russell Blaylock, as well as to protect against excitotoxicity. Since aluminum in the brain can increase the toxicity of iron in the brain, magnesium supplementation may be helpful.
  • Kelp is one very good source of magnesium, as well as a wealth of other nutrients. Almonds and chocolate also contain magnesium, although be cautious not to overdose because chocolate may also contain iron.
  • Nutritional Supplements: Dr. Russell Blaylock recommends magnesium citramate (citrate + malate) for reducing aluminum levels, which can be taken also with magnesium ascorbate (a buffered form of vitamin C).
• 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, for example, by using blackout curtains, and to lower one's 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."
  Ideas for Reducing Metal Toxicity:

  • Magnesium malate/citrate/ascorbate for aluminum toxicity
  • Garlic, modified citrus pectin, or glutathione-boosting foods for mercury toxicity
  • Flavonoids like turmeric, and possibly IP6 (see caveats) for iron toxicity
• Selenium, which can be naturally obtained through brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, garlic, and barley, 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 Dr. Russell Blaylock for suggestions on the proper form of Selenium to take. Certain forms of selenium are said to be toxic, so it may be preferrable to use natural sources.). Selenium may be best paired with vitamins C, E, and zinc.
  • Garlic: Garlic is a natural source for selenium. Dr. David Servan-Schreiber, author of Anticancer, recommends combining garlic with a little olive oil to improve absorption. Dr. Russell Blaylock recommends adding garlic to fish/seafood to help prevent mercury absorption.
• 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.
  • Supplementation: Zinc may be best paired with vitamins C, E, and selenium, according to Michael Murray, such as in an iron-free multivitamin. Alternatively, one may want to take it every other day, according to Dr. Russell Blaylock.
• 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-complex and folic acid have been recommended for neuropathy, and can be taken as part of an iron-free multivitamin. Unfortified whole grain cereals may provide some B vitamins.
• Filtered water is recommended to protect oneself from toxicity from chlorine and fluoride (check your filter to see what it filters out -- some filters like the Berkey filter require an add-on filter for fluoride).

Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupressure, OPT, and Qi Gong

Keep in mind that from the standpoint of TCM, or Traditional Chinese Medicine, some of the healing foods above may be too cold (yin), and may need to be balanced with hot (yang) foods, such as ginger. A search on the internet can help one to identify which foods are yang. Adaptogenic herbs, such as ginseng, may also be able to help balance yin and yang.

Alternative medicine, such as acupressure and qi-gong, 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, especially points found in original point therapy (OPT). Various exercises related to acupressure can also help against calcium loss and boost the immune system. Qi Gong is another Chinese Medicine practice, of which Tai Chi may be said to be one of the forms. It also has potential to help people to achieve better balance within their energy system.

Concerns Regarding Silver Amalgam Fillings

There have been some reports 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 (e.g., IAOMT protocol) 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. See Dr. Russell Blaylock's Health and Nutrition Secrets That Can Save Your Life for more information. Chlorella may also be useful for detoxification of heavy metals like mercury, but care must be taken to avoid contaminated chlorella (e.g., naturalnews reports that organic chlorella from China was found to contain high levels of metals such as aluminum). 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. According to Dr. Blaylock, long-term use of aged garlic may be helpful as a milder method of detoxification.

Other 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. (See Kane, 33-34). One may also want to avoid coils in mattresses, e.g., try a Tempurpedic mattress or futon mattress— one that is free of dangerous flame retardants -- wool or organic latex may in some cases be a good option.

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. (Meditation and laughing may also be beneficial to one's mental health.)

Recommendation: Exercising at least 30 minutes a day 4 days a week is recommended. You may want to avoid excessive, vigorous exercise, however, as that may increase one's free radical load. Strength-training, such as with the use of resistance bands, may be a helpful form of exercise.

Further Resources

• LEF Magazine "Nutritional Protection against Cell Phone Radiation" (end of article)
• Ann Louise Gittleman's book, Zapped.
• Dr. Russell Blaylock, Health and Nutrition Secrets and Natural Strategies for Cancer Patients -- Provides helpful discussions on vitamins and their varying forms
• 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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