Is It the next best thing? The Negative Ions

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iGIG Report: Negative Ions Create Positive Vibes

There's something in the air that just may boost your mood -- get a whiff of negative ions.

There's something in the air and while it may not be love, some say it's the next best thing -- negative ions.

Negative ions are odorless, tasteless, and invisible molecules that we inhale in abundance in certain environments. Think mountains, waterfalls, and beaches. Once they reach our bloodstream, negative ions are believed to produce biochemical reactions that increase levels of the mood chemical serotonin, helping to alleviate depression, relieve stress, and boost our daytime energy.

And these are a few of the reasons we see negative-ion generators being sold in stores and all over the Internet, but do they really work as well as antidepressants? Can they also relieve allergies by filtering out dust mites and dander?

It's too early to tell for sure, experts say, but that's not to say there is not some sound science behind the concept.

Science 101

Ions are molecules that have gained or lost an electrical charge.

They are created in nature as air molecules break apart due to sunlight,radiation, and moving air and water. You may have experienced the power of negative ions when you last set foot on the beach or walked beneath a waterfall.

While part of the euphoria is simply being around these wondrous settings and away from the normal pressures of home and work, the air circulating in the mountains and the beach is said to contain tens of thousands of negative ions -- Much more than the average home or office building, which contain dozens or hundreds, and many register a flat zero.

"The action of the pounding surf creates negative air ions and we also see it immediately after spring thunderstorms when people report lightened moods," says ion researcher Michael Terman, PhD, of Columbia University in New York. In fact, Columbia University studies of people with winter and chronic depression show that negative ion generators relieve depression as much as antidepressants. "The best part is that there are relatively no side effects, but we still need to figure out appropriate doses and which people it works best on," he says.

Vitamins of the Air?

Generally speaking, negative ions increase the flow of oxygen to the brain; resulting in higher alertness, decreased drowsiness, and more mental energy," says Pierce J. Howard, PhD, author of The Owners Manual for the Brain: Everyday Applications from Mind Brain Research and director of research at the Center for Applied Cognitive Sciences in Charlotte, N.C.

"They also may protect against germs in the air, resulting in decreased irritation due to inhaling various particles that make you sneeze, cough, or have a throat irritation."

And for a whopping one in three of us who are sensitive to their effects, negative ions can make us feel like we are walking on air. You are one of them if you feel instantly refreshed the moment you open a window and breathe in fresh, humid air.

"You may be one of them if you feel sleepy when you are around an air-conditioner, but feel immediately refreshed and invigorated when you step outside or roll down the car window,"

Air conditioning depletes the atmosphere of negative ions, but an ion generator re-releases the ions that air conditioners remove."

Generating Negative Ions

In fact, every home has a built in natural ionizer -- the shower. But when it comes to springing for that negative-ion generator you saw advertised in the local paper or on the web, buyer beware, says Columbia's Terman.

"There is a major problem with advertised units," he tells. "output levels are not ... specified in a way that could advise antidepressant dose."

And, he says, the cost of apparently equivalent units ranges from $100 to $1,000.

"The safest course of action, in my opinion, would be to use units that have been demonstrated effective in our clinical trials and trials to come," he advises readers.

Room air circulation, heat and humidity, the proximity of grounded devices that may emit counteracting positive ions (such as computer monitors) may affect output levels (of a negative-ion generator), he explains.

"We have tried to minimize the influence of these factors by adding grounded wrist-straps [commercially available] or grounded bed sheets [not yet available] for connection to the ionizer," he says.

The possible interaction of negative-air ion therapy and antidepressant drug or light therapy for seasonal depression has not yet been investigated, he says. "It stands to reason, for example, that drug ... dose could be tapered [even to zero], if the patient responds to negative ion exposure.

"I would advise anyone who experiences clinically significant depression to try negative-ion therapy only under doctor's guidance, and that doctors read up on this methodology before OKing such a trial, especially if the patient is already receiving other treatment," he advises.

• The faster the water is moving and the more of it that hits the air, the higher the concentration of negative ions will usually be. Amounts of negatively charged ions near waterfalls, for instance, is extremely high, and areas near bodies of water such as rivers and oceans is also rich with them.

• Many people attribute the effects of negative air ionization therapy with providing relief from a wide array of physical symptoms and improving overall health, and it is very popular in Japan and Europe.

When it is heated, it exhibits pyro-electricity, where one end is positively charged, and the other is negatively charged. When used in tourmaline tools, the crystal emits negative ions.

Negative Ions Benefits For Your Health

That taste in the air and feeling you get at the beach, near a waterfall or after a storm is your body been saturated in the benefits of negative ions.

What if there were a way to take that feeling you have with you and keep it going in your bedroom, lounge room, kitchen or office, as well as cleaning the air of contaminants?

Negative ions clear the air of dust, mold spores, pollen, pet dander, odors, cigarette smoke, bacteria and viruses. They will easily dilate your blood arteries within 10 to 15 seconds, thus will prevent or suppress the heart Attack. It also is proven to make the blood circulation so fluidly and regularly that supplies proper blood circulations to our veins and make us to vigour and be sexually active. They do this by attaching to these positively charged particles in large numbers. This causes the pollen, mold, bacteria, etc to become too heavy to stay airborne.At this point it drops to the floor or attaches to a nearby surface, thus removing it from the air you breathe and preventing it from causing respiratory problems and other health issues.

Negative ions are oxygen atoms charged with an extra electron.

Here’s how they can both clear the air in your home of allergens like pollen and mold and hazardous airborne particles such as bacteria and viruses, and have some surprisingly beneficial effects on your health.

What Do Negative Ions Do?

Negative ions are created in nature by the effects of water, air, sunlight and the Earth’s inherent radiation. They are most prevalent in natural places and particularly around moving water or after a thunderstorm.

How Do Negative Ions Work?

Add to that positive ion producing air conditioning, electrical equipment like televisions and clothes dryers, and even carpet and upholstery, and our homes have become what has been described as ‘positive ion prisons’.

Our homes and workplaces are usually sealed off from the natural benefits of negative ions. Even if you do keep your windows open, aside from all the pollution, if you live in a busy town or city the concentration of negative ions in the air may only be a tenth of that found in country environments. these negatively charged ions and receive their health benefits in whatever room you spend time in.

Modern negative ionizers work by using a method called ‘corona discharge’, which is actually modeled on the way lightning occurs.

A tiny current of electrons flow down a needle to its point. The nearer the electrons come to the needlepoint, the closer they are forced together. Since electrons naturally repel each other, when they reached the very tip of the needle they are forced off into the nearest air molecule and become a negative ion.

Negative ions repel each other as well, so as more and more are produced they are emitted further and further out into the room they are in.

The more powerful the ionizer, the more beneficial ions they can produce and the larger their range.

Top 10 Negative Ion Benefits for Your Health

There are highlighted links to references if you would like to read the relevant scientific research, but for a handy summary here are the top 10 health benefits of negative ions:

• 1. Negative ions increase your sense of well-being and mental clarity by removing the debilitating effects of excessive positive ions in your environment.

• 2. Negative ions are proven to clear the air of dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores and other potential allergens.

• 3. A good ionizer can significantly decrease airborne viruses and bacteria in your home.

• 4. Improves the function of the cilia in your respiratory tract that protect your lungs from irritation and inflammation, thus leading to less instances of respiratory illnesses like colds and flu and even hayfever and asthma.

• 5. Negative ions have a relaxing effect and have been reported to normalize your breathing rate, decrease blood pressure and relieve tension.

• 6. Studies show high levels of negative ions can be as effective at treating Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) as commonly prescribed antidepressants (obviously discuss any medication changes with your doctor).

• 7. Improved energy levels and focus. Research at the University of California showed negative ions normalize serotonin levels in the brain, potentially improving a person’s positive outlook and mood.

• 8. Better sleep. A French study found using negative ionizers could help you to sleep better. This is once again due to their positive effects in normalizing serotonin production in the brain.

• 9. Reduces instances of headaches and sickness. The company Norwich Union found installing negative ion air cleaners in a work area full computers and other electronic equipment reduced instances of reported sickness and headaches by 78%. Negative ionizers are also routinely used in hospitals in Europe for their beneficial impact on patient’s health and healing rates.

• 10. Elevated mental concentration and performance. Testing has regularly shown that subjects exposed to high levels of negative ions perform better in mentally challenging tasks than those breathing normal positive ion dense air. Pierce J. Howard PhD at the Center for Applied Cognitive Sciences says in the Owner’s Manual for the Brain – “Negative ions increase the flow of oxygen to the brain; resulting in higher alertness, decreased drowsiness, and more mental energy.”

Negative Ionizers in Your Home

Nowadays, new and innovative ways of generating negative ions benefits are being developed. Ionizers are becoming smaller and more stylish.

Pendants negative ion generators, scalar pendats and cards are mostly loved by users. There are even highly portable versions you can take to work, like USB stick ionizers that you plug into your computer at the office to counteract that positive ion heavy environment.

Alternatively, light bulbs that produce negative ions whenever they are switched on.

While it would be possible to go far deeper into the health benefits of negative ions, I hope this page has provided a good starting summary.

If you try a negative ionizer in your own home I’d really appreciate your feedback on how it makes you feel and any changes you experience in your health and energy.

Physiological Benefits of Negative Ions on the Human Body

For years researchers have advised consuming more alkaline foods,( i.e. vegetables and some fruits with a higher pH) is beneficial to your health. If you have an acidic pH, (i.e. lpwer pH) balance of the body, on the other hand, it is likely that you`ll feel weak and susceptible to sickness.

What is the cause of Acidosis of the blood?

Essentially it comes as a result of the loss of electrons. It can be prevented by an influx of negative electric Ions which contain an abundant amount of electrons needed to improve the body's immunity and resistance to illnesses. Acidosis of the blood is the reason negative electric Ions products are becoming a more regular part of the consumer’s regimen toward better health.

Metabolism, which is the process of acquiring nutrients from the blood and excreting waste out of the body, is extremely important to the human cells. The more Negatively Charged Electric Ions there are in the blood, the more efficient the cell's metabolic processes.

On the contrary, the more Positively Charged Ions,( i.e. free radicals) there are in the blood, the slower and less efficient the cell's metabolism. This causes the body's cells to become weak and the body will tend to get sick more easily and age faster. It will cause the body`s immune system to completely dhut down.

The key then is to encourage the production of Negative Electric Ions and the reduction of Positively Charged Ions. Researchers experiment on electric ions and the permeability of the cell membrane. In the experiment, skin was used to exemplify the cell membrane.

When positively charged ions were permeated into the surface of the skin, its pores and sweat glands began to contract.

However, when Negative Electric Ions were permeated into the surface of the skin, its pores and sweat glands expanded, which demonstrates good metabolism of the cell membranes. This phenomenon is called Prototype Plasma Membranes of Dermal Reflectivity.

European scientists also conducted research regarding the influence of ions to the human body. They proposed the following hypothesis - Negatively Charged Ions are beneficial to the human body in four major ways; 1.It helps to strengthen the functions of autonomic nerves 2. reinforces collagen (tissues that are resilient and tension-related 3. improves the permeability of the cell's prototype plasma membranes (improves metabolism), and 4. strengthens the body's immune system.

The human body is surrounded by ions; therefore, the function of electrons inside and outside the cells has significant influence on the human body.

It makes the body strong if good ions are taken. When the amount of Negative Electric Ions contained one cc of air inhaled reached 5,000 to 50,000, it strengthens the body's resistance and immunity; and when the amount of Negative Electric Ions contained in one D.C. of air reached 100,000 to 500,000, it relieves illnesses.

Negatively Charged Electric Ions in our body are essential in sustaining and improving our health. Whereas 85% of the Negative Electric Ions are absorbed from our skin, only 15% is inhaled and absorbed through our lungs. (quoted from page 56 of Negatively Charged electric Ion Treatment, issued by Youth Publishing)

Negative ions are beneficial to human body in four major ways:

Reprinted from "Economy Daily News" - January 30, 2002

• Strengthen the functions of autonomic nerves

• Reinforces collagen (tissues that are resilient and tension-related)

• Improves the permeability of the cell's prototype plasma membranes (improves metabolism)

• Strengthens the body's immune system

(Note: Mitochondria can be called the "powerhouse" of the cell. Most living organisms use food and oxygen to make ATP/energy in a process called cellular respiration. Most of cellular respiration takes place inside the mitochondria)

Negative ion regeneration for youthfulness and longevity

by John Heinerman, Ph.D.

Negative ions neutralize pollutants and provide positive effects on health to

• Stimulate the reticulo-endothelial system, a group of defense cells in our bodies that marshal our resistance to disease

• Act on our capacity to absorb and utilize oxygen. Negative ions in the bloodstream accelerate the delivery of oxygen to our cells and tissues

• Speed up oxidation of serotonin (5-hydroxtryptamine) in the blood. This is well known to have far reaching effects on mood, pain relief and sexual drive.

How Negative Ion Affects the Human Body?

Dr. Robert O. Becker, pioneering researcher and author of the book, The Body Electric and Cross Currents, has established that energy system within our bodies consists of two forces, magnetism and electricity, with the electricity component consisting of low-frequency direct-current (DC) electric field.

This electromagnetic energy system is affected by the earth's natural electromagnetic environment, which is normally relatively quiet, with minor rhythmic variations, but which experiences great increase in an electromagnetic charged environment.

Numerous studies have established the effect of Negative Charged Ion environment on the human body. The negative charged environment has stimulated the body's own healing mechanism in the case of stress and specific physical problems.

Increase blood flow with resultant increased oxygen-carrying capacity, both of which are basic to help the body healing itself;

Changes in migration of calcium ions which can either bring calcium ions to heal a broken bone in half the usual time, or can help move calcium away from painful, arthritic joints;

The pH balance (acid/alkaline) of various body fluids. (Often out of balance in conjunction with illness or abnormal conditions)

Hormone production from the endocrine glands can be either increased or decreased by Negative Ion stimulation;

Altering of enzyme activity and other bio-chemical processes.

Studies Providing Effectiveness of Negative Ions:

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

A recent study by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture found that ionizing a room led to 52% less dust in the air, and 95% less bacteria in the air (since many of the pollutants found in the air reside on floating dust particles).

The USDA also performed another study to test the effectiveness of negative ionization at removing airborne Salmonella Enteritidis.

The negative ions drastically reduced the airborne salmonella particles, prompting the following statement from the USDA:

"These results indicate that negative air ionization can have a significant impact on the airborne microbial load in a poultry house and at least a portion of this effect is through direct killing of the organisms."

Agriculture Research Service (of USDA)

The Agriculture Research Service of the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture tested the effectiveness of ionizers for removing dust in a poultry hatchery. The dust level is very high in such an environment. In this study, the use of an ionizer resulted in dust removal efficiencies that averaged between 81.1 ~ 92.2%. The airborne transmission of salmonella (to the eggs) was also significantly reduced as a result. (Summary of Study: http://www.nalusda.gov/ttic/tektran/data/000008/54/0000085456.html

Journal of Hygiene

Scientists showed that ionization reduced bacterial levels in burns and plastic surgery units by over 96% after a two-week period, which results in much better and more rapid healing of patients.

Journal of Applied Microbiology

The use of negative ions was even found by scientists to reduce the presence of airborne viruses by about 40%. A study featured in the 1987 issue also showed the negative ions are free from any adverse side effects.

Science

A 1976 study featured in this publication provided evidence that negative ions can have a biologically lethal effect on airborne microorganisms.

Journal of Hygiene

A 1979 study found that using negative ionization in the air protected chickens from airborne infection of the deadly Newcastle Disease Virus.

Journal of Food Protection

A 2001 study found that airborne negative ionization was highly effective at destroying airborne and surface salmonella.

University of Medicine and Pharmacy (Romania)

A test on male rats showed that just moderate levels of negative ions increased the resistance of the rats, reducing or eliminating the effect of some chemicals. (Summary of study:http://www.fjokk.hu/cejoem/files/Volume4/Vol4No1/Ce981-08.HTM

Effect of Negative Ions on Drivers

A study by Toyota Central R & D Labs, Inc. found that negative ions can improve fatigue and cognition of drivers. (Copy of study - PDF File http://www.tytlabs.co.jp/office/elibrary/preview/erev371pdf/e371_065sakakibara.pdf)

Negative Charged Ions are Effective in Treating Cancer (Cited from High-Voltage Treatment published by Youth Publishing)

In 1950; Dr. Haskell applied Negatively Charged Ions to patients of Hypertension. Amazingly, Negative Ions were proven to have a positive effect in lowering one's blood pressure, while no beneficial effects were observed with Positive Ions. Negative Ions are also effective against influenza, asthma and especially bronchial disease. Another study done by the University of Frankfurt involved a "Cancer Team" in order to further study the physical effects of Negative Ions to cancer cells. Different types of cancer cells were transfused into the bodies of mice. In order to have a base of comparison, one group of mice was put into a negative ion environment each day while the other group remained untouched. As a result, the mice in the negative ion environment lived, on average, for 59 days, while the mice that were untreated lived no longer than 34 days. The mice from the experimental team lived 25 days longer; some even lived as long as 80 days! The experiment's result confirms the effectiveness of Negative Ions in treating cancer.

"Negative Air Ions Stimulate Mitochondria" Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, Moscow Region, Russia.

http://www.cryonet.org/cg i-bin/dsp.cgi?msg=12330

Other Negative Ion Benefits

Asthma, Allergies, and other Respiratory Problems and Illnesses. Many scientific studies have been conducted over the years (mostly in Europe and Russia) showing how exposure to high levels of negative ions drastically or significantly reduce asthma and allergy symptoms, as well as respiratory-related illness.

Studies have also shown a link between negative ion treatment and benefits for the following:

Migraine Headaches

Inhaling negative ions regulates the production of serotonin inside the brain. The overproduction of serotonin inside the brain is the cause of migraine headaches.

Depression

A study at Columbia University suggested that negative ion treatment is more effective than anti-depressant drugs such as Prozac and Zolof, and there are no side effects with negative ions.

Fatigue

The overproduction of serotonin (chemical produced inside the brain) also causes fatigue, and negative ions regulate the production of serotonin inside the brain.

Sleep

A study in France found that negative ionizers helped people to sleep better, by regulating the production of the chemical serotonin in the brain.

Mental Performance and Concentration

Several tests have shown people exposed to negative ion treatment perform much better in mentally-oriented activities than those who are not.

Physical Performance

Due to test results performed by Russian scientists, negative ionizers were always installed in the locker rooms and resting places for the Russian athletes.

Burns

Studies performed in one hospital found that burn patients were far more likely to recover more quickly and thoroughly.

Negative Ions for Alternative Ideals in Health, Science, and Medicine

The article in Alternative Ideas in Health, Science, and Spirituality (http://www.sumeria.net/health/ions.html) concluded that

1. Negative ions ACCELERATE the oxidative degradation of serotonin whereas Positive ions have the opposite action and inactive the enzymes which break down serotonin.

2. An INCREASE in the serotonin level (5-hydroxytryptamine) produces:

• tachycardia,

• a rise in blood pressure,

• bronciospasam going as far as asthma attack,

• increased intestinal peristalsis (contractions and dilations of the intestines to move the contents onwards),

• increased sensitivity to pain,

• increased aggression.

1. A DECREASE in the serotonin level is calming and increasing defenses against infections (as proven with influenza 'the flu').

2. Negative ions produce an INCREASE in hemoglobin/oxygen affinity so that the partial oxygen pressure in the blood rises but the partial carbon dioxide pressure decreases.

This results in reducing respiratory rate and enhancing the metabolism of water-soluble vitamins.

In addition, negative ions produce an INCREASE in PH and, in particular, an INCREASE in the secretory performance of the mucosa with an INCREASE in cilliary movement in the airways.

And Medical studies have demonstrated that the level of negative ions in the air around us determines the quality of air we breath and this greatly influences our health.

This "Air Vitamin" thus promotes our well being with fresh air inhalation.