Guard yourself against electromagnetic energy fields (EMF) assaults.
Sprout Savvy interviewed Dr. Ann Louise Gittleman about her book, Zapped, which outlines the dangers associated with cell phones and other wireless devices. In addition to providing data from extensive research, Dr. Gittleman also gave some excellent tips to guard against electromagnetic energy fields (EMF) assaults.
What led you to write Zapped?
I have always been a nutritionist who practices what she preaches. So, in 2005, when I was diagnosed with a parotid gland tumor (thankfully benign), I wanted to know what could have caused such a rare tumor. What I discovered astounded me. The parotid gland is one of the salivary glands located in front of the ear and above the jawbone, so it is located precisely where most people hold their cell phones. It turns out that having a Bluetooth or cell phone so close to the brain is like having a low-powered mini microwave on your head. Extensive use of these devices may lead to brain tumors, changes in brain metabolism, and parotid gland tumors. Researchers like Dr. Martin Blank of Columbia University have proven that cell phone radiation breaks up DNA, which can then lead to mutations and genetic damage as well as leaks in the blood and brain barrier. In 2008, Dr. Siegal Sadetzki testified at a U.S. Senate hearing on cell phones. He said that an Israeli nationwide case controlled study reported that regular users of cell phones, and those subject to conditions that may yield higher levels of exposure, showed consistently elevated risks of developing a parotid gland tumor (PGT). For example, anyone who has used a cell phone for five years or more and spoken on the phone for more than 266.3 hours increases their chances of developing a PGT by 50 percent. Also, the antennae in rural communities are spaced farther apart, so cell phones have to emit higher levels of radiation to communicate with the nearest cell antenna. Anyone living in those areas has a 96 percent increased risk of developing a PGT if they have a lifetime exposure of more than 1,035 hours on their cell phone. When I learned all this, I decided to write Zapped (HarperOne) simply because it was the right thing to do.
What are the major changes you made to your lifestyle when dealing with the health concerns of the tumor?
First and foremost, if I need to use my cell phone, I use speaker mode and keep my calls short and sweet. I also try to text whenever possible. Also, I personally do not endorse wireless headsets at all. Instead, I suggest using air-tube headsets. Furthermore, when your power bars are low, your phone has to work harder to connect to a tower, so I advise always keeping your phone fully charged. I am also very careful not to use my phone when I am in a moving car, train, bus, elevator or subway, since the phone needs to amp up that much more to connect while moving. I have also made it a point to eat foods on a daily basis that help fortify me against electromagnetic energy fields (EMF) assaults. These include foods rich in antioxidants and minerals that protect from EMF assaults on cell membranes and biochemical reactions. I have devoted two chapters in Zapped to listing those foods and supplements, and explaining how and why they work. I’ve also included many healthful recipes.
What are some of the dangers associated with too much contact with wireless devices?
Emerging research is suggesting that there is a whole range of symptoms related to electromagnetic sensitivity. These include neurological, respiratory, cardiac, and dermatological symptoms. Years ago, we didn’t know anybody with a brain tumor, but nowadays, we all know one or two people that have some kind of brain tumor, headaches, fatigue, cortisol imbalance, ringing in the ears, infertility and/or loss of memory that may be linked to EMF exposure.
What topics, regarding the dangers of wireless devices, do you feel require more research?
We need to conduct more research on the effects of EMFs on children. They concern me the most because they are much more vulnerable than adults when it comes to EMF exposure. Their bones and skulls are thinner than ours, allowing them to absorb twice the radiation as a grown up. Also, EMFs can penetrate their brain tissue more deeply because it contains a higher concentration of fluid and ions than ours, causing it to be more conductive. In fact, because of these concerns, the Council of Europe just voted to ban all cell phones and Wi-Fi from schools.
What are some of the psychological effects of always being connected?
Just as the brain-altering frequencies of the exposure to microwave-emitting devices are beginning to be acknowledged, the psychological impact is starting to be recognized. The most obvious is the danger of using a cell phone while driving when the individual becomes emotionally preoccupied with the telephone call and not on the conditions of the road.
What are some changes people can make to disconnect that are the most effective?
Without throwing out your cell phone altogether, make the changes in usage that I listed above. Learn to fortify yourself nutritionally against this 24/7 onslaught. I also have these simple suggestions to clean up EMFs in your home. Do a clean sweep of all the electronics and digital devices in at least one room in your house. Start with your bedroom, where you spend at least 1/3 of your life. By removing disharmonious energy frequencies, your body can truly rest, recoup and regenerate from the day. Start by unplugging as many electronic appliances in the room as you can which are three feet from your head. Shut down the computer and disable the wireless router. Do not sleep with an electric blanket. Unplug the cordless phone, but it is really best to replace it all together with a corded phone. Research published in the European Journal of Oncology linked cordless phones with a doubling of the heart rate, and newer models constantly emit radiation from the charger and the handset, even when you are not using the phone. By all means, do not keep your cell phone by your head to use as an alarm clock! The most inexpensive way to locate radiation-emitting devices in your home is with a battery-operated AM transistor radio. Tune the radio between stations and walk around the house. Any change in the static will indicate an electric field, from which you can assume there are also magnetic fields. A wireless router or computer will produce strong static sounds. Using the radio, you can judge at what distance the fields begin to weaken, and position sofas and beds accordingly. Bear in mind that you want to move furniture where you spend the greatest amount of time, away from those fields.
Zapped by Dr. Ann Louise Gittleman
About Dr. Ann Louise Gittleman
A visionary, weight loss and detox expert, author, spokesperson, and natural foods icon, Ann Louise has always been a trendsetter. Highly respected as a health pioneer and award-winning author of 30 books, she revolutionized weight loss in her New York Times bestseller The Fat Flush Plan. Ann Louise was recognized as one of the top ten nutritionists in the country by Self magazine and was the recipient of the American Medical Writers Association award for excellence. Ann Louise’s credentials include an M.S. in Nutrition Education from Columbia University and a CNS from the American College of Nutrition. Her work has been featured in Time, Newsweek, The New York Times, CNN, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, The San Francisco Chronicle, and many other outlets. Visit her website at http://www.areyouzapped.com/
