Health Benefits of Negative Ions The astounding degree to which negative ions can contribute to good health is becoming increasingly apparent, as extensive research on the subject suggests. Negative ions are in the air that we breathe as well as in our bodies. They neutralize free radicals, revitalize cell metabolism and enhance immune function. In addition, they purify the blood and balance the autonomic nervous system, promoting deep sleep and healthy digestion. Negative ions also protect the body and mind from the harmful effects of environmental stressors such as Electromagnetic fields. See below for more on the amazing effects of negative ions. In order to ensure our health and well being, it is crucial that we surround ourselves with a sufficient amount of negative ions. In addition to using Air Sports Watch products, which produces negative ions and elevates their levels in our bodies, eating clean, healthy, alkaline-producing foods can also increase our negative ion levels. What are Ions? Ancient peoples recognized that the air is "electric," so to speak, but it is thought that the formal study of ions did not begin until fairly recently. In 1899, two German scientists, Elster and Geitel, discovered that there are particles in the atmosphere that carry electricity. These particles were later named "air ions" by the British scientist Faraday. The word "ion" was taken from the Greek language, in which it means to "go" or "wander about. Ions are invisible particles, either molecules or atoms, which bear an electric charge. Atoms, for instance, consist of an atomic nucleus that contains neutral neutrons and positively charged protons, as well as orbiting electrons that are negatively charged. When an atom is in a neutral condition, the number of protons (+) and electrons (-) is equal. When the number of protons and electrons is not the same, the particle becomes an ion that is either positively or negatively charged. Generally speaking, positive ions are harmful to the human body, while negative ions are beneficial. Positive Ion: An atom (or molecule) that has lost one or more electrons due to a high-energy impact. Natural forces that generate positive ions include the decay of radioactive minerals, radon gas, forest fires, lightning and ultraviolet rays. Negative Ion: An atom (or molecule) that has gained one or more extra negatively charged electrons. Negative ions are naturally generated by evaporating water. The Ratio of Negative to Positive Ions is Crucial to Health The ratio of negative to positive ions is crucial, because negative ions are able to neutralize the harmful effects of positive ions. At the beginning of the 20th century, the ratio in the atmosphere was 1.2 negative ions for every positive ion. However, in recent years, the ratio has reversed and now there are 1.2 positive ions for every negative ion. This is due to environmental hazards such as air and water pollution, electromagnetic fields, and other factors. Positive and negative ions also exist in our bodies, and the ratio of ions in the air we breathe influences the ratio in our bodies. Ions enter the body through the lungs (inhalation) as well as through the skin - especially through meridian (acupressure) points, which have weak electronic resistance. Then they travel through the blood and lymphatic systems to cells throughout the body. Using Air Sports Watch products increase the number of negative ions absorbed through the skin. Negative and Positive Ion Levels Measured in Various Locations These measurements were taken in Japan Offices                 negative ions:   70     positive ions:  1,400 Industrial Areas        negative ions:   50     positive ions:  300 Shopping Centres       negative ions:  220     positive ions:  280 Residential Homes     negative ions:   200     positive ions:  180 Forests                 negative ions:  2,500    positive ions:   800 Hot Springs                 negative ions:  2,500    positive ions:  820 Near a Waterfall        negative ions:  5000     positive ions:  300 In some offices with computer stations, no negative ions were detected at all! Inside typical Tokyo residences, positive ions were found to be 500 times more numerous than negative ions. These findings may be due to inadequate ventilation both in office buildings and energy - efficient houses, as well as from the use of electronic devices that generate electromagnetic fields and from building materials that emit formaldehyde and other toxic fumes. On the other hand, high negative ion levels, such as at waterfalls, hot springs and other highly moist areas, will neutralize positive ions, leading to very low positive ion levels. In any case, these measurements suggest that it is difficult to maintain sufficient levels of negative ions in the present age. How Positive and Negative Ions Affect Our Bodies Negative Ions (healthy) Blood Vessels:  dilates blood vessels Blood Pressure:  increases blood alkalinity Bones:  strengthens bones Urinary Tract:  promotes urination increases nitrogen in urine Respiratory:   stabilizes respiration, makes breathing easier Pulse Rate:   decreases pulse rate Heart Function:  enhances heart function Fatigue:  speeds physical recovery Autonomic Nervous System:  calms & relaxes nerves Growth:  promotes healthy growth Positive Ions (harmful) Blood Vessels: dilate blood vessels constrict blood vessels Blood Pressure: increases blood alkalinity increases blood acidity Bones: strengthens bones weakens bones Urinary Tract: suppresses urination decreases nitrogen in urine Respiratory :   accelerates respiration makes breathing difficult Pulse rate:    increases pulse rate Heart Function:   impairs heart function Fatigue:   prolongs physical recovery Autonomic Nervous System:  tenses & strains nervous system Growth:    suppresses & delays growth Harmful Effects of Positive Ions Ions were first linked to human health by a Japanese medical study in 1910, which showed that patients with arthritis experienced greater pain when weather fluctuations elevated the percentage of positive ions in the atmosphere. As a result of this and other research, in Japan the close relationship between ions and health has long been widely recognized. Cold fronts and low-pressure systems increase the percentage of positive ions in the atmosphere, leading to a decrease in the number of negative ions in our bodies. Doctors in Japan report that under such conditions, the symptoms of their asthma and arthritis patients are aggravated, and the number of strokes increases. In North America, the relationship between positive ions and asthma has also been studied. Positive ion winds (in which there are extremely high concentrations of positive ions) in Calgary, Alberta, southern California, and other places around the world have been found to coincide with increased incidence of asthma attacks (Guy Cramer, "Advanced Research on Atmospheric Ions and Respiratory Problems", Certified Medinex Website, Sept. 2, 1996, Moreover, in recent years a number of doctors in Japan report that high levels of positive ions in the immediate environment - due to electromagnetic fields generated from computers, cell phones and other electronic devices - can both impair brain function and suppress the immune system, leading to a host of ailments. Symptoms include headache, lack of energy, fatigue, anxiety, irritability, nausea, stomach ache, breathing difficulty, vertigo (dizziness), poor concentration and mental performance, and sleep disturbance. When blood or urine samples from individuals reporting such symptoms are analysed, extremely high levels of the stress hormone serotonin are detected. This hormone is known to be potentially harmful to the body at high levels, and it is thought that positive ions may work to increase serum serotonin. (Negative ions, on the other hand, cause the body to convert excess serotonin into a harmless compound). Positive ions turn into free radicals in the body, oxidizing cells throughout the entire system. They damage healthy cells and increase the acidity of the blood. When cells are oxidized, lactic acid levels rise drastically, resulting in a variety of maladies, including cancer. The balance of the endocrine, immune, and autonomic nervous systems is thrown off, and blood and lymph circulation declines. As a result, ageing processes accelerate, and premature ageing occurs. The following are human-made environmental factors that increase positive ion levels; each hazard is either new to the last century, or has magnified significantly during that time. Human-Made Hazards that Increase Positive Ion Levels Exhaust fumes - the major environmental cause Factory smoke River pollution and acidic rain Dioxin produced from the burning of waste materials Pesticides and food additives Formaldehyde Phosphorus compounds used in everyday products Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) generated by X-rays, electric appliances, computers and other electronic devices, power lines, etc. Negative Ions Neutralize Free Radicals. It is said that 2% of the oxygen we breathe turns into free radicals in our bodies. When these free radicals combine with free radicals produced by other sources (such as heavy metals, chemicals, bacteria, viruses, and positive ions), they become even more harmful. Negative ions work to prevent oxidation by neutralizing the free radicals in our cells. As a result, cells are revitalized, and immunity and resistance are strengthened. Negative ions also work to balance the autonomic nervous system and improve gastrointestinal function. They can relax the mind and body, promote deep sleep, increase metabolism, stabilize appetite and blood pressure, enhance recovery from physical exhaustion, and help one feel refreshed and invigorated. Negative ions are essential to overall health. Below is a summary of the health benefits of negative ions. Health Benefits of Negative Ions Recovery from physical exhaustion or fatigue by increasing oxygen levels in the blood and facilitating more efficient oxygen utilization, negative ions help accelerate recovery from fatigue. Stabilizing brain function by promoting abundant oxygen levels in the blood, negative ions help normalize brain function, resulting in relaxation and calmness. Blood purification by increasing the levels of calcium and sodium in the blood stream, negative ions help restore a healthy (slightly alkaline) pH balance to the blood. Increasing metabolism by stimulating the exchange of electronic substances in cell walls, negative ions help increase metabolism. Strengthening the immune system high levels of negative ions promote production of globulin in the blood, resulting in stronger resistance to illness. Balancing the autonomic nervous system negative ions can calm and relax taut nerves by balancing the opposing sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the autonomic nervous system. Promoting better digestion by counteracting over-arousal of the sympathetic nervous system, negative ions help ease tension in the stomach and intestines, promoting the production of digestive enzymes and enhancing digestion. Cell rejuvenation negative ions help revitalize cell metabolism, enhancing the vitality of muscle tissue and strengthening internal organs. For overall health negative ions can rejuvenate and revitalize all of the body's systems and cells, promoting a stronger overall constitution. Message Us   |  disclaimer  |  privacy  |  terms  |    © JK Schmidt Jewellers  2010