Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity (EHS) & Medicinal Mushrooms

Over the last five years or so I started getting more frequent enquiries about health issues related to Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity or EHS as a short term.

In the past, Electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) was called “Microwave syndrome”.

Presently, it is regarded as a clinical syndrome that encompasses a broad spectrum of non-specific multiple-organ symptoms that manifest themselves following the short-term or prolonged exposure to electromagnetic fields in workplace or in the environment.

It is important to understand that exposure to electromagnetic fields is not at all a new phenomenon.

Imperceptible, invisible tiny electrical currents exist in the human body due to the myriads of chemical reactions that take place inconspicuously as part of the physiological normal bodily functions.

Here are few examples to illustrate this:
- the nerves send signals to organs and tissues by transmitting electric impulses,
- the heartbeat is triggered by electrical impulses that travel down a special pathway through the heart which is detected by the doctors when taking an electrocardiogram,
- the neurons in the brain transmit electrical impulses generated through the flow of positively charged ions across the neuronal membrane.

In nature during the thunderstorms electric fields cause lightning to flash in the sky. The Earth’s magnetic field causes the compass needle to point North and helps the migrating birds, fish and insects to navigate their way over thousands of kilometres across oceans and continents.

The 20th century started a cascade of technological applications that rely on electricity which, as result, produce electromagnetic fields. The 21st century will propel the innovative, immense technological growth to unprecedented levels.

The advancement of technology contributes to the economic growth, social advancement, enhancement in quality of life. It drives the humanity to new levels of health, safety and wealth.

Our everyday life is always surrounded by the electric and magnetic fields.

Everyone, both at home and at work, is at all times exposed to a complex combination of weak electric and magnetic fields generated and transmitted by:

• fluorescent lamps that light the homes, offices and streets,
• domestic appliances such as microwaves,
• computers at our homes and offices,
• telecommunications and broadcasting devices such as cell phones, Wi-Fi routers,
• industrial equipment,
• electric power lines, etc.

All of them send continuous stream of electro-magnetic waves.

The mammoth growth in the use of mobile telephones around the world is totally mind-blowing. There are over 2 billion cell phones in use today and each one of them emits its own electromagnetic field.

It is understandable that there is a growing concern expressed by people in many counties around the globe with regards to the effect of electromagnetic fields on human body.

According to the World Bank, presently 87 percent of the world’s population has access to electricity and uses electrical appliances on daily basis. That is a lot of electricity produced in the world and massive electro-magnetic fields (EMF) are created as the result.

While right now there is no proven evidence that very weak electric and magnetic fields can affect our health, there are numerous researches done worldwide demonstrating that there are definitely some adverse health effects related to these electromagnetic fields. These studies will require time to report the compelling evidence on the possible risks to people and communities.

Electric and magnetic fields (EMFs) are invisible streams of energy and are often referred to as radiation.

Non-ionizing - low-level, mild radiation which is generally perceived as harmless to humans:

• Microwave ovens
• Computers
• House energy smart meters
• Wireless (WiFi) networks
• Cell Phones
• Bluetooth devices
• Power lines
• MRIs
• Radio Frequency (RF)

Ionizing - high-level radiation which has the potential for cellular and DNA damage:

• Sunlight - Ultraviolet (UV)
• X-Rays
• Some gamma rays

Though there is presently no strong evidence of harm, according to the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), Electro-Magnetic Fields are “possibly carcinogenic to humans.”

It also mentions that the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) believes that some reported studies show a possible link between EMFs and cancer.

In a large international control study conducted by INTERPHONE Study Group in 2000 was demonstrated the connection between the highest rate of mobile phones use and glioma, a type of cancer that occurs in the brain and spinal cord.

The glioma was more often found on the same side of the head that people used to speak on the phone. However, the researchers concluded that the connection between the cell phone use and onset of cancer was not strong enough.

In another study done by the Swiss National Cohort in 2018, the researchers determined that adults exposed to high levels of EMF for years at a time showed an increased risk of developing a certain type of leukemia.

In a study carried out as part of the European Health Risk Assessment Network on Electromagnetic Fields Exposure (EFHRAN) project and funded by the European Commission, scientists uncovered an apparent link between EMF and leukemia in children. Though they were not able to draw any definite conclusions from their study because of difficulty of monitoring RMF, much more research is needed.

An overwhelming number of studies on low-frequency EMFs suggest that these energy fields may cause various neurological and psychiatric problems in people.

An extensive study conducted and sponsored by a few leading scientific institutions in China show a link between EMF exposure and changes in human nerve function throughout the body affecting sleep, mood and, in general, the function of the nervous system.

An organization called the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) maintains international guidelines for EMF exposure. These guidelines are based on the findings of many years of scientific research.

Numerous studies have shown biological effects at the cellular level of electromagnetic fields (EMF) and radiofrequency (RF) frequencies in extremely low intensities.

Repeated or prolonged exposures result in increased sensitiveness and consequent increase in reaction and level of sensitivity.

Many people that are hypersensitive to environmental conditions appear to have a weakened physiological detoxification function and become overloaded by excessive oxidative stress with a significant activation of free radical processes and overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in living cells. They also demonstrate changes in neurological and cognitive functions as well as disruption of the blood-brain barrier.

A published study done by researchers from Israel (Yael Stein, Pain clinic at Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical Center) and USA (Iris G Udasin, EOHSI Clinical Center, Rutgers University- School of Public Health) shows that Magnetite crystals absorbed from combustion air pollution could have an important role in brain effects of EMF. Autonomic nervous system effects of EMF could also be expressed as symptoms in the cardiovascular system. Other common effects of EMF include effects on skin, cardio-vascular and immune systems.

It is concluded that the mechanisms underlying the symptoms of EHS are biologically plausible and that many organic physiologic responses occur following EMF exposure. Patients can have neurologic, neuro-hormonal and neuro-psychiatric symptoms following exposure to EMF as a consequence of neural damage and over-sensitized neural responses. More relevant diagnostic tests for EHS should be developed.

Exposure limits should be lowered to safeguard against biologic effects of EMF. Spread of local and global wireless networks should be decreased, and safer wired networks should be used instead of wireless, to protect susceptible members of the public. Public places should be made accessible for electro-hypersensitive individuals.

These are most common symptoms and it is important to pay attention to the circumstances of the surrounding environment:

Electro Magnetic Fields can affect the function of human body’s nervous system, can cause damage to cells in all tissues and organs and trigger their mutations.

Because the symptoms of EMFs exposure are very vague, diagnosis based on symptoms is most difficult and often unlikely. Much still lacks understanding and lots of further research is required.

In conclusion, the Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity is NOT a myth. It is a reality. It is connected to Electro-Magnetic Fields (EMFs) surrounding us and our constant exposure to them.

Though there is no clear cure for Electro-Hypersensitivity, there are certain things that one can and should be doing on daily basis:

• Take supplements that boost the function of your nervous system.
• Include anti-oxidants in your diet.
• Reduce time spent in direct sun.
• Put the phone away or turn it off if you are not using it.
• Do not carry your mobile phone in your pocket or in your bra.
• Use a hand free device and the speaker function so that you do not have to hold the phone against your head.
• While you sleep keep the phone a few meters away from the bed or even in a different room.
• Go on regular walks away from any telecommunication devices and treat it as a EMFs detox.
• Remove amalgamated/mercury fillings from your teeth.
• Have the X-ray done only when truly needed, avoid frequent X-rays.
• Use shielding materials for protection at a work place.
• Move away from the source.
• Reduce the time of exposure to the source.

The worldwide research done over the last 50 years shows that the Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity (EHS) is connected to the damage caused to, primarily, the nervous, cardio-vascular and immune systems, on cellular level.

The properties of medicinal mushrooms are extraordinary. The Beta-glucans help the cells of the tissues and organs to regenerate on the cellular level, stabilise the unbalanced or compromised immune system, improve the function of nervous system which regulates the physiological responses.

The unique property of Lion’s Mane is the ability to stimulate the Nerve Growth Factor.

It means that this amazing medicinal mushroom can repair the damaged nerve cells, restore the integrity of the cells, boost the regrowth of nerve ends and encourage the neurotransmission of the signals sent to and from the brain.

The bio-active properties of Reishi, Maitake and Cordyceps play an extremely important role in reducing the effects of EMFs. The combination of micro elements, Vitamins, polysaccharides helps combat the symptoms of Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity and help protect from the future damage to the cells.

• Lion’s Mane
• Reishi
• Maitake
• Cordyceps

Please let me know if you have any more questions about Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity (EHS) and I will be happy to answer.

Warm regards,
Dr Alla.