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 consumers 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_065saka
kibara.pdf)
Negative Charged Ions are Effective in Treating Cancer (Cited from HighVoltage 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:
o

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.

3. A DECREASE in the serotonin level is calming and increasing

defenses against infections (as proven with influenza 'the flu').
4. 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

http://www.orientaldetox.com/negative-ions.html

The Positive Health Benefits of Negative Ions

by TENGLISH on APRIL 22, 2013 0 COMMENTS
in NUTRITION REVIEW ARCHIVE
By Jim English
Air pollution is a serious, though often unrecognized health problem.
Epidemiological studies consistently point to a direct link between urban air
pollution especially particulate pollution created by combustion powered vehicles
and power generation plants and cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases. (1)
Long-term exposure to particulate pollution tiny particles smaller than 10 microns
(a human hair is 70 microns wide) is known to increase illness and death rates
from lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and emphysema.
Additionally, exposure to other airborne pollutants, including sulfur dioxide (SO2),
nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and ozone (O3), is associated with development of asthma,
bronchitis, and respiratory infections. (2)
European researchers investigated the risks of long-term exposure to traffic
pollution in a study examining 5000 volunteers selected from the ongoing
Netherlands Cohort study on Diet and Cancer (NLCS). They discovered that people
living near major roads (and therefore exposed to higher levels of traffic-related air
pollution) were more likely to die from cardiopulmonary disease or lung cancer than
their rural peers, leading the authors to conclude that long-term exposure to trafficrelated air pollution may shorten life expectancy. (3)
Air Pollution Linked to Heart Damage
In addition to causing lung damage, air pollution is now also recognized as a threat
to cardiovascular health. Reporting in the March 6, 2002 Journal of the American
Medical Association (JAMA), researchers examined long-term health data on 500,000
individuals to compare increases in air pollution levels with incidence of death. They
discovered that when air pollution levels suddenly increased, in addition to

expected increases in deaths from asthma, pneumonia, and emphysema, there was
an unexpected increase in the number of deaths related to heart attacks and stroke.
Most surprising was the finding that when air pollution levels rose, so did deaths
from all causes, not just those related to the heart and lungs (Fig. 1). (4)

One possible explanation for the increase in cardiovascular-related deaths is that air
pollution causes oxidative stress that, in turn, triggers an inflammatory response in
the lungs that leads to the release of chemicals that impair heart function and blood
pressure.
This was shown to be the case when scientists working in the Netherlands exposed
rats to high levels of particulate air pollution. Following exposure, the researchers
found that plasma levels of fibrinogen were elevated by 20 percent, which could
presumably increase blood viscosity, leading to decreased tissue blood flow. They
also measured a 400 percent jump in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, and a 350
percent increase in nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in lung fluids. The researchers
speculated that as particulates lodge in lung tissues they induce an increase in the
production of nitric oxide (NO). Under normal conditions nitric oxide is an important
neurotransmitter that aids numerous signaling pathways involved in motor learning,
protein modification, arterial dilation and immune defense. But when conditions
trigger the overproduction of NO as seen in the Netherlands study, the result is
serious damage to the endothelial cells lining the blood vessels of the lungs. (5)
When Japanese researchers exposed guinea pigs to particulates from diesel
exhaust, the lungs showed a significant elevation of leukotrienes and eosinophils,
two important biomarkers of inflammation and cytotoxicity commonly observed in

cases of chronic obstructive lung disease (COLD). The researchers noted that these
findings indicate that chronic exposure to diesel exhaust induces continuous
inflammation and overproduction of mucus and phospholipids in the lung. (6)
Another mechanism implicated in air pollution-related heart failures involves bone
marrow and atherosclerotic plaques. Researchers in Vancouver, British Columbia
found that exposure to high levels of air pollution stimulates bone marrow to release
leukocytes and platelets that accumulate preferentially in pulmonary capillaries. In
addition to causing damage to lung tissues, the researchers also observed that
inhalation of particulate pollution causes changes in atherosclerotic plaque lesions
that make the deposits more vulnerable to rupture.
They postulated that exposure to particulate air pollution induces a systemic
inflammatory response that includes the release of inflammatory mediators that
stimulate bone marrow to release leukocytes and platelets, leading to lung
inflammation and changes of atherosclerotic plaque, making them more vulnerable
to rupture. (7)
Diabetics and Elderly at Increased Risk
Diabetics are particularly susceptible to cardiovascular damage caused by airborne
pollution. A recent study published in the journal Epidemiology examined Medicare
records and hospital admissions in US cities: Chicago, Detroit, Pittsburgh, and
Seattle. Looking at records from 1988 to 1994 they found that diabetics were twice
as likely as non-diabetics to be admitted to a hospital with a cardiovascular problem
caused by airborne particulate pollution. They also found that persons 75 years of
age and older also faced a higher risk of cardiovascular injury. (8)
Children and Air Pollution
Children are particularly at risk for health issues related to air pollution. Chronic
exposure to particulates, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide have been associated
with up to 300 percent increases in nonspecific chronic respiratory symptoms.
Exposure to automotive pollution, particularly from truck and diesel exhaust, has
been shown to cause significant increases in respiratory symptoms and decreased
lung function. (9)
To examine the relationship between traffic-related air pollution and childhood
development of asthma and other childhood respiratory diseases and infections,
researchers in the Netherlands looked at data from some 4,000 babies born in the
Netherlands. The health of the children was linked to measurements of trafficgenerated air pollution (nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter less than 2.5 microns in
diameter, and soot) in the homes of each subject. Their study found that, by the age
of two years, children exposed to higher levels of air pollutants were more likely to
suffer from wheezing, physician-diagnosed asthma, ear/nose/throat infections, and
flu/serious colds. (10)

Part of the problem for children is that studies show that relative to their size
children inhale more deeply and trap more airborne particles and pollutants in their
lungs than either adolescents or adults. (11) Children also have higher metabolic
rates than adults, breathe more than adults, and spend more time outdoors than
adults, exacerbating their susceptibility to pollution-related health problems.
Childrens Growth Stunted
When Polish researchers examined the effects of air pollution in Krakow they
discovered that children living in those areas with the highest levels of air pollution
suffered from stunted growth. After collecting data on 958 children and assessing
body growth rates by height changes they found that body growth rates for children
from the most highly polluted area was lower by 1.5 cm over a 2-year period than
those from the control area. The compromising effect of air pollution on height gains
was about the same for both short and tall children. (12)
Air Pollution and DNA Mutations
New research shows that the health threat posed by air pollution may actually affect
children even before they are born. On December 9, 2002, Canadian researchers
published a study revealing that animals exposed to polluted air close to a steel mill
suffered genetic damage and produced fewer offspring. Most alarming was the
discovery that damaged DNA was being passed on to offspring by their fathers.
While virtually all mutations were inherited from the father mice, the researchers
said this doesnt mean that females are not susceptible. What it does suggest is
that steel workers, who are mostly male, may be at extra risk of similar damage.
Christopher Somers, James Quinn, and colleagues published an earlier study that
found that gulls living near a steel mill on Lake Ontario suffered from genetic
mutations. In a current study the researchers raised two groups of mice the first a
half-mile downwind of a steel mill on Lake Ontario, and the second about 20 miles
away. The mice breathing the polluted air had twice as many mutations in their DNA
as the mice breathing fresh country air. (13)
The findings suggest that steel mill workers and people living near those mills
should be checked for damage to their health, said the researchers, at McMaster
University in Hamilton, Ontario. Our findings suggest that there is an urgent need
to investigate the genetic consequences associated with exposure to chemical
pollution through the inhalation of urban and industrial air.
Ironically, the study was originally aimed at showing how efforts to clean up
pollution around the steel mill had improved the environment. This had been one of
the most polluted places, if not the most polluted place in Canada, stated
Christopher Somers, one of the lead researchers. There has been a concerted effort
to clean up Hamilton harbor and reduce air emissions. The experiment had been
aimed at showing these had helped. We havent really seen that, he said.

Protecting Your Lungs

While government, business and environmental interests wrangle over a morass of
economic, legislative and technological solutions for cleaning up polluted air, the
vital issue facing individuals is how best to protect their health. Currently over 75
million people in the US live in counties where the air concentrations of particulate
matter smaller than 2.5 microns (PM2.5) exceed safe levels (Fig. 2.). (14)

While living away from polluted urban centers is an obvious choice, this option is
not always possible. Nor is it always effective. Air currents and weather patterns can
move polluted air out of urban manufacturing centers and into rural areas where
pollution can concentrate to a dangerous degree. Additionally, modern farming
produces more food with fewer workers, using improved productivity methods that
increasingly rely on the use of agricultural pesticides and chemicals, and irrigation
pumps and tractors powered by diesel engines. (15)
Staying indoors does not guarantee better air quality, either. Several recent studies
have indicated that much of the significant health risk associated with exposure to
fine particles actually occurred indoors. (16) And many individuals at increased risk
of health complications following exposure to high particle concentrations, such as
the elderly and those suffering from cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, may
spend more than 90% of their time indoors, raising new concerns about the
relationship between outdoor particle concentrations and those found in indoor
microenvironments. (17)
Air Purifiers
As the scope of air pollution related health problems grows, so too does the number
of people turning to air purifying solutions for protection. Home air filtration
products offer a number of options, including electrostatic, UV radiation, water and
advanced HEPA filtration technologies. Until recently, these products many
engineered for entire houses and buildings were bulky and expensive to install and
maintain, placing them out of reach for most people. Recently, a number of
consumer products have become available utilizing ion-generating technology to

eliminate airborne pollutants, allergens and viruses from immediate breathing

spaces.
These devices work by generating a flow of negative ions that charge and bind
together airborne particulate matter, which then clumps and precipitates out of the
air. Ion generating devices have been shown to be effective against dust, cigarette
smoke, pet dander, pollen, mold spores, viruses, and bacteria. In addition to
eliminating harmful particulates from the air, negative ions also have a number of
unique health benefits.
Positive Ions An Ill Wind Blows
Early clues about the biological effect of ions on human health appear as reports of
increased irritability, migraine attacks and thromboembolism in response to
alterations in atmospheric electrical states that accompany incoming weather
fronts. (18)
Scientific evidence began to mount in the 1970s when researchers measured
metabolic changes in mice and rats in response to changes in ion charge (negative
or positive) and concentration, including alterations in serotonin levels and recovery
from illness. When exposed to positive ions (which accumulate in the atmosphere at
the beginning of a storm) researchers routinely noted that animals became
agitated, aggressive and were more prone to respiratory illness. Furthermore, when
mice were infected with influenza virus and housed in an environment depleted of
all ions, death rates increased, indicating a previously unknown benefit on overall
health. (19)
Later, researchers measured the impact of atmospheric electricity on human
subjects by monitoring daily changes in urine excretion of neurohormones in
samples gathered from 1,000 volunteers exposed to positive ions generated 1 to 2
days prior to the arrival of a storm front. By measuring the changing levels of
neurohormones in the 24-hour urinary output of the subjects during normal and
weather-stress days, the researchers compiled a profile of changes in levels of
serotonin, 5-HIAA (5-hydroxyindole acetic acid, a serotonin metabolite), adrenaline,
noradrenaline, histamine and thyroxine.
The researchers found that the electrical charges (positive ionization) engendered
by every incoming weather front produce a release of serotonin. (20) They further
identified three classes of weather sensitivity reactions:
1. serotonin hyperproduction causing a typical irritation syndrome;
2. adrenal deficiency producing a typical exhaustion syndrome;
3. hyperthyroidism with subclinical apathetic thyroid symptoms.

Noting that these conditions occur during annual wind storms (Sirocco, Sharav and
Santa Ana winds), the authors stated that the effects, which are mainly due to
positive ionization of the air, could be prevented by negative ionizing apparatuses
or specific drug treatment. (21)
Further evidence of the influence of ions appeared when scientists exposed mice to
an atmosphere enriched with either positive or negative ions. While negative ions
had no negative effect on the mice, positive ions caused elevations in
norepinephrine levels within one day. When exposure to positive ions was continued
for longer periods, ranging from 3 to 10 days, norepinephrine levels dropped. The
author noted that the results showed that positive ions cause stress after short
time application in excess. After longer exposure, a state of exhaustion can be
observed in the form of a lowered norepinephrine level. (22)
Health Benefits of Negative Ions
Just as positive ions build up in the atmosphere prior to a storm front, negative ions
accumulate following a storm. This surfeit of negative ions has long been associated
with improvements in mood and physical health. Research conducted in the last
decade has begun to support the view that negative ions have a net positive effect
on health.
One of the most tantalizing hints regarding negative ions and health surfaced when
German researchers discovered a link between catecholamine regulation and
lifespan after depriving experimental animals of negative ions. First, researchers at
the Goldstein and Lewin Dept. of Medical Research in Stahnsdorf, Germany isolated
mice and rats in air-tight, sealed acrylic cases. Next, they filtered the ambient air to
remove all negative ions from the sealed cases. Their research led to the discovery
that a prolonged deficiency of negative ions led to an accelerated rate of death for
the experimental animals. Examination of the animals led researchers to conclude
that the results strongly suggest that animal death is related to disturbances in
neurohormonal regulation and pituitary insufficiency. (23)
Researchers at the Russian Academy of Sciences in Moscow discovered that
negative ions are able to help protect the body from induced physical stress. When
the researchers immobilized rats and exposed them to negatively charged air ions
they discovered that the ions prevented the development of pathological changes
characteristic of acute stress that are observed in untreated rats. The protective
action of negative air ions was observed in all the experimental animals
independently of their types of behavior. (24)
British researchers at the Centre for Sport and Exercise Sciences in Liverpool
exposed male subjects to negative ions and measured physiological responses,
including body temperature, heart rate and respiration, while at rest and during
exercise. Negative ions were found to significantly improve all physiological states,

particularly during rest. Most important was the finding that negative ions are
biologically active and that they do affect the bodys circadian rhythmicity. (25)
Another clue to the role of negative ions in health comes from Russian research
conducted at the Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics of the Russian
Academy of Sciences, in Pushchino, Russia. Researchers found that exposure to
negative ions increased levels of the protective antioxidant enzyme superoxide
dismutase (SOD) in mammalian erythrocytes. The researchers also discovered
minute amounts of H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide), writing, The primary
physiochemical mechanism of beneficial biological action of negative air ions is
suggested to be related to the stimulation of superoxide dismutase activity by
micromolar concentrations of H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide). (26)
Summary
While progress has been made in some areas of air pollution, such as reductions in
emissions of lead, sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and ozone (O3), air
pollution, particularly from particulates, remains a serious health problem. In
addition to damaging the lungs and heart, air pollution is now recognized as being
especially harmful to children, the elderly, and select sensitive populations, such as
those afflicted with diabetes, cardiopulmonary diseases and other debilitating
illnesses.
To address air pollution-related health problems a growing number of people are
using personal and home air filtration products that generate negative ions to
charge and precipitate airborne particulate matter for removal to create localized
zones of improved air quality.
Consumer devices that utilize negative ion-generating technology have been shown
to eliminate airborne pollutants, dust, cigarette smoke, pet dander, pollen, mold
spores, viruses, and bacteria from the air. Negative ions have long been attributed
to improvements in mood and physical health. Research supports the view that
negative ions have a net positive effect on health, including improved mood,
stabilized catecholamine regulation and circadian rhythm, enhanced recovery from
physical exertion and protection from positive ion-related stress and exhaustion
disorders.
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http://nutritionreview.org/2013/04/positive-health-benefits-negative-ions/

Benefits of Negative Ions

Posted by rohmat in Negative Ion,
tags: benefit, brain, effect, health, journal, medicine, negative, negative
ions,pharmacy, science

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, Howard says. Air conditioning depletes the atmosphere of
negative ions, but an ion generator re-releases the ions that air conditioners
remove.
Negative ions are created in nature with air molecules broken apart from sunlight,
radiation, and moving air or water. In
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 a study conducted by Columbia University, 25 people with SAD (Seasonal
Affective Depression) sat in front of a negative ion air purifier for a half hour every
morning for a month. Half the subjects were given a low level of negative ions, and
the other half a high level. The higher level of negative ion treatment proved to be
as effective against SAD as antidepressants, such as Prozac and Zolof, and without
the side effects of these drugs.
Negative ions are odorless tasteless molecules that are breathed into our
respiratory system. High concentrations of negative ions can be found in nature in
mountain forests, waterfalls, and beaches where people feel energized and
invigorated, which helps relieve stress, alleviate depression, boost energy.
Studies Proving the Effectiveness of Negative Ions
Negative ions help prevent respiratory-related illnesses.
In a study conducted in a Swiss textile mill, negative ionizers were placed in two,
60 by 60 rooms, each containing 22 employees. In one room, the negative ion
electronic air cleaner was turned on during the course of the study. In the other
room, the negative ion air purifier was permanently turned off, although the
employees in this room were led to believe they were working in a room enriched by
negative ions. During this six-month study, a total of 22 sick days were lost by
employees working in the room in which the negative ionizer was operating. In the
room where the machine was not operating, a total of 64 days were lost to sickness.
During a month-long flu epidemic, the first group lost a total of 3 days to sickness,
while the second group lost a total of 40 days to sickness (Stark, 1971).
In a test involving a Swiss bank office, one group of 309 worked in a negative iontreated environment. A second group of 362 worked in an untreated environment.
Over the next several months, for every day lost to respiratory illness (cold, flu,
laryngitis, etc.) in group one, 16 days were lost to respiratory illness in group two
(Soyka, 1991).
In a Surrey University study at the Norwich Union Insurance Group headquarters,
eight negative ion generators were placed in the computer and data preparation
section. Before the test, the research team spent a month compiling incident rates
for complaints of sickness and headaches. During the test in which the negative ion
air purification systems were in operation, incidents of sickness and headaches

were reduced by 78%. After testing was completed, the Norwich Union opted to
keep the negative ion electronic air cleaners (Soyka, 1991).
Negative ions counteract the effects of smoking.
High levels of negative ions neutralize the effect that tobacco smoke has on the
cilia. Cilia are the microscopic hairs located in the trachea that move rapidly back
and forth to prevent pollutants and toxins from traveling into the vulnerable areas of
the respiratory tract. The faster the cilia move, the more effective they are.
However, tobacco smoke slows down the ciliary beat, diminishing the bodys ability
to keep cancer-causing pollutants from entering the depths of the respiratory tract.
Tests have shown though, that adding high levels of negative ions to the air
accelerates the ciliary beat to normal levels (Soyka, 1991).
Negative ions are a natural anti-depressant and without the side effects.
In a study conducted by Columbia University, 25 people with SAD (Seasonal
Affective Depression) sat in front of a negative ion air purifier for a half hour every
morning for a month. Half the subjects were given a low level of negative ions, and
the other half a high level. The higher level of negative ion treatment proved to be
as effective against SAD as antidepressants, such as Prozac and Zolof, and without
the side effects of these drugs (Finley, 1996).
Negative ions for a positive attitude.
Positive ions, which are found in abundance in most indoor environments, cause an
overproduction of serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps the body
deal with mental, emotional, and physiological stress. An overproduction initially
causes hyperactivity, which rapidly leads to anxiety, and in some cases depression.
Negative ion treatment has proven to be successful in reducing the overproduction
of serotonin, and therefore successful in alleviating depression in some cases
(Kreuger, 1957).
Negative Ions help us to sleep better.
In 1969, French researcher found that the overproduction of the neurohormone
serotonin caused sleeplessness and nightmares. In using a negative ion electronic
air cleaner to treat a group of people experiencing sleeping problems as a result of
serotonin overproduction, he found that most of them were able to sleep better
(Soyka, 1991).
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 U.S.D.A. 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.
Good Housekeeping Magazine.
In March of 1999, Good Housekeeping Magazine had its engineers test an ionizer by
using a smoke test, and found that it cleared out the smoke in a tank.
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 and 92.2%. The airborne
transmission of salmonella (to the eggs) was also significantly reduced as a result.
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.
http://www.biofircenter.com/info/benefits-of-negative-ions

Article:
Negative Ions for the Brain

Source:
The Owner's Manual for the Brain, Everyday Applications from Mind-Brain Research
The atmosphere we breathe normally is full of positive and negative ions. Air
conditioning, lack of ventilation, and long dry spells remove negative ions, which
usually serve to latch onto airborne dirt particles and wrestle them to the floor,
rendering the air purer. Roughly one-third of the population seems to be particularly
sensitive to negative-ion depletion. The proportion of negative ions is highest
around moving water (storms, oceans, rivers, waterfalls)It's no wonder that we
feel so energized at the beach. The best ratios of negative to positive ions are
associated with waterfalls and the time before, during, and after storms. The worst
are found in windowless rooms and closed, moving vehicles. Air purifiers typically
work by emitting negative ions, which purify room air by attaching to impurities and
sinking them.
High concentrations of negative ions are essential for high energy and positive
mood (Thayer, 1996)[1]. In fact, Marian Diamond, a professor of neuroanatomy at
the University of California, Berkeley, has found that levels of negative ions are
inversely related to levels of serotonin in the brain. Negative ions suppress
serotonin levels in much the same way that natural sunlight suppresses melatonin.
Hence the invigorating effect of fresh air and sunshine and the correspondingly
depressed feelings associated with being closed in and dark. If you deplete the air
of negative ions, you experience an increase in serotonin and its attendant
drowsiness and relaxationnot what you want when mental agility is demanded.
Diamond's research (1988)[2], along with other information on ions, is summarized
in Yepsen (1987).[3]
In an interesting twist, Josh Backon, a member of the Department of Cardiology, The
Hebrew University of Jerusalem, writes in an Internet posting (his E-mail address is
backon@vms.huji.ac.il) that in order to increase left-hemisphere activity (linear,
language, logical), one can block the left nostril and engage in "forced unilateral
nostril breathing." Likewise, to increase right-hemisphere activity (creative, holistic,
emotional), the right nostril should be blocked. This practice increases the supply of
negative ions to a specific hemisphere.
Applications
1. Don't live or work in a space with no fresh air unless the air conditioning system
contains an ion generator.
2. Purchase a room ion generator to keep in the room in which you spend the most
time, and run it when you are not getting any outside air.
3. Take frequent breaks in fresh air, and when you can't, open the window!

REFERENCES
[1] Thayer, R.E. (1989). Biopsychology of Mood and Arousal. New York: Oxford
University Press
[2] Diamond, M. (1988) Enriching Heredity: The Impact of the Environment on the
Anatomy of the Brain. New York: Free Press.
[3] Yepsen, R.B., Jr. (1987) How to Boost Your Brain Power: Achieving Peak
Intelligence, Memory and Creativity. Emmaus, Pa.: Rodale.
Second Edition - Bard Press
Available from amazon.com
Copyright 2000 by Pierce J. Howard, Ph.D. All Rights Reserved.

Article:
Negative Ions and Positive Vibes
Source:
Technology Review, Jan 1983 v86 p74(1).
Negative ion generators are curious little devices--their manufacturers' claims are
inevitably followed by exclamation marks. "Is your air healthy?" asks one ad.
"Recreate fresh mountain quality air indoors!" Negative ions, say manufacturers,
make you feel alive, revitalized, and alert while relieving depression, headaches,
and allergies. Trillions of these incredible negative ions somehow are supposed to
kill bacteria and make plants grow better.
But do such claims have any scientific basis?
Possibly. First, it is true that the number of "small ions" in the air --electrically
charged molecules and atoms that are highly mobile-- varies widely. Clean outdoor
air may have 1,000 positive and 1,000 negative ions in each cubic centimeter, while
polluted city air probably has fewer, and air- conditioned offices may have only 100.
Commercial ion generators can indeed change indoor ion levels drastically. When a
high negative voltage is sent into a needle point, it generates both positive and [sic]
negative ions. The negative ions are repelled by the negative needle (like electric
charges repel) and blown into the room by a fan. The physics of ion measurements
are almost certainly more complex than manufacturers and some experimenters
recognize. However, an efficient ion generator may bring a room to even higher
negative ion levels than typically found outdoors.

The question is whether increasing the number of negative ions makes people feel
more comfortable and work more efficiently. The answer is especially important in
regard to the video screens that display words and numbers at computer terminals.
These screens, which many users say cause fatigue and headaches, usually have
positive voltages strong enough to wipe out nearby negative ions.
L. H. Hawkins, from the Human Biology and Health Department of the University of
Surrey in England, has performed two sets of experiments to find out how negative
ions affect people. In the first set, Hawkins maintained high levels of negative ions
in a room part of the time, but maintained predominately positive ions in the room
the rest of the time. The people in the room, unaware that the ions were being
manipulated, performed standard tasks.
When the ions were negative, the subjects did 25 percent better at complicated
tasks such as drawing something while looking at its reverse image in a mirror.
There was a smaller but statistically significant 6 percent improvement in simpler
tests such as reaction time. Women seemed more sensitive to ions than men, and
high humidity and temperature tended to wash out the benefit of negative ions.
In a second test, Hawkins installed two commercial ion generators in a congested
computer office. The fans on these generators could be switched on separately from
the ionizers, and with the fans always running, nobody in the office knew whether
the ionizer was working. According to Hawkins' measurements, with the ionizer on,
the office had about 3,500 negative and 100 positive ions per cubic centimeter of
air; with it off there were about 550 negative and 500 positive ions.
At the end of their shifts, the 54 people in the office filled out questionnaires about
how they felt and how they rated their environment. Negative ions did seem to
produce positive effects. Workers complained of headaches in only 6 percent of the
shifts when the ionizer was operating, but they complained in 26 percent of the
shifts when it was off. The questionnaires revealed similar increases in how pleasant
workers felt and decreases in complaints about nausea and dizziness.
Since some workers in computerized offices stay at terminals near video screens all
day, where negative ions are so depleted, ionizers could be helpful accessories. But
Hawkins emphasized that his findings are tentative. Negative ions are chemically
reactive, so they could have some damaging effects. And other factors will
undoubtedly prove far more important for workers, such as how satisfying the work
itself is or what the boss is like.
Title:
Negative ions and positive vibes.
Subjects:
Work environment - Physiological aspects
Anions - Physiological aspects

Source:
Technology Review, Jan 1983 v86 p74(1).
Full Text COPYRIGHT 1983 Massachusetts Institute of Technology Alumni Association
Article:
Effects of negative ions on cognitive performance
Source:
Journal of Applied Psychology, Feb 1987 v72 n1 p131(7).
Abstract: Male and female subjects (undergraduate students) participated in two
studies designed to investigate the impact of negative air ions on cognitive
performance. In the first experiment, they worked on three different tasks
(proofreading, memory span, word finding) in the presence of low, moderate, or
high concentrations of such ions. Results indicated that among men, performance
on two of these tasks (proofreading and memory span) was enhanced by moderate
but not by high concentrations of ions. In the second experiment, undertaken to
extend the generality of these initial results, male and female subjects performed
two additional tasks (letter copying, decision making) in the presence of low,
moderate, or high concentrations of ions. Output on the letter copying task
increased significantly as ion level rose among both sexes. With respect to decision
making, the tendency of male (but not female) participants to select initially
preferred alternatives was significantly enhanced by moderate concentrations of
negative ions. Together, the findings of these studies suggest that negative air ions
can indeed exert appreciable effects on cognitive performance. However, contrary
to claims often associated with advertising for commercially produced ion
generators, these effects are neither simple nor uniformly beneficial in nature.
Source:
Journal of Applied Psychology, Feb 1987 v72 n1 p131(7).Title: Effects of negative
ions on cognitive performance.
Author: Robert A. Baron
Subjects:

Atmospheric electricity - environmental aspects

Ions - physiological aspects

Electrostatic apparatus and appliances - business use

Performance - physiological aspects

Cognitive styles - research

Full content for this article includes illustration and table.

(Reprinted by permission of the publisher.)

http://www.negativeiongenerators.com/negativeionsresearch.html