EMF mast cells, histamine and the immune system

Sutro Tower telecommunication tower in San Francisco

Researchers find that low levels of electromagnetic frequencies (EMF) from electronic devices affect human and mice hormonal (endocrine) and immune systems. Mast cells are believed to play a role and women may be more prone to their effects than men. Mast cells contain histamine and triggering their activation releases histamine into the blood stream.

I’m on a roll this month taking on topics I know I’ll take some heat for. Just recently it was cannabinoids found in marijuana as a possible treatment for mast cell activation and the prevention of histamine release, and this week it’s the woo woo subject of EMF.

My mother instilled a fear of microwaves in me at an early age. Something re-inforced the day I innocently placed a foil wrapped tv dinner into one while away at college (the mini magnetic storm in the micro was quite something to behold), and blew the sucker up.

I still think there’s something fundamentally bizarre about nuking food (and do not use a micro to this day), yet I’m a firm believer in technology, sending people to Mars (and beyond) and more importantly, should a Star Trek worthy teleport someday exist, you better believe I’ll be on the early wait list for that ride.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN HOW TO CREATE YOUR OWN HISTAMINE BALANCED DIET AND HEALING PLAN.

Still, the trickle of scientific research regarding the effects of EMF on the immune system warrants looking in to, if only to potentially encourage serious tech junkies like myself to jack out once in a while. Or at least not fall asleep with the computer on, right by your head (as I have for much of my adult life), or actually with your laptop on your lap top. These studies are all quite small samples, so please do take everything with a pinch of salt.

A study published in the journal of Environmental Research found that four hours daily of “very low” EMF on rats was long enough to negatively impact their immune system and thyroid glands. Another study published around the same time found similar results.

Results of an investigation into the safety of using laptop computers actually perched on your lap published in the Archives of Environmental & Occupational Health turned up a number of potentially worrying hazards. Namely that magnetic currents from the laptop penetrated the body at a higher rate than recommended by certain government bodies. The authors conclude that in their view laptops should not be placed on the body.

Researchers studying the effects of EMF on museum workers, the results of which were shared in the International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology, found that night shift workers exposed to EMF for 20 hours a week had lowered immune system function. They also revealed that women were more prone to the immune system disturbance. Immune system function returned to normal after a change in work site. We have plenty of data nowadays showing that nightshift work is likely to trigger immune system dysfunction by messing with melatonin production and generally disrupting the circadian rhythm, so it’s not much of a surprise that adding EMF exposure to the mix isn’t great. Unfortunately I’d guess that most night owls (as I used to be) spend their time on computers and other EMF generating devices, so this is a potentially valid concern. If you’re going to stay up all hours I definitely recommend using an orange screen filter like Flux. The blue light is what really messes with melatonin. But this won’t affect EMF output.

Another study in the the International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology found a small sample of women living near tv/radio broadcasting stations had increased anxiety/stress levels and depressed immune system function. The authors hypothesise that the anxiety, potentially triggered by EMF (?), caused the immune system disruption. Those of us with mast cell activation may have already experienced how stress causes mast cells to freak out and dump histamine and other inflammation into the blood stream.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN HOW TO MANAGE STRESS AND REWIRE THE BRAIN FOR HEALING.

And finally, a study published in the journal Bioelectromagnetics investigated whether there was a biological component to claims made by a group of electro-hypersensitive (EHS) people. Those claiming to suffer EHS experience allergic-like responses including headache, pain, fatigue and more. They found that a small proportion of the EFS patients had liver and thyroid dysfunction and exhibited chronic inflammatory changes in their blood work.Their recommendation is that those with EHS be tested for these conditions. What they don’t say in the study is whether they believe that these issues are in fact triggered by EMF exposure.

So, am I read to toss my adorable 12 inch macbook in the trash? No way. Am I ready to commit to limiting my time on said devices? Yes, but not necessarily due to concerns over EMF. I’ve just found that the sooner I log off the net, the more ready I am to head off to sleepy town, and the better my sanity long term. Dealing with my life long stress habit is a continual struggle, one that I must beat. Anything I can do to lighten the load is a winning strategy and spending less late night time on the net is a great place to start.

Have you noticed that EMF exposure affects you in some way? Please leave a comment below.

You’ll find recipes full of foods with antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties my books Anti-Recipes and The Anti-Cookbook

CLICK HERE TO CREATE YOUR OWN PERSONALISED HEALING HISTAMINE PLAN.

REFERENCES

Rajkovic, Vesna, Milica Matavulj, and Olle Johansson. “The Effect of Extremely Low-frequency Electromagnetic Fields on Skin and Thyroid Amine- and Peptide-containing Cells in Rats: An Immunohistochemical and Morphometrical Study.” Environmental Research 99.3 (2005): 369-77. Web.

Bellieni, C. V., I. Pinto, A. Bogi, N. Zoppetti, D. Andreuccetti, and G. Buonocore. “Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields From Laptop Use of “Laptop” Computers.” Archives of Environmental & Occupational Health 67.1 (2012): 31-36. Web.

Boscolo, Paolo, Antonio Bergamaschi, Maria Bernadette Di Sciascio, Franco Benvenuti, Marcella Reale, Fabio Di Stefano, Pio Conti, and Mario Di Gioacchino. “Effects of Low Frequency Electromagnetic Fields on Expression of Lymphocyte Subsets and Production of Cytokines of Men and Women Employed in a Museum.” Science of The Total Environment 270.1-3 (2001): 13-20. Web.

Boscolo, P., M.b. Di Sciascio, S. D’ostilio, A. Del Signore, M. Reale, P. Conti, P. Bavazzano, R. Paganelli, and M. Di Gioacchino. “Effects of Electromagnetic Fields Produced by Radiotelevision Broadcasting Stations on the Immune System of Women.” Science of The Total Environment 273.1-3 (2001): 1-10. Web.

Dahmen, Norbert, David Ghezel-Ahmadi, and Alice Engel. “Blood Laboratory Findings in Patients Suffering from Self-perceived Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity (EHS).” Bioelectromagnetics 30.4 (2009): 299-306. Web.

West, K. E., M. R. Jablonski, B. Warfield, K. S. Cecil, M. James, M. A. Ayers, J. Maida, C. Bowen, D. H. Sliney, M. D. Rollag, J. P. Hanifin, and G. C. Brainard. “Blue Light from Light-emitting Diodes Elicits a Dose-dependent Suppression of Melatonin in Humans.” Journal of Applied Physiology 110.3 (2010): 619-26. Web.

“AAAS, “Why Late Nights Are Bad for Your Immune System”” N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Oct. 2016.

7 responses to “EMF mast cells, histamine and the immune system”

Sue B

October 22, 2016

Back in the ’90’s I worked with lots of people with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, we had a sanctuary here in central Texas at the time that designed cottages with no electricity, and no mechanical heating and cooling as places to heal. (so zero EMF) We added careful design (for instance no patterns on the walls, no grid lines etc which confuse the brain). And this helped in getting over MCS and achieving balance for many people. But as you can imagine is not a very practical way to be living. I helped to design some homes which used various techniques to limit EMF in kitchens and bedrooms, but after keeping touch with these people did not notice much difference in their overall health and well being. SO I completely agree that limiting exposure is a good idea for healing, and that you are brilliant in recognizing that nutrition is the path to healing and living fully.
Julia

October 22, 2016

Thanks for sharing, very helpful Sue! Interesting to hear that after the changes were made in the home that they didn’t notice much difference. What about smart meters?
AIDAN WALSH

October 22, 2016

On Oct 16th 2016 Published online in Nature Genetics they found the Genetic mutation for all three EDS 3 POTS & Mast Cell Activation Disorder it has to do with the mutation of Tryptase Gene…36 Researchers were involved with this Paper plus the NIH

as well…I believe this work has now been proven replicated & accepted it looks like the Cause has been found & a diagnostic test will follow…
Debie Pettry

October 22, 2016

Two years ago I suffered EMF exposure from bad wiring. People said I was crazy. My skin broke out in hives and left over 200 scars on my body. A tri field meter showed the EMFs were off the chart. Improperly grounded new electric wiring outside had been laid on top of my internet cable and the electricity was broadcast into my apartment through the wifi router. I haven’t been the same since. I now test everything for EMFs. My IT dept. at my job has been very co-operative. It is uncanny how much we are exposed to in everyday life.
Marie

October 22, 2016

Yep. My not-so-favorite topic at the moment. There must be some mind-reading going on, because I’ve been planning to contact you to see if you were aware of the EMF connection.

Several months ago I had a wireless security system installed in my house. After a couple of weeks, I starting having problems with insomnia and tinnitus — the kind of tinnitus that messes with your whole body. Some quick research turned up that radio frequencies (which cell phones and wireless devices use) cause tinnitus in susceptible people. The security system included a wireless thermostat, a wireless monitoring panel, sensors on every door, and a PIR (passive infrared sensor) in our main living area.

As my symptoms got worse, I did more research on radio frequencies. What an education! I knew the security system was making me sick. It took several weeks of dealing with the security company to get them to remove the system (another long, sad story).

Although the system was removed, the high exposure to RFs pushed my body over the edge. I had become hypersensitive to RFs. To reduce exposure, we stopped connecting to the Internet via wifi; we stopped using Roku and got cable TV; we had the electric company replace the Smart meter (which continually sends out pulsed RFs) with an old-fashioned analog meter; my cell phone is in airplane mode almost 24/7. I wish I could say that did the trick, but it hasn’t.

It’s very difficult to get away from RF exposure. RFs travel right through walls and windows and enter through outlets. Where we are, neighbors on all sides have wireless Internet, some have wireless security systems, one has a cordless phone which emits RF 24/7. A nearby school’s router emits a strong signal. Then there are all the cell antennas in the area (we get great reception).

You can’t get away from RFs in modern society. And effectively blocking or reflecting them can get expensive. As I researched how to deal with EMF sensitivity, I found that many protocols involve nutritional support. Many EMF-sensitivity symptoms are the same as those experienced by those with histamine and mast cell issues. And because I’m familiar with your work, Jasmina, I began to wonder if radio frequencies could cause histamine and mast cell issues. Bingo! So my focus now is on changing what I eat.

Unlike some, I don’t like meal planning and food shopping. It’s stressful to me. I just want a personal chef to take care of it 🙂 I don’t know how extremely sick people manage the planning, shopping and preparing.

Thank you for the work you do! Keep shining the light.
Sharon

October 23, 2016

I totally agree with the EMF connection. A smart meter installed on our house last year wrecked havoc on me (and my family), physically and mentally. I blogged about it here and provide some solutions to limiting EMF/EMR exposure in case anyone is interested:
http://lifedesignforhealth.com/1/post/2016/09/1084.html
(I have never owned a microwave either and we have our house wired rather than using Wi-Fi for computers, phone and TV.)
Rene

October 24, 2016

I am glad the topic is raised more and more…becuase than everyone will start to establish modifications , and steps to mitigate this and the public can push back regarding safety for all. I certainly have noticed than when I can get an hour to lay down in the grass at the local park….I feel a lot better. Earthing is what is now called but really getting out of rubber soled shoes and walking or stepping on earth, grass is super good and natural to do.

Apparently the 5G technology that is supposed to be introduced late next year is very very negative as far as it’s effect on our own innate energy field. That is alarming. Industries seem to be forever investing in what is profitable at the expense of everyone’s health. The BIG picture and only picture is our quality of life, health, love and our children’s future.

Welcome!

Yasmina was an award-winning broadcast journalist with a decade of experience covering war zones for CNN and the BBC. She devoted her journalism skills to researching and writing about histamine. Click here to learn about her. Each post is carefully and fully referenced with the latest scientific research. Not sure where to start? Here’s a four week meal plan and overall Histamine Reset.