I was diagnosed with MS in 2006 and my symptoms were fairly manageable until 2014. Strangely, that was a few months after we moved into our new house. I tried every alternative treatment I could think of and did not find much relief. Finally, I started wondering, could it be something in this new living space that was making me sick?
When I ran out of alternative treatments I started thinking about Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs). I had a hunch that the EMFs in our new house might have played a part in the decline of my health. I reached out to fans on my Facebook page. The thousands of comments I received were incredible, and your helpful input would become a key step in my new quest for healing, leading me to write about The Green House that Almost Killed Me.
I had thought the beautiful house we built was green through and through. I worked diligently with our contractor to use no-VOC products during the construction process from start to finish. Additionally although our house was not visibly impacted by the historic flood that hit Boulder shortly after we moved in, I had tested it for mold. I thought our house was well constructed and ecologically sound. I was wrong.
I made a huge mistake in the design of our new home. I had not researched the ecological impact of the electrical systems installed. But something changed that day on Facebook. With your help I did a deep dive into EMF research. Your responses to my questions about EMFs were disturbing, and they may have saved my life.
I started to realize it wasn’t all in my head, especially after digging in to the book Zapped, which is an easy read and incredibly informative. In the course of one week, I turned my life upside down to reduce my exposure to EMFs. Here are the simple steps I took to reduce EMFs in our home and in my life overall!
Unplug Smart Appliances
The first thing to go was the printer in my tiny office. It is a wireless printer. I unplugged it from the wall. Now, when we need to print, we plug it in with the ethernet cable and the electric cord, plus we use another cable to connect our computers to it for printing.
Turn off WiFi
We unplugged the routers in our house and instead began using ethernet cables that plug into the wall. It doesn’t look pretty because we have cords all over the place, but being sick isn’t that pretty either. For more information on how I hardwired our computers into the Ethernet you’ll want to read my post called Avoiding EMFs at the Computer! If you are unable to turn off WiFi completely I recommend turning off your WiFi at night.
Turn off Breaker to Bedroom
Yes, this sounds crazy, and for most people it may not be necessary. However, for my system to get a rest from EMFs we decided we would turn off the circuit breaker to our bedroom. We are now using flashlights in the master bedroom and battery operated analog alarm clocks.
We also turned off the circuit breaker to the laundry room that is on the other side of our bedroom wall. This breaker is only turned on during the days that we use the washer/dryer so that the electric current is not active while I’m in the bedroom at night. Finally, my husband parked his cell phone outside of our bedroom so that I am now sleeping in a cell phone free environment.
Eliminate Cordless Phones
Cordless phones use a technology called DECT which stands for digital enhanced cordless telecommunication. This type of phone continuously emits electromagnetic radiation from the base, even when you are not speaking on it.
Although I thought that I was doing a good thing by using a landline, I was wrong since I was using cordless phones for our landline. I eliminated all of the cordless phones from our house, which were a significant source of EMFs, and instead replaced them with these corded landlines.
Reduce Cell Phone Use
Over the past couple of years I became accustomed to using my cell phone often. Last week I changed that habit. I now leave it at home when I exercise, and when I take it with me it is in airplane mode with the data switched off. When the cell phone is in airplane mode it does not emit electromagnetic radiation.
I take the phone with me in the car in case I need it for an emergency, but again, it is in airplane mode with data switched off. I don’t use the phone in the car. If I need to I will make sure the windows are rolled down. Using the phone in the car with the windows up is like using a phone in a Faraday cage. The EMFs are somewhat trapped in the space bouncing off the walls, literally, having no where to exit. The same thing that makes your car safe during a lightening storm, makes it a sealed space that can trap EMFs when your cell phone is in use.
I’ve written a great post with links to scientific research for those of you who are wondering Are Cell Phones Dangerous?
Dismantling the Control4 System
Unfortunately, since I entirely neglected the electronic components in the building process, we have a long way to go. The house is on a system called Control4. That means that every light switch and thermostat in the house may be on WiFi, not to mention the televisions, and much more. We plan to eliminate this system and unraveling it is going to be a complex process. We are only at the beginning.
Changing Habits Takes Time
So far I’ve been spending a great deal of time and energy to reduce the EMFs in our home. Since I really enjoy creating new habits it has been very easy for me. My family is making changes to their habits too, and these changes in behavior were not their idea, so it is less pleasant for them. I have turned their world upside down. Thankfully they have been really good sports about it. I am very lucky and show them my gratitude at every opportunity!
You’re Crazy EMFs are in Your Head
When I’ve spoken with friends about reducing the EMFs in our home the response has been interesting. One friend said she was very proud of me, that she was glad I had not given up on my health, and that I was still searching for an answer and working to get well.
Another friend had a different response. This friend said there was no proof that EMFs are harmful and that people would think I was crazy in my efforts to reduce EMFs in my own home. Thankfully I haven’t really ever cared much anyway what people thought of me so that’s not an issue! Many people have told me that hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a total scam, and still, I get my HBOT treatments for MS, finding them particularly helpful.
It’s been less than one week since I made all of the changes outlined above! Since it took around 10 months of living in the house for all of my strange symptoms to arise, I expect it will take at least that long to heal. Remember, healing is a process that takes time.
Next, I’m bringing in an EMF specialist to measure the different areas of our home to help me to get the EMF situation here further under control. I’ll be sure to keep you posted! I’m so glad that I went on Facebook to chat with you all last week about EMFs. I learned so much from you! Now I hope you can learn something from me and that together we can spread awareness of this important issue!
If you want to make a difference, share this post on Facebook, or leave a comment about your own experience with EMFs below.
Judy says
Also, in electric vehicles you are usually sitting near or on top of the battery which emits EMF’s as well. MY doctor told me NOT to get a hybrid or electric vehicle. I got a car that 45 miles to the gallon and feel good about what I’m doing for the environment and my health.
Thanks for getting the word out about so many important health factors overlooked by most conventional health professionals. Your 3 cookbooks are my go to cookbooks!
Elana says
Thanks Judy! And thanks so much for the reminder about hybrid vehicles, very important! I’m still driving the car we bought in 1997 :-)
Michele Gelman says
Elana,
Our family had a very similar experience after moving into a home with an extensive smart home system and replacing the floors with formaldehyde glues while living in the house!!! We got sick with autoimmune issues, allergies, thyroid problems, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue… then the whole family became electrically sensitive. Nightmare. We healed from reducing EMFs and doing a program called DNRS created by Annie Hopper. I am so glad you are speaking out about this. It is a message people do not always like to hear.
Elana says
Thanks Michele!
Jeannie Shaver says
I think, that one day we will look back on our smart phone use like we do on cigarette smoking. ” can you believe they did that?!? How could they not know,!?!?”
Elana says
I totally agree with that Jeannie :-)
Anna Jacobs says
If you have silver amalgams in your mouth, they act like mini antennas that amplify the electro-magnetic and radio frequencies and make their effects (stimulating the nervous system, affecting the cellular membrane ion channels and mineral transport) much worse.
Elana says
Thanks for pointing that out Anna! I write about the removal of my mercury fillings in this post:
https://elanaspantry.com/new-approaches-to-neurological-conditions/
Elana
Anna Jacobs says
I should add that removing amalgams does not remove mercury from the body. Naturally, heavy metals like mercury leave the body very slowly and it may take decades for the body to eliminate the mercury burden accumulated from “silver” fillings. To get rid of these toxic metals, chelation therapy must be undertaken — so far, the best method I’ve come across is oral chelation with DMPS, DMSA and alpha-lipoic-acid on a specific schedule (taken on the half-life of the chelating agent, ie every 4 hours for ALA continually for several days). The expert on this method of chelation is Andrew Hall Cutler, the author of “Amalgam Illness”.
Elana says
Thanks Anna! I write about the form of chelation that was perfect for me given all of my genetic mutations here:
https://elanaspantry.com/cilantro-detox-juice/
Have a wonderful day!
Elana
Abigail says
Thank you for sharing this! I hadn’t thought of how much EMFs might be in the home (our computers, printer, phones…are all wireless).
Best wishes on your improved health, & keep the blogs, recipes, & articles coming!
Elana says
Thanks Abigail!
Judee@gluten freeA-Z Blog says
Elana,
Keep posting and keep us informed. This information is very helpful and valuable and you are saving us time and energy by sharing your finds!.
Elana says
Thanks so much Judee! I will :-)
Thomas Baldwin says
I would not ever have thought this was a problem when or if I have a home I will make sure to have this taken care of during building. THANK YOU SO MUCH for the INFORMATION
Elana says
You’re welcome Thomas!
Wendy Brazil says
Dear Elana,
I suffered over the years with a debilitating sensitivity to EMF’s. Not now – which is a blessing as there is a need to work on the computer a great deal. Several factors worked toward this.
Earthing equipment…earthing sheets, earthing pads for work on the computer – not only does this practice restore the body, cortisol production returned to normal after suffering regular bouts of anaphylaxis. Not one incident once sleeping ‘earthed’.
Bioceuticals ‘Iodine Forte’…to support the thyroid as the ‘shield’ for EMFs, if it is comprised in any way, this weakens the body’s ability to protect itself.
Modifilan – seaweed that also helps protest and filter EMFs
And…Megahydrate and Crystal Energy in the water and beverages I drink. Hydrating the body in this profound way has made such a difference to my health in everyway (sensitivities to so many things have greatly reduced).
Trusting this helps, Elana, and wishing you well with all the wonderful implementations you’ve made…much love…Wendy
Elana says
Thanks for sharing these wonderful resources Wendy!!!
Wendy Brazil says
Dear Elana…I failed to mention…if there is the need for air travel Modifilan is excellent. I would be exhausted after a 4 hr flight. Taking Modifilan before a flight and during a flight works a treat! I also take it following a flight to rid the body of the radiation.
Many, many wonderful posts and am not sure how you manage to sift through all the information!
With much love…Wendy
Elana says
Thanks for your wonderful words Wendy :-)
A Jacobs says
What is megahydrate and crystal energy in water? is it something you buy?
Wendy Brazil says
Yes…my apologies have just seen your query. Developed by Dr Patrick Flanagan. Do Google for suppliers.
Sherri says
We’re also working on this. My husband suffers from Essential Tremors. Our naturopathic advised us to test our home and then begin to clean it up. In our area, FPL (electric provider) uses a smart meter to read the usage. That was one of the first things we did, requested them to remove it. We have to pay $13 more a month to cover the cost of manually ready by the meter, but feel it was necessary to eliminate EMF’s.
Surprised that all the conveniences we enjoy could be harmful to our health: cordless phones, computers, wireless keyboards and mouse, routers, modems, printers, etc. etc. etc.
Wishing you health! Thanks for sharing your story.
Elana says
Thanks so much for sharing what your family is doing about this. Glad we are on this journey together :-)
Alyne says
Just received your email on this. For some time now I have been wondering if it could be my house, I do have auto-immune disorders, 2 to be exact but still having issues similar to many on here. I will take a look at how I can reduce EMF’s that may also help with symptoms I am having that do not fall into the categories of either of my auto-immune disorders, thanks for sharing. Follower of yours for last 8 or 9 yrs. from SK…Be well
Elana says
Thanks Alyne!
Nicole says
I have posted earlier of Thrive it also removes the toxins in our bodies in the wearable nutrition. I hope is approved to post the website it is vitamins and minerals that are body needs and our missing and fills in the nutritional gaps and only 1% of the population know about this product . I watched my husband suffer and this has gave him a life back no cured of course but manageable and not so much pain and discomfort.. he like iam sure all of you do not sleep well he has gotten sleep back without all the synthetic drugs that can work but so hard on our systems if we want to look at longevity in life. Take care.
Elana says
Thanks Nicole!
Marie says
Hi Elana,
Because WiFi is everywhere now and seems to be getting stronger all the time, my naturopath recommends two things to counteract the effects of EMFs. The first (and cheapest) is “wearing” sea salt. Here is the one she recommends: http://www.naturescargo.ca/crystal-sea-salts.html
I just make little packets and keep them in my pockets. Those tiny ziplock-type bags that come with a button in them when you buy a shirt or sweater are perfect. I just make sure to “double-bag” them and tape them up with packing tape so that they don’t leak. She recommends getting kids to put them in their pockets at school if there’s WiFi.
She also recommends wearing these blue beads from EMF Blues: http://emfblues.com/. They make beads that you can wear on/as a necklace or bracelet, or just put in your pocket. According to her tests, these are stronger than the sea salt. I sometimes wear one or the other, sometimes both.
Best of luck to you Elana!
Elana says
Thanks Marie!