Negative ions: How Do Neg Ions Influence Your Health?

What is an ion?

An ion is an atom or molecule in which the total number of electrons is not equal to the total number of protons, giving it a net positive or negative electrical charge.

Thus, there are two types of ions:

Anion – negatively charged ion (contains more electrons than protons)

Cation – positively charged ion (contains more protons than electrons)

How are neg ions formed?

When oxygen molecules, which have a neutral charge, get treated by a negative electrode, they break apart forming negatively charged ions and positively charged protons.

Neg ion effects

Today’s modern world is overstuffed with positive ions.

Fluorescent lighting, computers, electronic devices, air conditioning systems, some building materials emit positive ions into the air.

They can cause tiredness, irritation and depression and other problems.

This is why balancing ionization of your home or office is important for both health and productivity.

Negative ions, on the contrary, have a refreshing, invigorating effect. Some medical organizations even use negative air ionization therapy for treating depression and seasonal affective disorder.

Remember the freshness and energy you feel after a lightning storm? In a mountain forest? By a waterfall or a river? All these places are with naturally balanced ion level.

Do you feel dizzy, sleepy or slack near a working air conditioning system, or in a car when an air conditioner is on? Do you remember the instant wave of freshness and lightened mood when you open the window or go out of the car?

According to U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, negative ions stop growth and reduces amount of airborne bacteria, mold spores, dust mites, etc (by 95%). They also remove dust particles from the air and even remove chemical pollutants and cigarette smoke (by 52%).

Neg ions also have a great influence on our health: increase the flow of oxygen to the brain, as well as other body tissues. They increase our immunity and improve mood. Positive ions trigger the production of serotonin in the blood, which increases the risk of depression, insomnia, nightmares, stress and anxiety; while negative ions decrease the amount of serotonin, improving your psychological health and neurological state.

Besides, positive ions in bloodstream have a negative effect to metabolism rates, weaken the immunity and contribute to premature aging, while negative ions have the opposite effect (the famous alkaline diet is based on this effect: acidic foods produce positive ions, alkaline foods – negative ions).

How to increase the amount of neg ions in your home?

1. Buy water fountains. They are beautiful and natural air ionizers. Every water splash results in of releasing negative ions into the air.

2. Try to reduce the use of electronic appliances. They emit positive ions in great amounts.

3. Air your room on a regular basis. A hot and stuffy room is overpacked with positive ions.

4. Buy home plants. Plants are another natural way of air purification, humidification and ionization.

5. Buy negative ion generators. Some air purifiers are combined with neg ion generators, they are a great air in maintaining a healthy indoor environment.