Sensitive to Technology? How Omega-3 Fish Oil Can Offer Support

Last Updated on June 7, 2024

In our increasingly digital world, what was once a canary-in-a-coal-mine circumstance is now affecting more and more individuals worldwide. What we are talking about is being sensitive to technology, electronic devices and/or wireless networks.

What is EHS?

We call being sensitive to technology “Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity” (EHS). It can also be called “Electromagnetic Sensitivity Syndrome,” “microwave sickness,” or “Electrical Sensitivity” (ES) in less extreme cases. 

It is characterized by a variety of non-specific symptoms that may appear whenever someone is exposed to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) emitting from their cell phones, laptop or desktop computers, WiFi routers, and other wireless technologies or large power sources. These could be wireless RF (radio frequency) signals like cell phone towers and WiFi routers, or ELF (extremely low frequency) signals that emit from power sources. Anything from your refrigerator to an alarm clock can emit these ELF signals.

For those who express a sensitivity to technology, symptoms can range widely from headaches, fatigue, insomnia, and cognitive issues like brain fog to tingly hands, skin problems, and heart palpitations. 

Is EHS real?

EHS is a controversial and not widely recognized condition in the medical community, mostly due to a lack of information and research. However, it is recognized by numerous health organizations around the world, and thousands of people report suffering from a range of symptoms while in close proximity to electronic devices or wireless networks. 

It hasn’t been studied much, and many claim it doesn’t actually exist or is not actually related to electromagnetic fields. Some hypothesize it may even be a nocebo effect, where individuals think they are sensitive to technology and then become sensitive as a result.

But at DefenderShield, we know that research has shown many different effects of EMF on the body, regardless of if you are sensitive to these impacts or not. Noticeable symptoms are just a result of someone’s body reacting differently to those effects. 

We have met and talked to thousands of individuals who have very clear symptoms that present themselves when exposed to technology. Many of these people experience these symptoms before they know that it is even possible to be sensitive to EMFs. 

How Sensitive to Technology Am I?

While yes, there are a host of different reasons you may be experiencing occasional headaches or brain fog, we have seen firsthand people who can tell how close they are to a WiFi router or have burning/tingling sensations in their hands whenever they hold a smartphone. 

The spectrum of potential symptoms range from unnoticeable to life-altering.

Many of these conditions are self-reported and nonspecific. However, this doesn’t make the condition fake or illegitimate; Multiple sclerosis, or MS, has many of the same nonspecific symptoms. A study from UC Irvine found extreme radio frequency (RF) exposure can produce severe illness that mimics MS.

While sensitivity to technology may be hard to diagnose due to its extraordinary prevalence in today’s world, research shows that electromagnetic frequencies can affect the cells in our body, and cause oxidative stress, a cell danger response, and other biological impacts that have the potential to affect our brain health, heart health, inflammation, and immune health.

Those who experience sensitivity to technology often seek relief through reducing exposure to technology and by shielding their body from direct or close contact with electronics. However, another area one could focus on is by simply increasing their body’s resiliency to environmental toxins, such as EMF.

One promising avenue is the use of Omega-3 fish oil supplements.

The Science Behind Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are well-known for their numerous health benefits, including their potent anti-inflammatory properties. The two main types are EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Found abundantly in fish oil (although be careful what source you get your Omega from), these fatty acids play crucial roles in maintaining cellular health, supporting brain function, and regulating the immune system. 

Omega-3 for EHS

For individuals that are sensitive to technology or other environmental toxins, Omega-3 can help fortify the cell membrane. This can help cellular health overall but can also aid in protecting the cell from hormone disruptors and environmental pollutants, like electromagnetic fields, that can directly enter the cell and cause oxidative stress and DNA fragmentation.

Along with that, Omega-3’s offer several specific benefits that deal with different types of sensitivities:

1. Reducing Inflammation: Studies have shown that a potential mechanism through which EMFs may affect the body is by inducing oxidative stress and inflammation. EPA Omega-3s are renowned for their ability to support healthy inflammation levels by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory molecules and promoting the synthesis of anti-inflammatory compounds. This can help alleviate some of the physical effects of EMF exposure, such as headaches and joint pain.
2. Supporting Brain Health: Many EHS sufferers report cognitive symptoms like brain fog, memory issues, and difficulty concentrating. DHA is a critical component of brain cell membranes and is essential for maintaining neuronal integrity and function. By enhancing brain health, DHA can help mitigate some of the cognitive disturbances linked to EMF exposure.
3. Improving Heart Health: EHS impacts often include cardiovascular issues such as palpitations and arrhythmias. Omega-3 fatty acids, specifically EPA, have been shown to support heart health by supporting healthy triglyceride levels, blood pressure, and improving overall cardiovascular function. 
4. Boosting Immune Function: A healthy immune system is crucial for coping with the stressors imposed by EMFs. Omega-3s help modulate immune responses, ensuring that the body can effectively manage inflammation without overreacting, which is important for maintaining balance and supporting health in those with EHS or many other similar immunocompromised individuals.

Is Omega DHA or EPA Better for Me?

DHA is particularly vital for brain health and the maintenance of neural tissue, including preserving and repairing myelin, the protective sheath around nerves that is damaged in immune attacks on the body. By supporting the structure and function of neural cells, DHA supplementation helps improve cognitive health as well as eye health, and may help those who experience neurodegenerative processes.

On the other hand, EPA is primarily known for heart health, cardiovascular health, and supporting a healthy inflammatory response. By targeting inflammation, EPA may be able to alleviate pain and swelling associated with oxidative stress and immune suppression.

Depending on what symptoms you are experiencing from exposure to EMF and technology, one or both may help support your body’s wellness and resiliency. Together, DHA and EPA work synergistically to support neural health, reduce inflammation, and modulate immune responses, making them effective in managing symptoms seen from chronic exposure to electromagnetic fields.

Incorporating Omega-3 Supplements into Your Routine

For those that are sensitive to technology, incorporating Omega-3 fish oil into their daily routine can be a simple yet effective strategy to manage symptoms. Here are a few tips:

• Increase Dietary Omega-3 Intake: Fish is where you can find most of your omega-3s, but there are some vegetarian sources like flaxseeds, walnuts, and seaweed. When looking to fish, it’s important to pick the correct fish. Sardines and wild-caught salmon have high triglycerides (omegas) while remaining low in contaminants and toxins like mercury. Farm-raised salmon should be avoided.
• Choose High-Quality Supplements: Opt for fish oil supplements that are high in EPA and/or DHA. Just generic “fish oil” softgels are not going to cut it! Ensure they are sourced from reputable brands that test for purity and potency, since many add fillers or include contaminants that can counteract the effects of Omega-3s. High oxidation levels may decrease potency, while increasing those nasty fish burps!
• Dosage: Consult with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate dosage for your specific needs. While the general recommendation is around 1,000 mg of combined EPA and DHA per day, some studies have shown 5,000 mg can be very effective. individual needs may vary.
• Consistency is Key: For optimal benefits, take your Omega-3 supplements consistently. It may take several weeks to notice significant improvements, as the fatty acids need time to build up in your system.

While the medical community continues to debate the legitimacy and mechanisms of EHS, there is no doubt that EMF radiation can affect the body in a multitude of ways. Even if you don’t experience any sensitivity to technology, building your body’s resiliency to environmental toxins and technology exposure is still a good idea. Omega-3 fish oil supplements offer natural, evidence-based health benefits that can benefit the general health of many people, and especially those sensitive to their technology. By supporting healthy inflammation levels, supporting brain and heart health, and boosting immune function, these supplements can provide full body support in our modern, EMF-saturated world.