The key factor in reducing depression and uplifting mood is increasing Serotonin levels. And negative ions are the great source of these. Serotonin is known as “feel-good” chemical, so if levels of serotonin in the brain are increased, it can lead to an improvement in mood. Negative ions have been proposed as a treatment for depression because they are thought to interact with the human body in a way that increases levels of serotonin, a chemical in the brain that regulates mood. The theory is that negative ions increase the flow of oxygen to the brain, which in turn helps to increase the production of serotonin. However, it is important to note that the evidence for the effectiveness of negative ions as a treatment for depression is currently limited and more research is needed to establish the strength of the link.
Negative ions are most commonly found in nature, particularly in places where there is a lot of movement of air, such as near waterfalls, oceans, and mountains. Places with high altitude also tend to have more negative ions. Negative ions can also be found in the air after a thunderstorm or a heavy rainfall. Some man-made environments such as salt caves, certain types of lamps and air purifiers can produce negative ions too. However, it’s worth noting that the levels of negative ions in a given location can vary depending on a variety of factors, including weather conditions and the time of day.
The scientific understanding of the effects of negative ions on the human body is still an area of ongoing research. Some studies have found that negative ions can have a positive effect on mental health, including reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety.
A study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that people with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) experienced an improvement in symptoms when exposed to negative ions. Another study found that people with depression experienced an improvement in symptoms after being exposed to negative ions.
In addition, some studies have suggested that negative ions may have a positive effect on physical health. A study published in the Journal of Physiology found that negative ions improved lung function in people with asthma. Another study found that negative ions improved the ability of the cilia (small hair-like structures) in the lungs to move mucus, which can help to clear out pollutants and other particles from the lungs.
How to recieve or absorb negative ions for your benefit?
There are several ways to potentially increase your exposure to negative ions:
- Spending time in nature: Places with a lot of natural movement of air, such as near waterfalls, oceans, and mountains tend to have more negative ions. Going for a walk in a forest or a hike in the mountains can be a great way to increase your exposure to negative ions.
- Air purifiers: Some types of air purifiers are specifically designed to produce negative ions, which can then be circulated around a room.
- Salt Lamps: These lamps are made of a natural salt crystal, which is said to emit negative ions when heated.
- Shower heads: Some types of shower heads have been designed to produce negative ions.
- Open windows : If weather permits and your location is safe, you can open windows to allow fresh air to circulate in your home or office. This can bring in negative ions from the outdoors.
It is important to keep in mind that the level of negative ions in a given location can vary depending on a variety of factors, including weather conditions, air pollution and time of the day. Therefore, to take the full advantage of these sources, you should try to maximize your exposure to them during times when the levels of negative ions are likely to be the highest.