Are Magnets Good for You?

You might have seen the advertisements of magnetic bracelets from your TV, or maybe from the internet. It claims to alleviate countless conditions ranging from mild headaches and arthritis to serious diseases such as diabetes and cancer. But before you totally decide against these magnetic bracelets, take time to first understand the basis for all these claims.

Magnets have been around even in the earliest days to help our ancestors ease a number of medical conditions. Today, recent studies from the University of Virginia revealed that magnets have an effect in boosting circulation and reducing or preventing inflammation and swelling in rats. According to this study, people too, can benefit from magnetic therapy in reducing selling and pain caused by sports injuries.

Not all magnets can be used to alleviate symptoms in some medical conditions. They are not always designed for healing, as magnets have much more purposes other than its health effects. When used improperly, magnets can produce harmful effects on our bodies. Before trying out any of these magnetic products, read on the following facts that you need to know.

Restrictions

The Food and Drug Administration has recently put restrictions on the sale of healing magnets to protect Americans from deceitful and unscrupulous sellers. You must remember that there are absolutely no claims that magnetic objects can heal medical conditions such as AIDS, asthma, or arthritis. However, they have recently allowed magnetic objects to be sold to help reduce pain and improve the blood circulation of our bodies.

The Required Magnetic Strength

In order to get the health benefits from magnets, they need to be not lower than 300 gauss. A gauss is a unit that measures the strength of magnets. The higher the number is, the better benefits you will get. Most people require a magnet with 5,000 gauss to actually reap and feel the benefits.

Many magnetic products sold in the market are lacking in strength. They do not have the required strength to produce the benefits. If you want to be assured that the magnet you will purchase is 300 gauss and above in strength, better buy it online or from department stores.

If you really want the stronger type of magnets, try testing it by attracting a pin or paperclip that is wrapped in cloth or a sock. If the magnet can attract it without any problems, then you are assured that it is a very strong one. If, however, it fails, then the strength of the magnet is inadequate to relieve your pain and inflammation.

The Better Pole

There are two poles in a magnet-the positive and the negative pole. Always remember that a good magnet always specifies the polarity of the area that is near your skin.

The negative end of the magnet relieves pain and inflammation because it provides a calming, sedating, and cooling sensation. The positive end is dangerous especially if used by inexperienced people. It can worsen your condition if used improperly. It can also stir up the proliferation of viruses and bacteria. It is very important to know which side is near your skin before you use any of these magnetic objects. You obviously do not want to buy something that will only cause you harm, so choose wisely.

There is nothing wrong in using magnets to alleviate symptoms of certain diseases. The only thing you need to keep in mind is that you should first consult your doctor before using these things. You never know if you have brought the wrong one, so use your new-found knowledge on magnets to judge and choose what is best. Magnets are only alternatives, and do not limit yourself. Try searching for other methods that can help and benefit you.