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E=MC2, the common equation that defines that all matter is made of energy. We are beings of energy—most specifically a type of energy called electromagnetic energy.

Our energy fields can actually be sensed by certain gifted individuals and are the basis of several forms of traditional medicine. Acupuncture uses well-placed needles in the skin and tissues to affect these energy fields in a positive way to rid us of certain symptoms. Modern medicine studies our energy fields for diagnosis of certain problems. An EKG measures the dynamic energy fields produced by the heart to diagnose many types of cardiac malfunction. An EEG machine measures electrical waves produced by the brain. An instrument called an MRI measures the electromagnetic energy of tissues to produce a picture of our internal organs. This unique technology is able to do this without causing any known damage.

MRI does not cause internal damage because electromagnetic energy is “non-ionizing.” In other words, radiation from electromagnetic sources does not have the ability to strike and damage the internal components of our cells. Even so, a very difficult question to answer is how much our own energy fields are affected by energy fields around us. Most of us now exist in an environment saturated with conflicting sources of electromagnetic energy such as computers, hair dryers, and other electrical devices. How many times have you felt “out of sorts” after sitting beside a computer all day? The magnitude of this problem is unknown and difficult to evaluate, but likely does play a role in disease.

Other, more concerning forms of energy include X-rays, gamma rays, and UV rays. These types of radiation definitely have the ability to do damage to our tissues. Referred to as “ionizing” radiation, they act very much like free radicals. They have the ability to pass through the body and “hit” microscopic structures, causing damage. They also have the ability to create free radicals. Some forms of ionizing radiation such as X-rays and gamma rays can pass completely through the body, whereas, others such as UV radiation only pass “skin deep.” Exposure to some ionizing radiation is unavoidable. We are constantly exposed to “background” radiation from the depths of the universe and from the sun.

The ionizing rays of the sun penetrate the skin and strike other molecules, generating free radicals. Free radical damage to cells and structures within the skin is a direct link to wrinkling, aging of the skin, and skin cancer. Sunscreen may be the best protection, but, surprisingly, anti-oxidants (from diet and from nutraceuticals) may be just as valuable. I once heard a story about a fellow who had a habit of consuming a large container of juiced carrots and vegetables every day. They say he had a strange orange glow about him, but he was able to cruise the entire Caribbean in a small sailboat without a drop of sunscreen.

Exposure to some background radiation will always be unavoidable, but I wonder about how much effect nuclear testing and the use of nuclear reactors around the world have added to our daily exposure. As individuals we have very little say in the matter, but common sense would suggest that living within the vicinity of a nuclear power plant or a nuclear testing site would not be a wise choice. Supporting politicians who oppose nuclear testing also makes sense.

Some ionizing radiation comes from the earth. Most of it fits into the category of background radiation, which we can do nothing about. One type that all homeowners should be aware of, however, is radon gas. This radioactive gas is emitted from the soil in some locations. The gas collects in basements and crawlspaces and can be a threat. Testing kits are commercially available and protecting yourself is a matter of installing a simple barrier. If you live in an area where radon gas is a problem, testing your home would be wise.

Concern over sun exposure is not enough to compel me to forgo a life outdoors. As with all things in life, there is a good and a bad side to sun exposure. Exposure to the rays of the sun means exposure to ionizing radiation, but sun exposure is necessary for vitamin D production and is well-recognized for its value in cultivating an increased sense of wellbeing. Vitamin D is not only important for strong bones, but is vital for many functions within the body, including a properly functioning immune system. Wintertime colds and flu may be as much related to decreased production of vitamin D from lack of exposure to sunshine as to indoor confinement with other people. As for me, I will drink my carrot juice, eat vegetables regularly, take quality nutritional supplements, and have my days in the sun as often as I can get them.

As we shun the sun and apply sunscreen liberally (sunscreen blocks as much as 95% of vitamin D production), America may be headed toward an epidemic of vitamin D deficiency. Many experts are recommending vitamin D levels at yearly physical exams, along with appropriate supplementation.

The above excerpt was taken from the "A New Style of Healthcare" chapter in my book, Health First!. This book was created as a resource for my patients and First Do No Harm Health readers who are eager to learn more about simple lifestyle changes that can improve their quality of life and dramatically reduce their risk of disease. It is my hope that you will consider this book as a resource for better understanding your health and take control of your own health today!

Categories: Anti-Aging, Disease Prevention,

Previous Comments

JP- Jan 07, 2010

Happy New Year, Bill! :) Great information! Thank you! How do you feel about Vitamin D testing? It seems as though many people who shouldn't be deficient (those who supplement and spend time in the sun) are turning out to be just that these days. The most recent example of this is a report put out by the Life Extension Foundation. http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2010/jan2010_Startling-Findings-About-Vitamin-D-Levels-in-Life-Extension-Members_01.htm I try to spend time in the sun and I also supplement with rather high dosages. Blood testing on my family indicates that we're all above the commonly suggested 60 ng/mL mark. I hope you have a great day! JP

Bill Rawls, MD- Jan 08, 2010

Thanks for your comment JP. I've been routinely testing vitamin D levels for some time now and have been alarmed at the number of low values. Sun exposure is beneficial, but the sun has to be at least 45 degrees above the horizon to make vitamin D. At most latitudes in the US, that's only a couple of hours during midday--many people are just not getting enough exposure. Vitamin D3 supplements appear to be very safe. There have been no known cases of toxicity associated with D3, even at very high doses. For the average person over 45, about 2000 U per day appears to be the average dose. For individuals found to be low in vitamin D, I recommend 5,000 U per day and recheck levels in 2 months. 10,000 may be necessary in some cases. The only known cases of vitamin D toxicity associated with supplementation have been with the 50,000 U vitamin D2 commonly used by physicians in prescription form.