Negative Ions: Oxygenation, Blood pH and Antioxidants

Negative ions are air molecules that have gained an extra electron, resulting in a negative charge. These ions are naturally abundant in certain environments, such as near waterfalls, forests, and oceans due to the change in electrical charge in the environments these places cause. They have been studied for their potential health benefits, including their ability to improve oxygenation, alkalinize the blood and act as antioxidants. In this article, we will delve into the science behind negative ions and explore their therapeutic effects on human health.

To understand how negative ion exposure can help with oxygenation, alkalinizing the blood and being antioxidants, we first need to explore the basics of these health concepts.

Negative Ions and Oxygenation

Oxygenation refers to the process of oxygen being delivered to the body's tissues and organs. It is a crucial function that ensures the proper functioning of our cells and overall health. Blood plays a vital role in oxygenation, as it carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Negative ions have been found to enhance oxygenation by increasing the efficiency of the respiratory system.

When we inhale negative ions, they are absorbed by our lungs and enter our bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream, negative ions are believed to stimulate the production of oxygen-carrying red blood cells, known as erythrocytes. This increase in erythrocyte production helps to improve oxygenation by ensuring an adequate supply of oxygen to all parts of the body.

In addition to stimulating erythrocyte production, negative ions also enhance the efficiency of oxygen transport within the bloodstream. They achieve this by increasing the electrostatic charge of red blood cells. This increased charge reduces the tendency of red blood cells to clump together, a phenomenon known as rouleaux formation. When red blood cells are not clumped together, they can flow more freely through the blood vessels, allowing for better oxygen delivery to tissues and organs.

Furthermore, negative ions have been found to enhance the function of hemoglobin, the protein responsible for carrying oxygen in red blood cells. Hemoglobin has a higher affinity for oxygen in the presence of negative ions, meaning it can bind more effectively to oxygen molecules. This increased affinity allows for improved oxygenation and ensures that the oxygen is efficiently delivered to cells throughout the body.

Negative Ions and Blood pH

On the other hand, blood pH refers to the level of acidity or alkalinity in the blood. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being considered neutral. A pH below 7 indicates acidity, while a pH above 7 indicates alkalinity. The human body strives to maintain a slightly alkaline blood pH of around 7.35 to 7.45 for optimal functioning. An imbalance in blood pH can lead to various health issues, including acidosis, which is characterized by excessive acidity in the blood.

Negative ions have an alkalizing effect on the blood, meaning they help to maintain a slightly alkaline pH level. This is important because an alkaline environment promotes optimal functioning of enzymes and other biochemical processes in the body. The therapeutic effects of negative ions include neutralizing excess acid, reducing the risk of acidosis and its associated health problems.

The alkalizing effect of negative ions is achieved through their interaction with hydrogen ions (H+). Negative ions attract and combine with hydrogen ions, forming negatively charged hydroxyl ions (OH-). These hydroxyl ions help to neutralize excessive acidity in the blood, restoring a more balanced pH level.
Furthermore, negative ions have been shown to enhance the activity of carbonic anhydrase, an enzyme that plays a crucial role in maintaining acid-base balance in the body. Carbonic anhydrase converts carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) into carbonic acid (H2CO3), which can then be further broken down into bicarbonate ions (HCO3-) and hydrogen ions (H+). By enhancing the activity of carbonic anhydrase, negative ions promote the efficient removal of carbon dioxide and help regulate blood pH.

Negative Ions As Antioxidants

In addition to their effects on oxygenation and blood alkalinity, negative ions also act as antioxidants in the body. Antioxidants are substances that help to neutralize harmful free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can cause cellular damage and contribute to various diseases and aging. 

Free radicals are produced naturally in the body as a byproduct of metabolism. They can also be generated by external factors such as pollution, radiation, and certain lifestyle choices like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. When free radicals accumulate in the body, they can cause oxidative stress, leading to DNA damage, inflammation, and accelerated aging.

Negative ions help to counteract the damaging effects of free radicals by neutralizing them and preventing them from causing harm. They achieve this by donating an extra electron to the free radicals, stabilizing them and rendering them harmless. This electron donation process effectively quenches the free radicals' ability to initiate chain reactions of cellular damage.

Furthermore, negative ions have been shown to enhance the production of antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). These enzymes play a crucial role in the body's natural defense against free radicals by breaking them down into harmless substances. By increasing the activity of these antioxidant enzymes, negative ions help to enhance the body's overall antioxidant capacity.

The antioxidant properties of negative ions have been linked to various health benefits. Studies have shown that exposure to negative ions can help reduce inflammation, improve immune function, enhance cardiovascular health, and even alleviate symptoms of certain chronic conditions, such as asthma and allergies.

HOW NEGATIVE ION THERAPY IMPACTS HEALTH

Improved Air Quality

Negative ions are known to improve air quality by neutralizing harmful pollutants and allergens, such as dust, bacteria, and mold spores. By reducing the concentration of these particles in the air, negative ions create a cleaner and healthier environment for breathing. When the air we breathe is cleaner, our lungs can efficiently extract oxygen and deliver it to the bloodstream.

Respiratory Benefits

Negative ions have been shown to have positive effects on respiratory health. When we inhale negative ions, they are absorbed into our bloodstream through the lungs. This can enhance lung function and improve the body's ability to oxygenate blood. Studies have shown that negative ions can increase the flow of oxygen to the brain, leading to improved mental clarity and alertness.

Negative ions also promote better respiratory health by improving lung function and reducing symptoms of respiratory diseases such as asthma, allergies, and bronchitis. They can also help to clear the airways and improve breathing.

Increased Energy Levels

Oxygen is essential for energy production in the body. When the blood is well-oxygenated, our cells receive an adequate supply of oxygen, allowing them to function optimally by increasing cellular communication. Negative ions have been associated with increased energy levels and decreased fatigue. By improving oxygenation, negative ions can help combat exhaustion, depression and boost energy.

Enhanced Immune Function

Negative ions have been shown to supply energy to white blood cells, which are crucial for a strong immune system. White blood cells play a vital role in defending the body against infections and diseases. By supporting the immune system, negative ions can contribute to overall health and well-being.

Stress Reduction

Chronic stress can negatively impact the body's oxygenation and blood pH balance, as well as mental health. Stress hormones, such as cortisol, can lead to shallow breathing and decreased oxygen intake. This can disrupt the body's acid-base balance and contribute to an acidic environment. Negative ions have been found to have a calming effect on the nervous system, reducing anxiety, chronic depression and promoting deep relaxation. By reducing stress levels, negative ions indirectly support oxygenation and blood pH balance. Negative ion therapy has been proven to alleviate seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

In 1998, professional researchers led by Michael Terman performed a study with negative ions on chronic depression and assessed symptom severity weekly with the Structured Interview Guide for the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale – Seasonal Affective Disorder (SIGH-SAD) version and found that negative ions improved chronic depression over fifty percent, improving psychological health.

Alkalinizing Effects

Negative ions may have alkalinizing effects on the blood. While more research is needed to fully understand this mechanism, it is believed that negative ions can help neutralize excess acidity in the body. This may be attributed to the ability of negative ions to enhance antioxidant activity and reduce oxidative stress. By promoting a slightly alkaline blood pH, negative ions can support overall health and prevent the development of certain health conditions.

Improved Blood Circulation

Negative ions have been shown to improve blood circulation. When blood circulates efficiently, it can carry oxygen and nutrients to the body's tissues more effectively. By enhancing blood flow, negative ions can contribute to improved oxygenation and overall well-being.  Negative ion therapy has also been shown to decrease blood pressure. The chances of heart attacks and strokes are less likely when blood pressure is decreased.

Neutralizing Free Radicals

Negative ions have antioxidant benefits by neutralizing free radicals in the body. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause damage to cells and contribute to various health issues, including aging, inflammation, and chronic diseases.

Improved Sleep

Negative ions can improve sleep by promoting relaxation and reducing the symptoms of depression and anxiety. They can also purify the air, reducing allergens and pollutants that can disrupt sleep. Negative ions can also produce biochemical reactions that increase the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate sleep patterns.  By getting restful sleep, psychological health may also be improved.

Healthier Skin

Negative ions have been found to improve skin health by increasing the production of collagen, a protein that helps to maintain the elasticity and firmness of the skin. This can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and promote a more youthful complexion.

Detoxification

Negative ions can help to detoxify the body by facilitating the elimination of toxins and waste products through improved circulation and lymphatic drainage. This can support overall detoxification processes and improve overall health.

Faster Healing

Negative ions have been shown to enhance physical performance and recovery by improving oxygen utilization and reducing muscle fatigue. This can benefit athletes and individuals engaged in physical activities.

Antibacterial, Antifungal and Antiviral Properties

A study published in 2018 showed that negative ions inhibited the growth of bacterium such as E. coli, Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, P. fluorescens.  More research will be needed to see what biological effects this may have other than preventing it from spreading in the environments where they are abundant.

THE BIOMAT'S TOCA LAYER GENERATES NEGATIVE IONS

The Richway Amethyst Biomat is a unique medical device that harnesses the power of negative ions to provide numerous health benefits. One of the key components that enable the Biomat to produce negative ions is its patented TOCA layer.

The TOCA layer, short for "Tourmaline Catch Powder, is a specialized fabric layer integrated into the Biomat. It is made up of a combination of tourmaline and 19 other minerals, which have been scientifically proven to generate negative ions when heated.  The TOCA layer is one of the seventeen layers in the Biomat's construction.

Tourmaline is a semi-precious mineral that naturally emits negative ions. When heated, it releases an increased number of negative ions into the surrounding environment. These negative ions then interact with the body, promoting various physiological effects such as improved blood circulation, enhanced immune function, and increased relaxation. 

As the Biomat is heated, the TOCA layer generates a continuous stream of negative ions that are then absorbed by the body when in contact with the mat. These negative ions penetrate deeply into the body, promoting a wide range of health benefits.

Negative ions have been shown to increase serotonin levels, which can improve mood and reduce stress and anxiety. Their therapeutic effects also include neutralizing harmful free radicals, which are known to contribute to various health issues such as inflammation and oxidative stress.

Furthermore, negative ions have been found to enhance cellular metabolism and oxygen utilization, leading to increased energy levels and a molecular level massage that accelerates all cleansing processes in the body.  Negative ions also support the body's natural detoxification processes, helping with the elimination of waste material and toxins more efficiently.

An important thing to point out is that the negative ions produced by the Biomat are natural negative ions and not ones made artificially by negative ion generators or negative air ionizers.  The difference is like anything else...natural is always better.

The patented TOCA layer in the Richway Amethyst Biomat is a revolutionizing negative ion technology. By harnessing the power of these negative ions, the Richway Biomat offers a natural and effective way to enhance human health.

If you are interested in more ways to raise your blood's alkalinity, check out the Alkal Life 7000sL, Richway's water purifier and ionizer which makes ionized alkaline water.  51% of your blood is made up of the water you consume.