The Happiness Effect: The Positive Benefits of Negative Ions

Mindell (Earl Mindell's New Vitamin Bible), a pharmacist and nutrition expert, makes a lucid case for the health benefits of negative ion therapy, based on studies and experiments going back to the invention of the Tesla coil in 1891. He begins with a physics lesson on negative and positive ions and their effects on the body before detailing specific claimed benefits of negative ions. These include reducing the number of allergens in the air, providing more oxygen to the brain to improve concentration, and stimulating immune system productivity. Mindell cites the ability of negative ions to decrease serotonin levels, arguing that this makes them effectivene in treating migraines as well as, somewhat counterintuitively, depression and anxiety. For further support, Mindell notes the use of "ionic technology" in Toyota vehicles and the popularity of wearable ion bands among professional athletes. Finally, he breaks down the various ion-generating air purifiers and wearable bands, explaining how they function and listing the top brands. While the use of negative ion devices is considered controversial, Mindell views this as something of a conspiracy perpetrated by drug companies that are anxious about the competition. This text will likely do little to alter the opinion of the scientific community, but it is a useful and accessible primer on the currently available data. (Nov.)