How dangerous is a magnetic storm to your health and how can you protect yourself from it?

How dangerous are magnetic storms to health and how to protect yourself from them?

Messages about magnetic storms and the need to be careful with them are often spread on social networks. So, what exactly is a magnetic storm? This article will examine the origin of magnetic storms and their impact on the human body.

**Causes of magnetic storms**

There is an invisible shell around the Earth - the magnetosphere, which protects the planet from the Sun's rays. From space, it is affected by a stream called the solar wind - ionized particles flying from the Sun at a speed of 400 km / s. On ordinary days, the pressure of the solar wind and the Earth's magnetic shell is equal. However, when flares occur on the Sun, the speed of the solar wind increases, the pressure balance changes, the magnetosphere above the Earth is compressed, and the currents in it increase. It is this phenomenon that is called a magnetic storm. As a result, charged particles from the Sun's magnetic field enter the Earth's magnetosphere, creating currents and causing changes in its magnetic field.

A magnetic storm lasts from several hours to several days and can disrupt the operation of satellites, navigation systems and communication networks, as well as negatively affect human health.

**The impact of a magnetic storm on human health**

* **Sleep and mood:** A magnetic storm affects the hormones melatonin, which regulates sleep, and serotonin, which is responsible for mood. Therefore, people of different ages experience insomnia, depression or irritability at such times.

* **Headaches and migraines:** Changes in the Earth's electromagnetic field affect the blood vessels of the brain, leading to headaches and migraines.

* **Blood pressure:** Magnetic storms can increase or decrease blood pressure in middle-aged and older people.

* **Electrochemical processes in the body:** A natural phenomenon can negatively affect the transmission of nerve impulses in the brain throughout the body and heart function.

* **Deterioration of general condition:** Some people complain of a deterioration in their general condition during a magnetic storm. For example, fatigue, insomnia, joint and muscle pain occur spontaneously.

A magnetic storm does not affect everyone the same way. The effect of the Earth's magnetic field is usually almost imperceptible to most people. People with chronic diseases are mainly affected by this.

**Who is a magnetic storm dangerous for?**

Patients with the following diseases are more susceptible to the effects of a magnetic storm:

* **People with neurological diseases:** People with epilepsy or migraines are more sensitive to changes in the electromagnetic field.

* **People with cardiovascular diseases:** Patients suffering from hypertension (high blood pressure) or arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat).

* **Mentally ill people:** For patients suffering from depression or bipolar disorder, magnetic storms affect hormone levels and neurochemical processes in the brain, and the disease worsens.

* **People sensitive to weather:** Some people are more affected by weather and environmental changes. Such individuals may experience headaches, irritability, or insomnia.

**How to protect yourself from magnetic storms?**

* **Adhering to a healthy lifestyle:** Factors such as regular physical activity, eating healthy and nutritious foods, getting enough sleep, and avoiding stress can reduce the negative effects of magnetic storms and create a foundation for resilience.

* **Mental and physical rest, body care:** It is important to pay attention to the needs of the body and give it time to recover. Regular rest helps to overcome emotional stress and become more resistant to magnetic storms.

* **Limit heavy physical activity:** If you experience headaches or other unpleasant sensations during a magnetic storm, it is important to avoid heavy work and get more rest.

* **See a doctor:** If you are diagnosed with weather sensitivity, you should consult a therapist and get individual recommendations on what to do in the event of a magnetic storm.