Growing research reveals that electromagnetic emissions from cell phones, computers and other modern-day gadgets can hinder the body’s weight-regulating mechanisms. Here, the protective plan that can help you shed up to 10 pounds in one week!

Researchers worldwide are discovering an unwanted side effect of modern-day conveniences like cell phones, computers, microwaves, TVs, power lines and wireless network: The electromagnetic fields (EMFs) they emit are creating an “electromagnetic smog” called electropollution that’s making women sick—and fat!

Despite the fact that electropollution has been largely ignored in the United States, research indicates that roughly 35 percent of people in developed countries suffer from a chronic sensitivity to electromagnetic waves, which causes unwanted health effects like fat retention, extreme fatigue, insomnia and depression.  The concern is so strong that laws are being put into place in several European countries to limit or ban the use of cell phones among children under age 16 and pregnant women. “For years we’ve heard the ongoing debate about whether or not EMFs raise cancer risk,” observes Sherrill Sellman, N.D., a certified Electromagnetic Radiation Safety Advisor in New York City. “Though the jury is still out on that, experts worldwide agree that EMFs can damage health in other ways.”

How electropollution hurts

Each of our body’s cells contain special structures called microtubules that are able to sense invisible frequencies like EMFs. “These receptors interpret EMFs from sources like cell phones, wireless towers and even hair dryers as something foreign and dangerous, triggering cell membranes to instantly go into a protective ‘lockdown mode’,” explains Dr. Sellman.

What’s more, the constant bombardment from EMFs that most women in this country experience means that the cells stay blocked off indefinitely. “This extended lockdown hinders the vital cell-to-cell communication that underlies all of the body’s functions, including maintaining energy and natural slimming mechanisms like detoxing, balancing blood sugar and regulating appetite,” cautions Dr. Sellman. The result: chronic tiredness and stubborn extra weight.

The good news: After years of working with women who have been adversely affected by electropollution, First columnist and nutritionist Ann Louise Gittleman, Ph.D., has come up with a new targeted food formula that can offset the damage caused by EMFs. Read on to discover the ins and outs of her new approach—and unleash your thinnest, healthiest, most energetic self!

THE LITTLE CHIP THAT KEEPS YOU SAFE FROM CELL-PHONE AND COMPUTER EMFS

International research has established that cell phones emit radiation that directly impacts the brain and triggers headaches, tiredness, swelling and more. And even a short call can lead to ill effects: Scientists have found that it takes the body approximately 30 minutes to recover from the harmful effects of being exposed to cell-phone EMFs for just 5 minutes. In response to this research, scientists have developed special chips that reduce the effects of EMF emissions by creating positive frequencies that counteract, or harmonize with, the negative frequencies. Dr. Sellman suggests placing chips on the gizmos you use most often, such a computers, PDAs and cell phones.

THREE MORE EASY EMP-PROTECTIVE STATEGIES

1. Step away from the microwave—Microwave ovens are a major source of electropollution, but simply leaving the kitchen when nuking greatly cuts exposure. Using the stove is another safe option.

2. Keep your phone at least 5 feet from the bed—Cordless phones are a source of EMFs as well, and nighttime exposure can really add up. Also key: Be sure the computer in your bedroom is turned off before you go to be and that any bedroom TV is at least 10 feet away from your bed.

3. Trade in that electric blanket for a comforter—Electric blankets are a well-documented EMF source—one that most experts recommend avoiding altogether.

THE NUTRIENT THAT NEUTRALIZES EMF DAMAGE

Omega-3 fatty acids can help make cells that have locked down in response to EMFs more flexible and permeable, says Dr. Sellman. The beneficial dose: 4 grams daily. Animal sources like fish oil are more effectively used by the body, but since a 4 oz. serving of salmon or tuna only contains about 1 gram of omega-3s, consider a supplement. Vegetarians can opt for flaxseed oil instead, but Ann Louise Gittleman, Ph.D., suggests increasing the daily dose to 6 grams to offset this form’s decreased efficacy.

Top scientists from around the world have discovered that cell phones and other gadgets that emit electromagnetic fields (EMFs) can cause an array of health problems, including fatigue and weight gain. Luckily, Ann Louise Gittleman, Ph.D., has updated her Fat Flush diet to include a nutritional response to this threat. In the new edition of The Fat Flush Plan (McGraw-Hill, 2007) she explains, “The heroes are omega-3 fatty acids, which boost liver function to burn fat and detoxify the body, reset healthy levels of the brain’s neurotransmitters that regulate appetite and optimize cell function so cells keep flushing out waste and taking in nutrients.” In fact, Dr. Gittleman has found that women who consume at least 4 grams of omega-3’s daily are quickly freed from the effects of electromagnetic smog.

The seven-day plan also has mainstays of Dr. Gittleman’s original plan, like consuming 64 oz. of cran-water (a blend of pure cranberry juice and water), at least five servings of antioxidant-rich fruits and veggies and at least two 4 oz. servings of lean protein, plus the use of fat-flushing spices like cumin, daily. “These help the body build more calorie-burning muscle,” Dr. Gittleman says. “Plus, the antioxidants help the body recover from EMF damage.”

THE UPDATED FAT FLUSH GUARANTEE

Dr. Gittleman suggests alternating and repeating the two days below for a week to jump-start weight loss. Or continue the plan for up to two weeks, four to six times a year, until you’ve lost all the weight.

Day1:

Upon waking: 16 oz. cran-water; 1 gram omega-3 fatty acid supplement

Breakfast: 2 eggs (omega-3 eggs, if possible), scrambled, prepared in 1 Tbs. to 2 Tbs. chicken broth or 1 tsp. olive oil, sprinkled with 1 tsp parsley and 1 Tbs. ground flaxseed; 8 oz. cran-water

Snack: At least 1 cup fresh cut veggies, like carrots and red peppers, topped with 1 Tbs. lemon-flavored fish oil, 1 Tbs. flaxseed oil (like Health From the Sun Liquid Gold Flax Oil) or an organic low-fat salad dressing, like Spectrum Organic, and take a 1 gram omega-3 supplement; 8 oz. cran-water

Lunch: “Greek” burger made with 4 oz. lean beef topped with slices of onion, tomato and spinach, and plain yogurt in a whole-wheat pita or tortilla; at least 1 cup coleslaw (made with cabbage and other favorite slaw ingredients, and substitute the high-calorie mayo with a more flavorful blend of flaxseed oil, apple cider vinegar and lemon juice); 8 oz. cran-water

Snack: 1 apple; 8 oz. cran-water

Dinner: 4 oz. broiled salmon; 1 cup steamed cauliflower sprinkled with satisfying fat-fighting spices like cumin and cayenne and 1 Tbs. ground flaxseed; 1 steamed artichoke drizzled with 1 Tbs. lime juice and 1 Tbs. lemon-flavored fish oil or flaxseed oil; 8 oz. cran-water

Mid-evening snack: 1 to 2 cups mixed berries, like organic blueberries, blackberries, strawberries and raspberries; 8 oz. cran-water; 1 gram omega-3 supplement

MAKE THIS PLAN EVEN MORE EFFECTIVE!

Store omega-3s this way: Like other oils, omega-3—rich fish oil and flaxseed oil can get rancid. And when they do, their health effects are significantly reduced. To keep the oils from degrading, store liquid fish oil, fish oil capsules and flaxseed oil in the refrigerator. If you’d like to use flaxseed, purchase a month’s worth of ground flaxseed and store in the fridge, or pick up whole seeds (to grind as needed) and store at room temperature away from sunlight.

Prepare cran-water at the start of the day: Mix 8 oz. pure cranberry juice, like R.W. Knudsen Family, into 56 oz. filtered water to make the total daily amount of 64 oz. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, stir in a natural sweetener like stevia. And to tote your drink, try the New Wave Enviro Products 2.2 Liter Sport Water Bottle ($8, at Sunrisewd.com). Made from bacteria-resistant polycarbonate plastic, this container keeps drinks cold all day.

Day 2:

Upon waking: 16 oz. cran-water; 1 gram omega-3 supplement

Breakfast: Smoothie made with 1 cup cran-water, 1 scoop whey protein powder, like Fat Flush Whey Powder, 1 cup blueberries or raspberries (organic and frozen to make a thicker smoothie) and 1 Tbs. ground flaxseed or flaxseed oil

Snack: 6 flaxseed or gluten-free crackers, like FlaxSnackers ($5, at AnnLouiseFoods.com) with almond butter; 8 oz. cran-water; 1 gram omega-3 supplement

Lunch: 4 oz. roast turkey breast; at least 2 cups mixed salad greens (like arugula or lettuce) topped with veggies like cabbage, tomatoes and cucumbers, 1 tsp. apple cider vinegar and 1 Tbs. lemon-flavored fish oil or flaxseed oil; 8 oz. cran-water

Snack: 2 plums; 8 oz. cran-water

Dinner: 4 oz. broiled lamb chops rubbed with 1 clove minced garlic and fat-fighting spices like cumin and cayenne; 1 cup steamed broccoli and pea pods; 2 cups mixed baby greens with 1 Tbs. lemon-flavored fish oil or flaxseed oil and 1 Tbs. apple cider vinegar

Mid-evening snack: 2 small pears warmed in the oven, topped with 1 Tbs. crushed pecans and drizzled with 1 tsp. agave or sprinkled lightly with stevia; 8 oz. cran-water; 1 gram omega-3 supplement

It worked for me! “I lost 127 pounds in 12 months!”

Ugh! I’m at my wit’s end! Theresa Valente thought, brooding in the kitchen over what to have for dinner. Between driving all day and fielding calls on my cell phone, it’s a wonder I can see straight, much less eat healthy! Since puberty, Theresa had tried every diet that came her way. But the bigger her pant size grew, the smaller her world felt. “I nearly became a hermit for two years,” she says of how she isolated herself in her home or car as much as possible because she felt so depressed about her body and saddened that she couldn’t be more active with her family. “Losing weight wasn’t even my major goal anymore—I just wanted to feel good again,” she says.

One night Theresa sat in front of her computer, scanning diet websites, when she happened upon an updated version of Ann Louise Gittleman’s Fat Flush plan. Theresa realized that a big part of her weight problem could be the result of electromagnetic pollution. It made perfect sense. “I grew up around heavy-duty power lines,” she says. “And as a real-estate agent, I’m on my cell phone constantly.”

After following the Fat Flush plan faithfully for just two weeks, Theresa felt the blue mood and foggy thinking that she’d been battling for years simply evaporate. Even better, she felt daily surges of energy that were unlike anything she’d experienced since childhood. “By the time I hit the three-month mark, I’d lost 42 pounds,” Theresa remembers.

And just like that, Theresa’s world expanded. “I was so excited to be a better example to my kids—to be able to truly have fun with them again,” she raves.

All told, Theresa lost an astounding 127 pounds. “I’ve entered new territory,” she says, beaming. “I see numbers on the scale I haven’t seen since my second baby was born. And I feel fantastic!”