Negative ion generators are marketed as devices that clean the air and improve health, but their effectiveness is often exaggerated. While they may help with allergies and asthma, they are not a miracle cure and should be considered carefully. Claims of benefits for mood disorders are not yet validated by large-scale studies.
Non-traditional methods of healthcare are very popular in our culture today. Some practices that were once considered ridiculous, such as acupuncture, are now quite acceptable within mainstream medical thought. Trends for alternative treatments come and go, and while many have ultimately been proven to be little but latter-day snake oil, some appear to hold promise. To some extent, the health benefits of negative ions fall into the latter category.
There is a lot of debate about negative ions, both for and against. Most of the companies that make these devices make a number of grandiose claims, all of which are largely unproven. However, this is not to say that the claims lack some amount of validity. Ion generators can contribute to good health, however the shrillness of the advertising should be taken with a grain of salt.
You will generally read that ion generators clean the air of dust and dust mites, animal dander and mold spores. It will often be further claimed that negative ions can kill harmful germs and bacteria and remove unwanted smoke and odors. Typically, the sales pitch touts generators as a boon for those who suffer from allergies or asthma. Some models are even equipped with an ultraviolet filter that is supposed to help in the cleaning process.
The truth of the matter is that negative ion generators remove a certain amount of particles from the air. However, several clinical studies have shown that its effectiveness is often exaggerated. Machines that produce negative ions can fetch hundreds of US dollars (USD) or more, and the consumer would be wise to consider all claims carefully. Generators can help asthma and allergy sufferers, but they are far from a miracle cure. People may do best by avoiding allergens as much as possible and consulting with a health professional about possible drug therapies.
Some proponents say that negative ions can help those affected by depression, mood disorders, chronic fatigue, or seasonally affected disorder. In this case, there have not been enough large-scale clinical studies conducted to validate or invalidate the efficacy of negative ions. However, some smaller studies indicate that exposure to negative ions can increase serotonin levels in the bloodstream. Serotonin is a chemical naturally produced in the body that improves mood.
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