Negative Ions scam? Students at RWU not sure

Many students may have seen athletes sporting the new negative ion bracelets and necklaces, but this recently hot trend has people wondering if the whole idea of negative ions is a scam. Some swear that they have seen an improvement in their balance, while others are skeptical and believe that people who notice a change are just imagining it in their heads. Before judging the bracelets and necklaces, people should first understand the science behind the bracelets.

How Negative Ions Work

Kiflow.com states that negative ions, "neutralize free radicals, revitalize metabolism, and enhance immune function" and "purify the blood and balance the autonomic nervous system, promoting deep sleep and healthy digestion." People who are nervous about these ions being so close to the body should know that negative ions are found in the air and are already in our body; wearing accessories with negative ions on them only help to improve our source of ions. Negative ions help circulate more oxygen into the body which helps athletes fight the fatigue of exercise and by adding more oxygen to the brain. This helps people feel more relaxed.

Who Needs Negative Ions?

Although most people think that these bracelets are only for athletes, they may actually be beneficial for anyone looking to improve his or her health. In 1975, a medical clinic in Japan researched negative ion therapy and found that it treated high blood pressure and even helped slow the aging process. Brazilian hospitals use negative ion treatment to treat children with asthma. Negative ion bracelets have been spotted in the PGA Tour and LPGA tour by renowned golfers who swear by the product. The bracelets have been proved to restore golfer's balance, warm cold hands and feet, help recovery from sports fatigue, and improve concentration and focus. Josh Beckett, pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, also wears negative ions in a necklace form to help him keep his balance on the mound.

What Do Roger Williams Students Think?

Paige Congdon, a basketball player for RWU, said that she bought a bracelet because she saw a lot of other people wearing them so she wanted to try one out.

"I would wear it when I played basketball, but it didn't really make a difference when I played or worked out," Congdon said.

On the other hand Meghan Parez, a runner for RWU, took part in balance tests before buying her bracelet, and noticed her that her bracelet abundantly improved her balance.

So are these bracelets a scam or do they actually improve people's health and balance? The only way to decide is to try one out for yourself.