Germanium is a chemical element found in trace amounts in some ores and carbon-based materials. While some promote it as a treatment for various conditions, the purported health benefits of germanium haven't been definitively supported by rigorous research. This article delves into the potential benefits and risks associated with germanium, particularly in the context of germanium earrings and other jewelry.
What is Germanium?
Germanium is a metalloid, meaning it possesses properties of both metals and non-metals. It emits negative ions and responds to infrared light. These negative ions are believed to have a positive effect on the body, similar to the effects experienced in natural environments like forests, oceans, and near waterfalls. Small amounts of germanium are found in certain minerals and plant products, including argyrodite, germanite, garlic, ginseng, aloe, and comfrey. It's also a byproduct of coal combustion and zinc ore processing.
Forms of Germanium
Germanium exists in two primary forms: organic and inorganic. Organic germanium is a man-made compound of germanium, carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, often referred to as germanium-132 (Ge-132) or germanium sesquioxide. Inorganic germanium, generally considered toxic, is commonly sold as germanium dioxide and germanium-lactate-citrate.
Purported Health Benefits of Germanium
Some proponents claim that organic germanium stimulates the body’s immune system and protects healthy cells. It has been touted as a remedy for various conditions, including allergies, asthma, arthritis, HIV, AIDS, and cancer.
Germanium is used in health jewelry as it is similar to magnets and far infrared as the emitting ions help with a variety of health ailments. Germanium works similarly to magnets as it influences your magnetic field, germanium emits negative ions which give a positive feeling like other negative ion emitting things like trees, oceans, rivers and waterfalls.
Read also: The Truth About Germanium and Weight Loss
Here's a closer look at some of the purported benefits:
- Improved Blood Circulation: Germanium can help with improving blood circulation as the negative ions penetrate the body helping with an improved blood flow.
- Pain Relief: Although there is very little research done on the effects of germanium it is also known for alleviating sprains and strains as well as stiffness and aches and pains.
- Negative Ion Emission: Germanium works similar to magnets and emits negative ions which is found in nature and in nature spaces like open water, ocean, waterfalls and forests. There are many benefits of magnetic bracelets, from helping with better circulation, better blood flow - which then positively impacts the healing of aches, pains, strains and anxiety.
The Role of Negative Ions
Germanium magnets are semiconductors that actually emit negative ions that respond to infrared light. Negative ions have a very positive effect on us, negative ions are found in nature, trees, oceans, flowers, waterfalls and any other places where nature is found.
Risks and Side Effects
Despite the claimed benefits, it's crucial to acknowledge the potential risks and side effects associated with germanium. Germanium can break down kidney tissue, leading to kidney damage. In severe cases, it can cause chronic kidney failure and even death.
Other potential side effects include:
- Fatigue
- Anemia
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Nausea and vomiting
- Muscle weakness
- Problems with muscle coordination
- Problems with peripheral nerves
- Elevated liver enzymes
- Liver and nerve damage
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has banned the import of all germanium-containing products promoted as drugs or dietary supplements for human consumption.
Read also: Weight Loss Earrings: Hype or Help?
Germanium in Jewelry: Earrings and Bracelets
Germanium is incorporated into jewelry, particularly health jewelry, due to its potential health benefits. Germanium bracelets can be worn to help with a number of health ailments, the negative ions emitted can help with having a positive effect on the body.
Germanium Magnets and Far Infrared
Germanium magnets are semiconductors that emit negative ions that respond to infrared light. Far infrared (FIR) is an electromagnetic radiation with longer wavelengths and lower energy. The earth, water and the human body all emit FIR around 10 Microns, which shows that we emit a higher energy far infrared radiation. (FIR) is combined into jewellery by using materials that naturally emit FIRor materials can be coated with FIR-emitting powders or nanoparticles. Certain materials and textiles can have FIR-emitting nanoparticles woven in to the fabric also.
Far - infrared has positive benefits for muscles, joints and can penetrate fairly deep and help healing of the internal organs too.
Jewelry Materials and Design
Germanium is often combined with other materials in jewelry, such as:
- Stainless Steel: This robust material provides durability and is often used in magnetic bracelets for arthritis.
- Titanium: This strong and resilient metal is incredibly light, making it comfortable to wear.
- Ceramic: This material is used to create slimline and subtle designs.
- Magnets: These are often incorporated to provide additional health benefits.
- Copper: This metal is known for its potential health benefits.
Jewelry designs range from classic and traditional to unique, modern, contemporary, and elegant.
Read also: Lymphatic drainage earrings: Benefits and effectiveness.
Scientific Evidence and Research
The health claims made for germanium aren’t well supported by research. According to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, there’s no scientific evidence to support its use for treating arthritis, HIV, or AIDS. Human studies also suggest it’s not suitable for treating cancer. Scientists are studying germanium to learn if it can help reduce the side effects of certain cancer treatments. However, more research is needed.
A 2012 study examined changes in rat fecal bacteria and found no correlation that Ge-132 accumulated in rat bodies by weighing the body organs. It should be noted that no organs were tested for germanium levels to confirm accumulation did not occur.
Researchers are still looking into the benefits of germanium although there are no investigational new drug applications on file with the FDA for at this time.
Far Infrared (FIR)
Far infrared is an electromagnetic radiation, it has longer wavelengths and lower energy. In comparison the earth, water and the human body all emit FIR around 10 Microns, which shows that we emit a higher energy far infrared radiation. (FIR) is combined into jewellery by using materials that naturally emit FIRor materials can be coated with FIR-emitting powders or nanoparticles. You can also find certain materials and textiles that can have FIR-emitting nanoparticles woven in to the fabric also.
Factors Influencing the Effectiveness of Energy Bracelets
If your energy bracelet has magnets, germanium, far-infrared or is made with copper than there is a chance that it could help. Energy bracelets depend on a lot of factors such as the individual, how long they are worn for and what health ailments you have.
Conclusion
While germanium is promoted for various health benefits, scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited. The risks associated with germanium consumption, including potential kidney damage and other side effects, outweigh the potential benefits. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before using any germanium-containing products, including earrings or other jewelry.
It’s important to do your homework before taking supplements. Always talk to your doctor before taking a new supplement or trying an alternative treatment. They can help you understand its potential benefits and risks.