What is magnetic storm and how it affects us

Usually, magnetic storms develop in the mid and low latitudes. They can last only a few hours, but sometimes they last up to several days. This phenomenon develops due to strong surges of solar wind called a coronal mass ejection. The gust of solar wind disturbs the outer part of the Earth's magnetic field and creates a sort of a shock wave. The wave generates electric currents, affecting the Earth's magnetic field. The fluctuations of the magnetic field we call a "magnetic storm."
 
The effect of magnetic storms adversely affects people who are predisposed to them (according to different data, this is approximately 50-70% of the population worldwide). Keep in mind that the onset of stress reactions to magnetic storms can be observed at different times in every person.

Some people react to the storm 1-2 days before it happens. Others feel bad at the peak of this phenomenon, while the third group demonstrates symptoms of malaise after some time after the event.

Magnetic storms can significantly affect people's health and their activities - they destroy power systems, worsen the transmission of communications, and harm navigation systems. In addition, there are frequent auto- and air crashes and injuries in various industries. Along with this, physicians found that the number of suicides increases (by five times) just during magnetic storms.

A few days after the end of the storm, the number of strokes with infarcts and hypertensive crises increases. Diverse data show that this indicator rises immediately by 15% during storms.

The effect of magnetic storms on the body

Magnetic storms have the most severe effect on people with cardiovascular pathologies, abnormal blood pressure, mental disorders, and vegetovascular dystonia. However, healthy young people usually do not experience any discomfort.

Symptoms

Different people may have different reactions. Some of the most common reactions are:
· migraines;
· headaches;
· muscle and joint pains
· sleep disturbance (drowsiness or insomnia);
· mood swings or excessive irritability;
· irregular heart rhythms (tachycardia, arrhythmia, palpitations) ;
· sharp spikes in blood pressure;
· general malaise and fatigue;
· exacerbation of chronic pathologies.

How to reduce the effect of magnetic storms?
People who depend on meteorological conditions and those who have chronic pathologies need to monitor magnetic storms in order to avoid additional stress. 
• One needs to rest more and reduce emotional and physical loads as much as possible. 
• Avoid overeating, do not drink alcohol, and limit consumption of fatty and processed foods, as they are harder on your stomach. 
• Limit sugar consumption -it is better to eat more fruits, such as blueberries, bananas, apricots, raisins, citrus, cranberries.
• Take some time for a light massage to improve the circulation before getting up to avoid dizziness. 
• If possible, try to use only ground transportation since the negative effect of storms is stronger in aircraft and subways. 
• Remember that some drivers may have slower reactions even on the second day after the storm, so being highly attentive behind the wheel is necessary. If you are seriously meteorologically dependent, it might be better to avoid driving altogether.
• An extra dose of vitamin C or a small amount of aspirin to thin the blood will reduce the risk of blood clots. But it's better to check with your doctor if you have any counter indications or a bleeding disorder.
• Warm showers twice a day help to deal with stress and muscle tension.
• If you experience increased anxiety, irritability, or insomnia, consider herbal remedies, such as peony, motherwort, and valerian, either as teas or supplements.
• Herbal teas with raspberry or strawberry leaves, chamomile, or mint are better than regular tea.
• A tisane of St. John's wort, dog-rose petals, rosehip, and lemon balm lightens the mood, relaxes the mind, and clears brain fog.