6 Health Benefits of Grounding
By Marilee Nelson |
After years of working with clients and experiencing my own healing, I truly believe in the power that we all have to transform our health.
It starts by making everyday choices to help us thrive. We have the power to take control.
As the warmer weather kicks in, here is one simple change that you can make today that will be a radical game changer for your health. And it’s completely free!
What Is Grounding?
Grounding, also known as earthing, involves connecting the body to the Earth's surface by walking barefoot on natural elements like grass or soil. The practice capitalizes on the Earth's electric charge, which is abundant on its surface.
By direct contact, electrons actually transfer from the Earth to the body, and by doing so offers so many benefits to the human body!
6 Health Benefits of Grounding
There are so many health benefits of grounding (1, 2).
Grounding allows you to absorb the Earth's energy. It restores your body’s natural, internal electrical stability and is one of the fastest ways to reduce inflammation. Think of it like taking handfuls of antioxidants through your feet!
The moment your foot touches the ground, you connect to the earth and your physiology changes.
Let's break down the benefits:
- Grounding improves sleep by reducing inflammation, cortisol levels, and enhancing parasympathetic nervous system activity, promoting relaxation and circadian rhythm regulation.
- Grounding can reduce pain & inflammation by electron exchange between the body and Earth's surface, neutralizing free radicals and reducing oxidative stress.
- Grounding sets the parasympathetic nervous system (rest & digest mode) in motion. It activates the body's relaxation mode by connecting with the Earth's electrons. This process helps the body shift into a state of rest and digestion and counterbalances our "fight or flight" response, contributing to overall wellbeing.
- Grounding can synchronize your body clock by facilitating electron exchange with the Earth. Exposure to sunlight on your eyelids, without sunglasses, also complements this process!
- Grounding can positively impact gut bacteria and promote a healthy microbiome. The exchange of electrons during grounding is believed to contribute to an environment conducive to the flourishing of beneficial gut bacteria, which supports your overall digestive health.
- Grounding enhances Vitamin D production. The skin acts as a solar panel and produces more Vitamin D when exposed to warmth, and grounding encourages this exposure.
How To Ground
What's the best way ground? The best way is by walking barefoot in dewy grass right away in the morning.
Note: Make sure the area you choose has not been treated with chemical pesticides and/or fertilizers.
The morning is the most beneficial as it helps synchronize your circadian rhythm and provides a natural energy boost. Plus, exposure to morning sunlight on your eyelids is also great for your circadian rhythm!
Aim for 20-30 minutes -- but any time you can do counts!
So, kick off your shoes, put down your phone, take off your glasses, and go for a walk. ☀️
Further Reading:
Marilee Nelson
Marilee Nelson is an Environmental Toxins expert who has spent nearly 30 years advocating for the chemically-sensitive and chronically-ill. She is a Board Certified Nutritionist, Certified Bau-Biologist and Bau-Biology Inspector and specializes in Food As Medicine. She has helped thousands of families and individuals identify, heal and recover from toxic exposures and is on a mission to revolutionize the way American families view their health.
