What is Grounding?

Grounding, also known as earthing, is a wellness practice that involves connecting with the earth by barefoot exposure to the ground, or through other means such as using special mats or sheets. While some people may view it as "hippy stuff," the practice has a growing body of scientific evidence supporting its potential health benefits. These benefits include reducing inflammation, improving sleep, reducing stress, and promoting overall well-being. However, it's important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the effects of grounding and more conclusive evidence is required to support its health benefits.

The science behind grounding involves the transfer of electrons from the Earth to the body, which are believed to have a range of health benefits.

The idea behind grounding is that the earth has a negative electric charge, and our bodies have a positive charge due to the buildup of electrons from sources such as electronic devices, stress, and unhealthy diets. By connecting with the earth, grounding allows the transfer of electrons from the earth to our bodies, potentially neutralizing this positive charge and reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.

What can grounding do for you?

Research on grounding has shown promising results in areas such as possibility of reducing inflammation, improving sleep, reducing stress, and promoting overall well-being. For example, one study found that participants who grounded for just one hour had a significant decrease in levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Another study showed that grounding for just 30 minutes improved sleep and reduced pain and fatigue in people with chronic pain.

Is grounding good for post workout recovery?

Some studies have shown that grounding can help reduce oxidative stress and improve circulation, which can be especially beneficial for post-workout recovery.

To incorporate grounding into your post-workout routine, try going for a walk barefoot on natural surfaces such as grass, sand, or soil, or consider using an earthing mat or sheet to sleep on. To optimize the benefits of grounding, it is recommended to spend at least 30 minutes in direct contact with the Earth each day.

Science or Fad?

While there is some scientific evidence to support the health benefits of grounding, it is still a relatively new area of research and more studies are needed to fully understand its effects. Despite this, many people have reported positive experiences with grounding, including improved sleep, reduced pain and stress, and better overall health and wellbeing.

Famous athletes who are known to incorporate grounding into their routines include professional surfer Laird Hamilton and Ironman champion Chris McCormack.

FYI! Grounding is not related to the electrical wiring or grounding in a building.

Here are some scientific articles and studies that discuss the concept of grounding and its potential health benefits:

1. "The effects of grounding (earthing) on inflammation, the immune response, wound healing, and prevention and treatment of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases." - This study, published in the Journal of Inflammation Research, investigated the effects of grounding on inflammation and the immune response, and found that it had a significant impact on reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing.
2. "Earthing: Health Implications of Reconnecting the Human Body to the Earth's Surface Electrons" - This review article, published in the Journal of Environmental and Public Health, provides an overview of the history, science, and potential health benefits of grounding.
3. "Earthing: The Most Important Health Discovery Ever?" - This book by Clinton Ober, Stephen T. Sinatra, and Martin Zucker, provides a comprehensive look at the history, science, and potential health benefits of grounding.
4. "The effect of grounding on chronic pain and stress in human subjects: A randomized controlled trial." - This study, published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, investigated the effects of grounding on chronic pain and stress, and found that it had a significant impact on reducing pain and stress levels.

In addition to grounding, incorporating recovery drinks like FITAID into your post-workout routine can help support muscle recovery and optimize your health. FITAID is a drink that is specifically designed to aid in recovery and contains no artificial sweeteners, with no sucralose or aspartame or Ace-K. Instead, it uses clean caffeine from green tea extract to help energize and revive the body. The vitamins in FITAID such as turmeric, glucosamine, vitamin B12 and BCAAs also play a key role in muscle recovery, helping to reduce inflammation and support the rebuilding of muscle tissue.