As I type this article I’m sitting barefoot on the edge of our porch, under an umbrella so my computer doesn’t get soaked, with my bare feet in the grass just after a powerful lightning and rain storm. Let me tell you why. We’ve all heard of, and many of us have used, antioxidants. Substances like vitamin C, vitamin E, glutathione, beta carotene, selenium and lycopene are examples of antioxidants. Foods like raspberries, kale, spinach, beans, beets, carrots and every brightly coloured food and herb are loaded with antioxidants.
These powerfully protective substances help to defend our healthy cells from damage due to molecules called free radicals. Free radicals have an unpaired electron in their outer orbital and, as such, are very unstable. Molecules with unpaired electrons are always searching for an extra electron to pair with to make them more balanced. When free radicals come into contact with another object, be it a bacteria, virus, cancer cell, toxin or even a healthy cell, they violently strip an electron from the other object and, in so doing, destroy it.
This process is how our immune system protects us and is the fundamental cause of chronic inflammation. Inflammation is the fundamental cause of most chronic disease. This is really important stuff and why it is healthy to eat a diet rich in antioxidant containing foods and why taking supplements like vitamin C and glutathione can be so healing. Well, it turns out that in addition to a good diet and antioxidant supplementation there is a free source of unlimited antioxidants ready for you to take in at any time.
The earth’s surface is loaded with negatively charged electrons. By simply touching grass, dirt and rock with bare skin your body absorbs these electrons which in turn pair with the outer electron of a free radicals in your body and make the free radical harmless. This process is called earthing and there are more than 20 peer reviewed studies proving that it reduces inflammation and pain, can be used to speed wound healing and both prevent and treat chronic inflammatory diseases like heart disease, diabetes, MS, lupus and arthritis.
Sound hokey? Simply do an online search for “peer reviewed research on earthing” and you will find many high quality, peer reviewed research studies showing the power of simply touching the earth with your skin. Next week I will write more about how earthing works. In the meantime, if you want a big dose of antioxidants, follow my lead, take your socks and shoes off and go outside and touch the earth.