The Problem with Free Radicals and Inflammation, and how Earthing Can Help

The latest research shows that free radicals have a direct link to the cause of inflammation.  This may be new information to the average person but there is even more exciting news regarding the treatment thereof. Many are unaware of the varying health terminologies.  

Below is a layman's’ guide providing short definitions to used to explain the role of free radicals and cause(s) of inflammation, as well as the concept of Earthing:

What is a Free Radical?

“A free radical is a molecule with an unpaired electron”

Afzal & Armstrong, 2002 in “Fractionation of herbal medicine for identifying antioxidant activity”. Found: Armstrong, D. (Ed.) Methods in Molecular Biology, vol. 186: Oxidative Stress Biomarkers and Antioxidant Protocols, Humana Press Inc.)

The need for antioxidants in our daily life is becoming more critical with increased exposure to free radicals.Pollution, cigarette smoke, drugs, illness and stress canincrease our exposure.”

Free radicals are also known as reactive oxygen species (ROS). The above authors explored the concept of anti-oxidants and their relationship to free-radicals, however, the information has been updated since.

What is Inflammation?

Medicine Net defines inflammation as: “A basic way in which the body reacts to infection, irritation or other injury, the key feature being redness, warmth, swelling and pain. Inflammation is now recognized as a type of nonspecific immune response.

NCBI: The US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Healths’article  published in 2010 reiterates that inflammation is an immune response to the exposure of free radicals.

Please bear with us for a moment as we walk you through, from relatively archaic theories, to the following groundbreaking discoveries.

What is Earthing or Grounding?

Earthing and Grounding are actually different terms for expressing the same concept. ‘Ground or earth’ in a mains electrical wiring system is a conductor that provides a low impedance path to the earth to prevent hazardous voltages from appearing on equipment.

It relates almost precisely to the human body (“mains electrical wiring system”), free radicals (“hazardous voltages”), the earthing process (“low impedance path”) and the earth, well, “the earth”!

Relating Earthing to the “low impedance path”, gives us an indication of what the process entails - in an Electricians terms!

But what does it mean in everyday living and more importantly, what repercussions does it involve regarding inflammation? 

We explain Earthing as the following process:

“Electrostatically seen, if 2 conductive objects with different electrical potential, human (+) and earth (-) in this case, are in connection, their charge as good as instantaneously comes into balance. In this natural harmony, our constantly accumulated free radicals are neutralized, the aging process is inhibited, we feel back as fit as a fiddle and our recuperation capability (immune system) works again in optimal condition. The body restores itself very quickly.” 

For many this comes as a bit of a shock.  In the Western Culture we’ve been told to change our lifestyle and diet to increase our intake of antioxidants (eg. raw cocoa beans, goji berries, wild blueberries - all with top ORAC scores) and various other recommended activities.  But now we’ve come to learn that simply taking it step-by-step (literally) whilst barefoot on the earth, your body will naturally neutralise and heal.

But HOW do these free radicals (ROS) cause inflammation?

The answer to this question lies in the fact that there are not only ‘bad’ free radicals but there are ‘good’ free radicals too. The ‘good’ free radicals in our bodies attack bacteria and break down injured cells.  Their actions are essential to protect us from infection and they make space for regenerative cells that will repair an injury.

These ‘good’ free radicals are not neutralized by the earthing process as they are ‘sent’ by the body to specific areas that require assistance and healing. They are delivered to these injured/infected sites in high concentrations and use their electron-grabbing/bonding abilities for ‘good’ use.

However, we are trying to illustrate how free radicals (‘good’ and ‘bad’) cause inflammation and one example of the onset is as follows:

“If the human body is not grounded (ie. insufficient earthing) the ‘good’ free radicals can transform into ‘bad’ free radicals.  In this case, the ‘good’ free radicals can ‘leak’ from an injury site and cause damage to the tissue surrounding the area… This causes a pocket of inflammation.” -Earthing Institute

How do all of these fit together (ROS, Inflammation, and Earthing)?

In short, with regards to inflammation, the ‘bad’ free radicals (+ positive charge) are drawn away from the pocket of inflammation toward the earth (- negative charge). These ‘bad’ free radicals are then neutralized, thus leaving the site of inflammation open for the ‘good’ free radicals to continue their work of restoration.  And most importantly, the inflammation is reduced and finally obliterated.

Now that you are informed regarding the free radicals causing inflammation, the pivotal role of earthing and the various old theories versus new ones, we’d like to show you the multitude of positive outcomes and media exposure.

Case Studies and Media Coverage:

In the Journal of Information Research, you will find an articleexpanding on this topic. The paper features well researched content and documented experimental statistics. One such example is the accelerated improvement of an 8-month-old, non-healing open wound suffered by an 84-year-old diabetic woman, images are included to further substantiate the evidence.

The medical fraternity is not solely showing signs of ‘conversion’, but public icons such as Dr Oz are not able to dispute the science and positive outcome. In a recent interview by Dr Oz, Dr Mercola argued the benefits of Earthing/Grounding and “By the end, Dr. Oz seems to agree that there’s probably something to the theory behind grounding ourselves ... A large statement for such a professional in the public eye…”

According to theaward-winning book,Earthing: The Most Important Health Discovery Ever? By Clinton Ober, Steven T Sinatra (MD), Martin Zucker and founded by fore-worded by James L Oschman PhD;

“The solution for chronic inflammation, regarded as the cause of most common modern diseases, has been identified! And it is not blueberries. It is something right beneath our feet - the Earth itself!”

Earthing is taking the globe by storm as the scientific investigation is proving consistent results - showing that electrons can, in fact, act as a replacement of traditional antioxidants!

Take your first step in Grounding yourself and educate yourself and your loved ones on the topic.

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