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April/May 2019 13 healthy living ABSORBING GAIA'S ELECTRONS Easy, Breezy Earthing By Matthew Van Diepen For thousands of years, we have evolved in close proximity to our food sources and to nature. Only in the past 100 years or so have we made this leap from surrounding ourselves in the environment of the natural world with trees and soil to a man-made one that's been sterilized and paved over. This isolation from, and dominion over, nature is leading to some very serious consequences upon our health as well as that of this planet. Fortunately, people are intuitively seeking a reunion with nature. Scientists and laymen alike are developing systems of analysis to document the real benefits we receive when we are in nature and interacting with the earth. For example, the process of earthing or grounding (walking barefoot on the soil) has been proven to significantly reduce inflammation in the body, the root cause of many chronic dis-eases. Cardiologist Dr. Stephen Sanatra says, "Mother Earth is endowed with electrons. And these electrons are literally absorbed through your feet. It's like taking handfuls of antioxidants but you're getting it through the feet!" Research now indicates connecting one's feet to the earth has profound benefits for our health. Ailments like PMS, TMJ, arthritis, colic in babies, and snoring were all alleviated when patients were grounded to the earth. Inflammation in the body was reduced by 60-70% when participants were connected to the energy flow of the earth. While there are devices you can purchase to ground, simply taking off your shoes and standing on the grass or bare soil will slow or stop oxidation of the cells in your body, quickly reducing inflammation and pain. Moist, clay-like soils are the best for grounding but anywhere there are plants or grass growing the soil will be wet, increasing its conductivity and your body's ability to absorb electrons from it. When the body is not experiencing inflammation, diseases like cancer and heart disease become unable to take hold in the body. The value of earthing/grounding for humans and all living things on earth cannot be overstated. Beyond absorbing the benefits from Mother Earth through our feet, we can also grow, eat, and breathe our way to better health. Microbiome present in soils is really good for the microbiome in our stomach. These soil microbes have been shown to help with depression and elevate one's mood. Studies show some of these soil microbes act like antidepressants on the body and reduce stress. The good news is that you don't have to eat dirt to get these microbes. Eating vegetables, fruits, or herbs directly from the garden can give you the same microbe profile. Studies have shown that these microbes have increased the serotonin production in the brain as well as improved the immune system. It turns out even just breathing in the air from the garden or another natural environment will instantly improve the body's ability to function and cope. Microbes are ubiquitous on our planet and in our bodies. The sooner we realize that this relationship is a dance and not one subject to control the better off we will be. Microbes are everywhere and on everything all the time. There is growing evidence that the microbial profile of natural environments is far superior to that which we have created indoors and in cities. So, get outside! Go for a barefoot walk in the park or the mountains. Grow a plant on your windowsill or a garden in your front yard. Eat something fresh and organic from the farmer's market or pick some herbs in your neighborhood. Your body will thank you for it. Matthew Van Diepen began growing food sustainably in an effort to reverse the effects of industrialized agriculture and climate change. He is the owner/founder of Home Grown Gardens. Visit www.homegrowngardensla.com.