Brian (1s):
Hello and welcome to the Get Lean Eat Clean podcast. My name is Brian Gryn. I'm a certified health coach, trainer and author, and this podcast is for middle aged men and women looking to optimize their health and get their bodies back to what it once was 10 to 15 years ago. I will give you simple, actionable items to get long term sustainable results. Thanks for listening and enjoy the show.
Brian (25s):
All right, Welcome to the Get Lean Eat Clean podcast. My name is Brian Gryn. I hope you had a great weekend and happy Tuesday. If you're listening to us on Tuesday, hope you had a chance to listen to my interview with former professional triathlete Brad Kerns. I've had him on numerous times and love discussing whatever he has going on new in his life, which right now him and Markson came out with a book called Born to Walk, and we touched on highlights from that along with the problems with traditional shoes and the sedentary lifestyle. We also got into the benefits of minimalist shoes, which I have and I use from time to time. We got into how to build an aerobic base, the right way to do high intensity training and much, much more.
Brian (1m 6s):
So if you haven't already, I highly recommend my entertaining interview with Brad Kerns. That's episode four 19. Now, to piggyback that interview today on the micro podcast, we are gonna get into the benefits of grounding. So if you, if you've been feeling stressed, fatigued, or out of balance, it might be time to get into grounding, take off your shoes and reconnect with the earth. This is something I've explored from time to time and grounding, also known as earthing, is an ancient practice rooted in human history, but it's starting to gain some renewed attention in the wellness world. This practice is more than just a trendy concept.
Brian (1m 46s):
It's a scientifically supportive method for enhancing physical and mental wellbeing. So today we're gonna explore its origins, it's impact on the body, the numerous benefits and easy ways to integrate it into your lifestyle. So at its core, grounding involves direct contact with the earth, whether it's walking barefoot on the grass or soil, or even hugging a tree, or even using a grounding tool indoors, humans have traditionally had contact with the earth, which provided a natural rero of electrons to stabilize and balance the body's electrical system. So this has been done in cultures worldwide. However, with advancements in footwear, synthetic materials, urban living, this natural connection has faded.
Brian (2m 27s):
Grounding seeks to restore what's been lost, and its benefits extend beyond just the pleasures of walking barefoot. So you might be asking, how does grounding work? Well, the answer lies in the Earth's electrical charge. The Earth's surface is, is rich in free electrons and acts as an antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals in the body, reducing inflammation and restoring equilibrium. So when your skin makes direct contact with the earth, electrons flow freely counteracting any harmful electric charges, such as free radicals in in your cells. Studies suggest that grounding may help regulate cortisol, the stress hormone leading to improved mood and energy levels.
Brian (3m 6s):
Grounding also has been linked to improving what's called heart rate variability. This is an essential measure of the parasympathetic nervous systems health. Now, there's a notable study published in the Journal of Environmental and Public Health found that grounding improved blood viscosity and reduced markers associated with cardiovascular disease. Another study reported improvements in mood and a decrease in chronic pain and inflammation for the participants who practice grounding daily. Now, while research continues to expand, the potential of grounding cannot be overlooked. Some of the physical and mental health benefits that I've researched that it's shown to improve are improve quality of sleep, reduce stress and anxiety, alleviation of inflammation, enhance athletic recovery and better overall wellbeing.
Brian (3m 53s):
Now, ways to practice grounding, simply walking outside, walking outside barefoot on the grass, sand, or rock, gardening without your gloves, working with plants and soil connects your body to the earth's electrical field. Swimming in natural waters, lakes, and rivers and oceans offer a full grounding experience, outdoor yoga, practicing yoga or mindfulness or meditation on a natural surface to combine mindfulness with grounding. Love that one. Now, there are these indoor grounding options, which I actually have one that I bought recently, and I'm gonna give that one a go. But they have these grounding mats and sheets, even grounding jewelry. If I was gonna choose one or the other, obviously we're in winter in Chicago, I'd probably geared towards more of an indoor grounding if I could, but I think whether you're doing indoor or outdoor grounding, you have to be consistent with it.
Brian (4m 40s):
Make sure that you set, I would say, at least 15 to 30 minutes daily to start noticing effects. I've done grounding before, but probably not co consistently enough to to notice any benefits. I do occasionally walk in my backyard bare fit, but right now it's about five degrees outside. Might have to go and use the grounding mat inside. The bottom line is our modern lifestyle. With synthetic souls, high rise, living hours of scrolling through screens can work against the benefits of grounding. So you're definitely fighting against the benefits of grounding. You have to make sure that you know this constant exposure to EMFs from electronic devices may disrupt the body's natural balance. Grounding is an affordable way to offset the effects of electric pollution.
Brian (5m 25s):
While obviously technology brings undeniable conveniences, grounding encourages us to reconnect with simplicity and nature. I believe grounding isn't just a fleeting wellness trend. I believe it's a time-tested practice supported by modern science and centuries of human tradition. So by creating a connection with the earth, we can combat stress better, sleep better, reduce inflammation, and reconnect with ourselves. So start small, kick off your shoes, head to your backyard, or try grounding Mat and see how you feel. Report back to me. Shoot me an email, Brian at Brian Gryn dot com. Let me know how it goes, but I think the key is consistency over a long period of time to start feeling the differences.
Brian (6m 5s):
Hopefully this can help to lead to profound changes and benefits in both your mind, body and soul. Thanks so much for listening, and if you're looking for one-on-one support for the year 2025, feel free to click on the link below, schedule a 15 minute call with me and see if you're a right fit for my program, and I look forward to talking with you in the future. Have a great rest of the day, and thanks so much.
Brian (6m 25s):
Thanks for listening to the Get Lean Eat Clean Podcast. I understand there are millions of other podcasts out there and you've chosen to listen to mine and I appreciate that. Check out the show notes at Brian Gryn dot com for everything that was mentioned In this episode. Feel free to subscribe to the podcast and share it with a friend or family member that's looking to get their body back to what it once was. Thanks again and have a great day.
