Grounding is esoteric bullshit! II. – studies and seafood brain theory

/ Biohacking & Transhumanism / By

In the last article we kind of looked at the importance of grounding in terms of structured (EZ water), we explained how well hydrated protein can repair our health and we also explained the role of cortisol aka collagen unwrapper.

As promised, in the second part we will already look at specific grounding studies and we will also outline a bit about the so called “Seafood brain theory”. So let’s do it!

Grounding and studies

Before we get into the specific studies and answer the “well, okay, but what does real science and real experiments have to say about all this stuff?” question that may have been on many people’s minds when they read the first article, let’s first look at what exactly might be behind the health benefits. In fact, in the last article we focused on some proteins, hormones and all sorts of possible and impossible things within the human body. However, for now, let’s try to examine the relationship between our health and grounding from the perspective of the outside world; that is, the world outside of us, outside of our bodies. Perhaps this will also give us a better understanding of what we have read so far. In doing so, we will be recapping a bit of beginner’s physics.

Our dear universe runs on a one-way energy current (DC). This one-way current of energy flows through everything on our planet, including plants, animals, humans, and the surface of our entire globe, creating a global electrical circuit.

The Earth’s DC energy continuously flows through the Earth’s crust, and everything conductive that touches the ground becomes part of this natural circuit. Human bodies are highly conductive and join this global electrical circuit whenever we come into direct contact with the earth. At the same time, the surface of planet earth is electrically influenced by solar radiation, countless lightning bolts, and other atmospheric dynamics. These phenomena endow the land and water surfaces with an ever-renewing supply of free electrons, which in turn give the earth its natural negative electrical charge.

Schumann resonance

We already know that the main mechanism thought to cause the healing effects of grounding is precisely the free electrons from the earth’s surface, which, when the body is connected to the earth, can enter the body and spread throughout the body.

However, apart from the free electrons received from the earth’s surface, we can also owe the mythical healing effects of grounding to another effect. And that is the so-called Schumann resonance.

Before we even understand what Schumann resonance is, we first need to understand what ionization is, what plasma is, and what their role is on Earth.

Specifically, ionization is the process by which atoms or molecules are stripped of electrons or, conversely, gain electrons. Ionization results in charged particles, i.e. ions. Ionization can occur as a result of many different processes, such as particle collisions, the influence of an electric field, radiation, etc. (Einstein, for example, was awarded the Nobel Prize for the photoelectric phenomenon, which explains that light can strip electrons from an atom – and thus can ionize matter).

Photoelectric phenomenon – red spheres represent electrons

And how does this relate to our Earth? Well, if the sun shines nicely on our atmosphere, it ionises it and strips it of electrons. That’s why the topmost layer of our atmosphere is called the “ionosphere”. The ionosphere contains a large number of free electrons and ionised particles, and its positive charge in its lowest layer (at about 50 km altitude, the ionosphere has the largest positive charge compared to the earth) creates a nice contrast to the negative charge of the earth. So there is a constant voltage between the earth and the ionosphere.

And how does this voltage between the earth and the ionosphere (or more precisely; its lowest layer) manifest itself? By lightning! Every second, about a thousand thunderstorms rage on Earth. Thus, the ionosphere is constantly replenishing electrons to the Earth in this way. And it is this fascinating interaction between the earth and the ionosphere caused by lightning that creates the Schumann resonance.

Lightning as a direct mechanism for replenishing the earth’s negative charge

And how does this resonance work? Well, in physics, for a resonance to continue to oscillate, the circumference of the core must be equal to or a multiple of the wavelength of the wave. If the EM waves produced by lightning coincide with the circumference of the Earth, this is when the Schumann resonance occurs, which has a frequency of approximately 7.83 Hz and encircles the entire Earth and all organisms on Earth (other frequencies occur approximately every 6.5 Hz, such as 14.3 Hz, 20.8 Hz, and 27.3 Hz, but it all depends on the position of the ionosphere).

A simple picture showing the Schumann resonance

Schumann resonance is very esoterically described as the so-called “double heartbeat of the earth”.

And if this bit of geophysics makes any sense to you, it’s time to finally link these external phenomena to the internal phenomena in our bodies. And no worries; we won’t make the connection except through study!

Studies with Schumann resonance and grounding, for example, have shown us many interesting connections. In an experiment, when an electromagnetic field with a frequency of 10 Hz (approximately the average of two “heartbeats of the earth”) was reintroduced into the living quarters of a test subject shielded from Schumann resonance, the subjects again began to synchronize with a healthy circadian rhythm (Koniver 2022).

When circadian rhythms heal injuries

Electromagnetic fields of extremely low frequency at a high statistical level thus undoubtedly affect human circadian rhythms (henceforth CRs), which means that CRs can be used as very sensitive indicators to test the impact of electromagnetic fields of extremely low frequency on human beings in general. And this is confirmed by studies (Wever 1974).

Practical experiments in the 1960s and 1970s, in turn, helped to clarify how the presence of a DC produced by the Earth helps human beings to maintain a healthy CR. Test subjects who lived for a month in an underground bunker, completely out of reach of natural daylight, were able to maintain an internal synchronization with a 24-hour day/night rhythm, even in the complete absence of sunlight. Test subjects who lived for a month in an underground bunker that was additionally shielded from the earth’s unidirectional energy (effectively shielding more than 99% of the earth’s natural electromagnetic fields) became internally desynchronized and were unable to maintain a consistent day/night rhythm. In repeated experiments with over 100 test subjects, in turn, the only test subjects that internally desynchronized were those that were shielded from our “earth’s pulse of DC energy,” but never those that were shielded only from the sun (Koniver 2022).

The studies to date thus suggest that when we become part of the Earth’s global DC circuit, it has far-reaching implications for all of our organ systems that use the energy and conductivity of DC to do work, including but not limited to – our central and peripheral nervous systems, our musculoskeletal system, and our cardiovascular system.

Grounding provides a primary source of cellular renewal and energy by supporting our mitochondria, which manage energy. And those who know mitochondria have long known that strengthening mitochondria, contributes to optimal levels of ATP production in cells. When the body is in contact with the ground, free electrons from the earth entering the whole body act as natural (meta)antioxidants, neutralizing reactive oxygen species and other oxidants in the repair area and protecting healthy tissue from damage (thus creating better redox and free radical protection). Grounding further improves sleep quality, normalizes CR, supports metabolic function as a whole, improves mood, helps relax muscles, reduces pain and stress, shifts the autonomic nervous system from sympathetic to parasympathetic activation, increases heart rate variability (HRV), accelerates wound healing, reduces blood viscosity and improves flow, distribution and balance of blood and lymphatic circulation, also improves digestion and reduces bloating.

After incorporating grounding into our daily routine, our hormones and cortisol rhythms normalize over time, and our blood sugar levels also stabilize (Sinatra 2022; Koniver 2022). Other effects of connecting with the earth relate mainly to inflammation, immune responses, and the prevention and treatment of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

Grounding further:

  • Reduces or eliminates symptoms of inflammation and helps address the cascade of inflammation and autoimmune signals in hormonal pathways (Oschman 2015; Menigoz 2020).
  • Contributes to faster recovery and less pronounced markers of muscle damage and inflammation (Müller 2019).
  • Provides greater pain relief and reduced inflammation after exercise in grounded test subjects versus sham-grounded ones (Jamieson 2022).

Seafood brain theory

(Disclaimer: this is not a stoned-ape theory essay)

Now that we have the study part over, let’s take a look at a little story that will explain the origin of grounding itself and its evolutionary purpose for us humans.

A theory called “seafood brain” suggests that an increased supply of seafood, especially fish and shellfish, was a key factor in the rapid growth and development of the human brain. In fact, seafood is rich in important nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids (especially DHA and EPA), iodine, selenium and zinc, which are essential for optimal brain development and function.

Our ancestors living along the coast of Africa had access to plenty of seafood and probably included it in their diet. This change in dietary habits may have played a role in the evolution of the human brain and the development of abilities such as complex thinking, communication and tool culture.

Evidence for this theory comes from studies of fossils, archaeological finds, genetic analyses, and current research on the impact of seafood nutrients on the human brain and health.

But how does this relate to grounding?

Our planet is inhabited by many animal species, but biologically, humans are unique. Why did we become the only species on the planet to walk on two legs and how did we achieve such a high level of intellectual and cultural complexity?

The traditional explanation for our erectness is that we adapted to the need to have our palms free for work and movement, which in turn allowed our brains to evolve and acquire food. However, there is an alternative theory (I don’t mean the stoned ape theory) that says our foot evolved to improve so-called grounding and better assimilate more electrons, which fueled our massive brain development.

And it is this idea that suggests to us that our morphological evolution is not just the result of natural adaptation and natural selection, as Darwin claimed. Instead, we could be the product of nature’s intriguing quantum experiments, much as Richard Dawkins argued with memetics (or, in a bit more detail, Werner Heisenberg argued when he co-founded quantum mechanics). But what exactly could be behind this?

Electrons and the quantum evolution of humanity

Electrons are subatomic particles that can behave both as a particle and as a wave, which means they behave based on probabilities and not absolutes. Evolution behaved similarly during our development. This fact shows that when we had the opportunity to get electrons with dual capability and thus increase the amount of probabilities, nature took advantage of it in every possible way. Using their unusual behaviour, it was able to create a perfect quantum system in the form of the human body. And it did this by taking the first step in our evolution, which was to modify the thumb and the foot.

Bipedalism and the brain

A groundbreaking discovery within this field was specifically Australopithecus afarensis called “Lucy” which showed that bipedalism (“two-leggedness”) preceded the development of the brain and other morphological changes; such as the development of the pelvis.

And there is no doubt about it. Based on seafood brain theory, the development of bipedalism in human ancestors was an important step that allowed for better grounding and the pumping of electrons from the ground.

Since our ancestors of the genus Homo originated in Africa, where they had vast amounts of DHA available from seafood, such foot evolution was no accident.

This is because the more electrons we assimilate, the more light we can absorb through the photoelectric phenomenon. This is in fact why we consumed DHA-rich seafood in Africa – for those who don’t happen to know, it is DHA that allows us to convert light into electric current. And this is something that gave us a bit more probability (and less absolutes) in life, and partly (I deliberately write “partly”, as proponents of stoned-ape theory may disagree) drove our early development and morphology, which later allowed us to develop upper limbs and move more.

In fact, versatile and natural movement is something that stimulates brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which allows us to develop our nervous system and therefore our brain.

This is exactly why grounding and an adequate supply of electrons was, and still is, crucial for us. Natural movement comes afterwards, but is also important (if the electron condition is met).

Sweat glands

Humans are the only primates on Earth that have sweat glands on the soles of their feet and palms. It doesn’t really make much evolutionary sense for primates, since monkeys with sweaty palms usually end up broken on the ground trying to catch themselves on a branch. On the other hand, such sweating moistens and even “salts” the surface of the body by which we come into contact with the surface of the Earth.

In human terms, this means nothing more than an increase in the conductivity of the foot and palm, which gives us a better grounding and thus we assimilate more electrons and even more quickly.

However, we are not the only primates that have sweat glands. This adaptation is also found in some species of monkeys, such as the narrow-nosed monkeys (Catarrhini) that live in Africa. And it is no coincidence that it is the narrow-nosed monkeys that spend most of their lives feeding by the seashore.

So the foot didn’t just evolve for no reason. The human body, in short, needs electrons. Even the human “satiety hormone,” leptin, whose main function is to regulate energy intake and expenditure in the body, is influenced by the energetic value of food at the molecular level, i.e., by electrons, not just by some calories (when fat stores are high, leptin stimulates satiety and reduces the need to consume more food; conversely, when fat stores are low, leptin levels drop, causing increased hunger and reduced energy expenditure). Leptin is synthesized directly by fat cells (adipocytes) and it is in the fat under the skin that it has brilliant access to light, which interacts with electrons through the photoelectric phenomenon.

Ultimately, then, a better understanding of bipedalism, grounding, natural movement, and all of this quantum bullshit that goes on can help us explain how the human species has evolved and adapted to different living conditions.

At the same time, however, it is very important for us “modern domesticated monkeys” to realize that movement itself is not everything. In the wrong environment, such as an enclosed gym “floodlit” with blue light, movement can even do more harm than good. It is therefore essential to consider the overall context in which our activity takes place and our interactions with the environment.

Conclusion

Grounding is becoming an increasingly recognized and popular concept, especially in the context of health and wellness. By being directly connected to the Earth, we are able to receive and utilize electrons that can help reduce inflammation, boost the immune system, and improve overall health and well-being.

Just as the evolution of the foot has allowed us to make better use of grounding, the development of sweat glands on the soles of the feet and palms of the hands has in turn increased the conductivity of these surfaces. And this may have been key in driving the massive development of our brain and overall morphology.

In addition, natural movement and versatility, as we saw in the monkey example, was an important factor that stimulated BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) production. This factor helped the development of the nervous system and therefore the brain.

In this way, grounding and its effects on the human body and development could be much more important than originally thought. Although this concept may seem implausible to skeptics, there is much evidence that points to its importance. We do have some studies, and I firmly hope that new ones will continue to be added.

Resources

Grounding studies

Studies on the seafood brain theory

  • Cunnane, S. C., & Crawford, M. A. (2003). “Survival of the fattest: fat babies were the key to evolution of the large human brain”. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Molecular & Integrative Physiology, 136(1), 17-26. This study highlights the importance of omega-3 fatty acids (especially DHA) from seafood for the growth and development of the human brain during evolution.
  • Broadhurst, C. L., Wang, Y., Crawford, M. A., Cunnane, S. C., Parkington, J. E., & Schmidt, W. F. (2002). “Brain-specific lipids from marine, lacustrine, or terrestrial food resources: potential impact on early African Homo sapiens”. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part B: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 131(4), 653-673. This study highlights the importance of seafood and its nutrients for human brain development and the health of our ancestors.
  • Joordens, J. C., Kuipers, R. S., Wanink, J. H., & Muskiet, F. A. (2014). “A fish is not a fish: Patterns in fatty acid composition of aquatic food may have had implications for hominin evolution”. Journal of Human Evolution, 77, 107-116. This study analyses the fatty acid composition of different types of fish and shellfish, suggesting that our ancestors had access to nutrient-rich seafood that may have contributed to brain development.
  • Marean, C. W. (2010). “Pinnacle Point Cave 13B (Western Cape Province, South Africa) in context: The Cape Floral kingdom, shellfish, and modern human origins”. Journal of Human Evolution, 59(3-4), 425-443. This study focuses on archaeological findings at Pinnacle Point Cave in South Africa, where evidence of seafood consumption by our ancestors who lived 164 000 years ago has been found.