The Revitive Medical device is an excellent product, and it’s capable of affecting change throughout the entire body.
One reason the device is effective is that it’s powerful.
–> To read about how and why the Revitive is so effective, check out the article: The Body is Electric.
And, with any powerful device, it’s important to use it wisely — to both achieve maximum results and avoid setbacks. How to use the Revitive depends, mostly, on you — and your body.
Generally speaking, you’re probably one of two types of people:
you’re not very sensitive to most things
you’re quite sensitive to many things
Do you know which type of person you are? If so, great! This will help you know what to expect from the Revitive.
Let’s explore how you should get started using the Revitive?
Establishing a Baseline
What does the Revitive User Manual recommend?
The Revitive user manual recommends 1-2 sessions per day, with an upper limit of “up to six (30-minute) sessions per day.”
The manual recommends an intensity setting of 40 and above — but this is likely optimized for typical, not-sensitive people.
It also recommends that you drink water before and/or after each session.
Remember, the Revitive is really, really powerful — and these recommendations will almost certainly be too intense for many, if not most people.
If you’ve been dealing with any long-term chronic health issues, especially ones that interfere with your body’s homeostasis, it’s almost certain that you will need to start more gently.
So how do we begin using the Revitive more gently?
How should you start using the Revitive if you’re sensitive?
If you’re sensitive, it’s likely you’ll notice some unwanted effects from the Revitive, at least at first.
The most common might be sleep disturbance, related to dehydration, falling blood sugar, or simple energizing of the body.
Second, you might notice that the sensations are overwhelming — even on tiny settings.
There, if you might be sensitive, only do one or two sessions per day, to begin.
Then find the intensity setting that feels comfortable. For some that might be 50 and above. For others, that might be closer to 7-20. For a few, it might be all the way down below 4.
There is no wrong setting to use the Revitive! Even at the lowest settings, the device delivers powerful free electrons to the body. It delivers quite a bit more electricity than grounding on the Earth, even below a 4.
There’s also no wrong duration to use the Revitive. Of course, more could be better because more electricity is delivered to the body, which results in more benefits.
But if your body is overwhelmed by the sudden influx of energy, the only thing that matters is that you reduce the duration to the point that you can tolerate it.
When reducing the duration of your sessions, reduce significantly if needed. The goal is to feel good afterward. A pleasant sense of energy and calm is the goal. Find the duration (and intensity) that meets this goal — even if that’s only 5 minutes on setting 2.
You may find that you can use the Revitive for longer sessions if you lower the intensity. This is highly recommended — to choose a longer session at lower intensity than the other way around.
Thus, if you can only tolerate the Revitive on level 2 — for five minutes at a time — that’s okay! I suggest doing exactly that (level 2 / five minutes) each day.
Once you’ve found your comfort zone, over a few days or weeks, see if you can raise the duration by a few minutes — before increasing the intensity.
Over time, you’ll probably find your tolerance improves, as well as the benefits as you increase usage of the device.
A few obstacles can make you less likely to tolerate the Revitive’s energy. Sick buildings may be the biggest obstacle to using the Revitive. If you’re in a sick building, you may need to use the Revitive on the lowest settings, and for short durations.
Do you tolerate the Revitive easily?
Most people will tolerate the Revitive with zero problems. These people can use the Revitive 4-6 sessions per day with no issues.
So, if you tolerate Revitive’s electrical current, I recommend 4-6 sessions per day for optimal effect.
This is the sweet spot where you will see the most benefits.
Not matter how you tolerate the intensity, it’s a good idea to work up to four (or more) 30-minute sessions per day.
Next, find the instensity level that works for you! Many folks tolerate somewhere between 40 and 60. If you’re higher or lower than that, that’s great. All that matters is that you’re getting as many free electrons as you can each day!
What if you’re very sensitive?
The Revitive is incredibly gentle in its effects — but some with chronic health conditions may notice a few interesting phenomena after use.
Keep in mind, the effects from this device on the body are due to the introduction of new electricity into the biological system — and much change happens when new energy enters tissues.
This has a great effect on the body! Both the metabolism and immunity will likely be boosted.
With these changes — especially in a state of chronic health struggles — we see the body’s homeostasis shift, sometimes rapidly. Homeostasis just means balance; the body’s balance is shifted — especially its fluid balance.
1
A chronically ill/aging body is constantly dehydrated.
This influx of beneficial electricity will spur biological activity that tends to use more water — as part of the increased metabolic and immune function.
Therefore, more water is needed to meet the dehydration initiated by the new free electrons in the body.
Dehydration typically feels like a combination of fatigue and wired: too tired to do anything, but unable to relax. Sleep is particularly hampered by dehydration.
2
The chronically ill body is depleted of minerals.
As the body’s water demands rise, more minerals & electrolytes will also be required.
Therefore, additional electrolytes (minerals) will be needed to aide in restoring hydration.
Dehydration is a function of water intake and mineral intake. The most important minerals are: sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. You may be especially deficient in one alone, or any of the four.
The Revitive’s “boosting” effect will cause both immediate and long-term effects on the body.
In the immediate, the metabolic and immune boost will use up nutrients and water — leading to symptoms of dehydration.
But over time, if we supplement those nutrients (especially minerals) and drink more water, the heightened metabolism and immunity will work together so that the body is healthier — resulting in better nutrient stores and hydration of cells.
In other words, the root causes of chronic dehydration (as a result of illness/aging) are being addressed by the free electrons.
It’s important to consider that the chronically ill/aging body is depleted of most nutrients, not just water and minerals. When the Revitive boosts metabolism, there may not be many nutrients available to use. This is a temporary depletion of nutrients as they are used up.
What the Revitive does, though, is address the root cause of nutrient depletion — which is inflammation. Over time, the body will be in a better place to be able to absorb those nutrients, and hydrate more properly.
Therefore, as long as you hydrate (drink water + minerals) after using the Revitive, the body should become healthier and healthier, more nutritionally sound, and better hydrated.
Think of it this way: In chronic illness/aging, water “goes right through us,” but when we are healing, the opposite happens. We stop wasting nutrients, and begin absorbing them, deeply into cells.
Free electrons — whether from the Earth, a pool, or the Revitive — calm the inflammation that blunts nutrient absorption, allowing for true hydration of cells.
3
Sometimes, the metabolic boost from this device will create a more acute need for calories.
This will especially be true if you tend to undereat, or have a long history of poor gut health and high inflammation.
Therefore, along with needing more water or minerals, additional calories might be needed to bring out the maximum benefits of a Revitive session and to reduce symptoms of dehydration.
Signs of being over-stimulated by the Revitive will nearly always present as symptoms of dehydration or low blood sugar.
These symptoms are very similar to the effects of a sauna, or any other energy-boosting hack (such as light therapy, sunbathing, or even taking thyroid hormone).
These symptoms are usually very easy to balance out yourself, simply by drinking water, taking needed minerals, or eating some food.
Concerning hydration, you could be amazed how much water you’ll need after a more intense session (or multiple sessions in a row) with the Revitive. This is a good thing. In my experience, the body will now better utilize the water you drink.
Keep in mind that a healthy body requires lots of water. As you heal, you might begin needing more water, too. This is also a very good sign. You’ll know your water is hydrating you if you feel hydrated after drinking — if your thirst is “never ending,” this is a sign of high inflammation that needs to be corrected. Free electrons can counteract the inflammation that causes endless thirst.
We’ve mentioned how powerful the Revitive is, yet this methodology — receiving free electrons from the Earth or a device — is still one of the most gentle and holistic approaches we have.
Only those who are quite sensitive to environmental and dietary variables will experience much sensitivity to the Revitive. The first symptom they may notice is usually sleep disruption — in which case they should back off intensity/duration of sessions.
But for those of us who are sensitive, drinking more water and replenishing electrolytes is the way to both enjoy the myriad benefits of the Revitive, and mitigate any minor discomfort along the way to better health.
The benefits of the Revitive.
Personally, I require about 3-4 sessions per day to notice the majority of Revitive’s benefits.
This is easy to achieve, as I can generally find an hour or two to sit down and enjoy the Revitive each day. My favorite time to use the device is while I work, but also when I wake up and before bed.
I feel improved mental clarity, reduced inflammation, and more energy.
This reduced inflammation seems to help digestion and produce deeper sleep at night.
With the increased mental clarity seems to come more creativity and sharper analysis in my day to day work.
I also noticed two lingering sports injuries that I’ve been neglecting for months, one in my wrist and another in my ankle, seemed spontaneously heal up. The ankle was 100% better with days (truly astounding), while the wrist improved each week until better. It also seems like my teeth feel more strong and smooth than before. This is something I will continue to monitor.
I also seem to function much better on inadequate sleep than I formerly did. I’ve been unofficially testing this out lately — sleeping less — and I’m shocked how good I’ll feel on 6 hours of sleep. That would have severely impacted me before the Revitive. Make no mistake, 7-8 hours is still much better than 6, Revitive or not. And why not stack multiple variables in our favor?
In the first few months of use, multiple clients have described positive benefits from the Revitive, including better sleep and better skin. One client mentioned it is better than their grounding mat. Another client said they recommend it highly. Another client reported better digestion, and better tolerance of various gut supplements while using the Revitive.
Take advantage of the TENS pads
The Revitive can also power TENS pads, to be used around the body.
My favorite way to use them is on the palms of my hands — one on each palm.
I only use this method on an intensity setting of just 1, or 2.
This allows for a bit more electrical flow to the upper body, especially the hands and arms, but also, potentially the brain.
The Revitive‘s benefits are holistic
The Revitive’s benefits are derived from its supply of free electrons.
This is the energy that powers the entire body and all of its biological functions, the same energy the body extracts from food.
Therefore, it is entirely reasonable that we find benefits virtually everywhere, all over and throughout the body, as the result of the electrical flow from the device.
As we discuss in The Body Electric article, there are numerous published studies on PubMed showing dramatic improvements in many basic biomarkers of health — simply from standing on the Earth with bare feet. The Revitive takes that concept and amps it up several notches — significantly providing new free electrons to your entire body.
How well you take advantage of these free electrons is up to you! Any signs of dehydration are the result of something good: more energy in the body. You’ll just need to know what to do in response to the increased energy. The answer is usually more water, more minerals, and possibly more food (if you’ve been undereating).
As with all our endeavors, a strong, balanced foundation will enable you to make more dramatic (and lasting) changes in your health — so don’t forget the pillars of health such as: nutrition, sleep, food, & gut health.
Every now and then, a product comes along that could potentially shift how you feel — across your entire body.
Let’s back up though.
First, consider this:
All animal bodies move and function via electricity.
We are no different. Every activity is performed electrically — breathing, moving your limbs, brain function, & immunity.
In other words, life functions using a currency of energy… of electricity.
And real, legitimate scientific research is now demonstrating something super unusual:
Touching the earth puts you in contact with small currents of electricity. Your body then does something with the energy it gains.
What happens in the body with that electricity? A lot.
Multi-disciplinary research has revealed that electrically conductive contact of the human body with the surface of the Earth(grounding or earthing) produces intriguing effects on physiology and health. Such effects relate to inflammation, immune responses, wound healing, and prevention and treatment of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
Free electrons (electricity) can do a lot in the body. Consider one major role:
Free electrons are antioxidant
How is electricity anti-oxidant?
Consider what happens when an object — say a wrench, or chain — is oxidized.
Outdoors, metal oxidizes — mostly due to oxygen and moisture. This oxidation is what happens when metals rust.
This rust — or oxidization — means the surface of the object is losing its electrons.
Oxidation = to remove electrons.
Instead of removing, free electrons (from the Earth) add electrons.
So, providing your body with extra (free) electrons quite substantially counteracts all the oxidative stress in your body.
This is why anti-oxidants are so lauded these days. As we age and suffer poor health, our bodies become unbalanced, with high oxidative stress — not a healthy state. Antioxidants help us detox, and protect our tissues and volatile nutrients from oxidation.
And as research is showing, free electrons — from the earth — can help the body in ways that dietary antioxidants cannot.
But wait, there’s more — regarding the food we eat.
Our metabolism — how we generate energy from food — is a very specific type of metabolism. Care to guess which type?
That’s right — oxidative metabolism.
What does that mean? It means the body uses oxygen (when we breathe in) to literally steal electrons from food, so we can use it as our body’s energy. (Cellular respiration is another term for this).
We oxidize food — just like that rusty chain left outside — to get electricity.
Thus, all energy from food comes via electricity.
Yes — the energy that powers your brain, fights off pathogenic invaders, pumps your heart, moves your limbs, opens your mouth and eyelids — it’s all electricity taken from food.
…energy from food and, perhaps, from the Earth.
Or, it used to be.
Humans used to touch the Earth constantly.
Throughout history, we walked barefoot more, constantly absorbing small amounts of electricity from the ground.
Shoes had leather soles — which conduct electricity when moist. People often slept directly on the ground at night, on wool blankets that are conductive when moist.
Round the clock, this intimate contact with the Earth provided us free energy, helping us be more healthy, less inflammed, and more energized — to fight diseases better, to sleep more deeply.
It’s plausible to suggest that historic humans were supplementing free electrons nearly all day.
Ancient humans were never far from the earth’s electrical supply.
As a result of less inflammation, deeper sleep, and more efficient metabolism, it’s likely they were able to maintain energetic homeostasis with slightly lower food requirements .
Nowadays, we almost never touch the earth — and subsequently, never receive any electricity from it.
That is, unless, we dip in the ocean, or walk barefoot on the beach or in the grass. That’s when we get electricity from the earth.
Q: How is the body so electrically conductive?
Great question! Here’s how:
The body is made of semiconductive tissues.
Collagen and other structural proteinsare semiconductors.
Water plays crucial roles inenzymatic activities and semi-conduction.
Hydrated proteinsactuallyare semiconductors, and have become important components in the global microelectronics industry.
In recent studies, given awards by the Materials Research Society in both Europe and the USA, scientists from Israel made flexible biodegradable semiconductor systems using proteins from human blood, milk, and mucus.
Yes! Your entire body is made of water, minerals (electrolytes), hydrated proteins, and collagen. Your entire body is made of semi-conductors!
You are incredible — and electrical.
More evidence that you’re a walking, semi-conducting battery.
Check out fivefascinating facts about how our electrical body works:
Fact #1
The whole body has a semiconductor network
Moreover, research in cell biology and biophysics reveals the human body is equipped with a system-wide collagenous, liquid–crystallinesemiconductor networkknown as the living matrix,31 or in other terms, a ground regulation system32,33 or tissue tensegrity matrix system (Figure 11).34
This network delivers electricity to the whole body
This electricity protects the body from stress and injury
This body-wide network can deliver mobile electrons to any part of the body and thereby routinely protect all cells, tissues, and organs from oxidative stress or in the event of injury.23,31
The living matrix includes the extracellular and connective tissue matrices as well as the cytoskeletons of all cells.31 Integrins at cell surfaces are thought to allow for semi-conduction of electrons to the cell interior, and links across the nuclear envelope enable the nuclear matrix and genetic material to be part of the circuitry
Reconnection with the Earth’s electrons has been found to promote intriguing physiological changes and subjective reports of well-being.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28987038/
There’s a “surprisingly positive” effect on health.
Emerging scientific research has revealed a surprisingly positive and overlooked environmental factor on health: direct physical contact with the vast supply of electrons on the surface of the Earth. Modern lifestyle separates humans from such contact. The research suggests that this disconnect may be a major contributor to physiological dysfunction and unwellness.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28987038/
The worst and most prevalent disease — and aging itself — is linked to chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, something free electrons can directly address.
Modern biomedicine has discovered that many of the most debilitating diseases, as well as the aging process itself, are caused by or associated with chronic inflammation and oxidative stress.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28987038/
Free electrons — rapidly — calm our inflammation, in ways that dietary antioxidants and standard medical care perhaps cannot.
Electrons from the Earth quickly attenuate chronic inflammation not resolved by dietary antioxidants or by standard medical care, including physical therapy (Figure 3).
Grounding reduces pain and alters the numbers of circulating neutrophils and lymphocytes, and also affects various circulating chemical factors related to inflammation.
Free electrons treat both symptoms of inflammation, including swelling, pain, and loss of function.
Grounding reduces or even prevents the cardinal signs of inflammation following injury: redness, heat, swelling, pain, and loss of function (Figures 1 and and2). Rapid resolution of painful chronic inflammation was confirmed in 20 case studies using medical infrared imaging (Figure 3).2,3
Chronicinflammation prevents healing — but free electrons can restore it.
“Classical textbook descriptions also refer to an “inflammatory barricade” that isolates injured tissues to hinder the movement of pathogens and debris from the damaged region into adjacent, healthy tissues.
…This barrier also hinders the movements of antioxidants and regenerative cells into the blocked-off area.
Repair can be incomplete, and this incomplete repair can set up a vicious inflammatory cycle that can persist for a long period of time, leading to so-called silent or smoldering inflammation that in turn, over time, can promote the development of chronic disease.”
All of these benefits — along with those mentioned at the beginning of this article — point to a dramatic potential impact on the body.
Clearly, free electrons from the earth promote health, well-being, cognitive improvement, deeper sleep, better digestion, stronger immunity, more energy, and even improved mood.
So how do we take full advantage of these findings?
How to touch the Earth
and reap the health benefits most optimally
The following recommendations are designed to achieve maximum results — effects that we can notice and feel.
Truly beneficial habits produce excellent results and don’t have to be abandoned later — because we can observe the improvements.
First, let’s identify the best locations for free electrons:
Grass (especially wet grass)
Bare dirt or sand (especially moist)
Concrete (especially wet concrete)
Bodies of water, rivers, & streams
Notice a trend there? Moisture — water — enables electrical flow.
There are two other important variables that matter for optimal results.
#1 — Time spent touching the Earth
#2 — Amount of skin surface area
Variable #1
Time Spent
touching the Earth
The electricity in the earth is definitely there, but it’s gentle. It won’t electrocute you, and it won’t shock you, either.
So, while it’s true that there is a “vast supply of electrons on the surface of the Earth” (source) the amount of electricity we can be exposed to in the earth is still relatively low.
Which means that “earthing” takes time — lots of it — spent in contact with the ground to receive these free electrons, and to charge up the human body. Some studies suggest two hours is needed.
Consider the hours spent in nature by prehistoric humans, nearly always in contact with the planet. Our bodies are similar to theirs, and benefit from being connected to this electrical source virtually around the clock.
If we didn’t have technological advances (which we’ll explore below), it would seem logical, then, that we should spend hours per day outside, in nature, touching the ground — certainly not mere minutes.
After all, this is what humans historically benefitted from, constant contact with the Earth.
Remember, though, we’re shooting for substantial health benefits. Without technology, hours spent outside and touching the ground is the best answer.
Now, let’s look at the other important variable:
#2 — Amount of skin surface area
Variable #2
Amountof
Skin Surface Area
touching the Earth
Your skin is quite conductive, but in order to maximize electrical flow, we need to maximize surface area between Earth and your body.
This is for two big reasons:
Skin can only (comfortably) allow a certain amount of electricity at a time in a small area
There’s only so much electrical current available in one small area of Earth
The more skin is touching the earth, the more free electrons can flow into your body.
For example, when we walk barefoot in the grass, only the bottoms of the feet receive electrons.
But if you sit or lay down, more skin can be exposed to the ground. In fact, the entire length of your legs and arms could be in contact with the Earth while sitting — much more surface area.
So, what’s better? Sitting & laying down beats walking — for free electrons. Of course walking is restorative movement, and that’s a major benefit.
But here’s where things get interesting. We’ve been discussing our body posture on dry land. Let’s think about something else: water.
Consider how superior water is as a conductor (particularly when it includes minerals as electrolytes, as it does in nature).
In bodies of water (lakes, rivers, streams) are easily the best locations to ground. These are the most conductive places on the planet.
Actual water is superior for both the bottoms of our feet, alone, but also because they represent an opportunity to submerge more of the body — which drastically exposes more skin to free electrons.
My personal experience indicates that submersion in water is perhaps 10X (or higher) more effective at supplying free electrons than standing on the ground.
Submersion Speeds Up the Process
I’ve found that noticeable positive effects can be achieved in water in much less time, compared to standing on the ground — perhaps 15-30 minutes instead of 2-3 hours.
The Best Methods
to benefit from free electrons
Let’s explore the best ways to receive free electrons — into the body.
Here’s what researchers suggest as a place to start:
Earthing is as simple as routinely walking barefoot outdoors and/or using inexpensive grounding systems indoors while sleeping or sitting, practices that restore a lost and needed electric connection with the Earth.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31831261/
What an easy start!
Routinely walk barefoot outdoors
Use inexpensive grounding systems while indoors
While that is a really good start, but let’s think even bigger. Let’s be interested in clear-cut, superior methods — both the best natural method and what new technology is offering.
Let’s check out three superior options to receive free electrons. If you’re interested in Earthing, these are the best ways to do it.
Option #1
Submersion in Water
This is, hands-down, the best method for receiving free electrons.
In a body of water, virtually the entire body is in contact with electron-abundant water — meaning the entire surface area of your skin becomes a pathway for electricity to enter the body.
Even if you’re only dipping your feet — or your lower legs — in the water, this is still a fantastic source of free electrons, and will always be superior to simple bare feet on the ground.
I have found a therapeutic dose to be much shorter in water — as little as 15 minutes — but, the longer the better. Spending hours in the water is powerful, powerful stuff.
The ocean, pristine lakes and rivers, and streams are all fantastic natural sources of water for free electrons.
Pools, especially those with concrete construction, are also excellent sources of free electrons.
Your only requirement to get started, here, is a body of water nearby. If you can regularly, it’s absolutely, hands-down worth doing.
Consider 1-2 sessions per day, at 30+ minutes per session.
Option #2
Revitive
Medical Device
Every now and then, a product comes along that offers a chance to shift how you feel — through your entire body.
That product is the Revitive.
A souped-up TENS unit — with large electrode foot pads — the Revitive is capable of delivering impressive quantities of free electrons to your body.
Best of all, it feels really, really good while using it.
Electrical pulses stimulate the muscles and tendons in your feet and calves to move and flex, providing an automatic, gentle workout in your feet, ankles and lower legs. This is also great for circulation and muscle/tendon strength.
But the primary benefit, in my mind, is the free electrons — and this device delivers them in droves to the entire body.
I feel a difference even in my cognition after regular use, as well as energy levels, and fluid balance around the body. Inflammation generally feels lower after use.
This device requires virtually zero effort to use — simply rest your feet on it while you:
work at your desk
relax on the couch
watch TV
read a book
eat meals
chat with friendsorrelatives
before bed
It’s been two years since moving away from regular, daily access to a pool for my grounding. Getting the Revitive has been a complete game-changer for me, and my opinion of it is this:
It is virtually as good as spending hours in a pool each day.
What makes the Revitive so effective? Two things:
the amount of electricity the device delivers
the size of the electrodes
The Revitive provides much more electricity (free electrons) than the Earth provides.
The Earth’s electricity isn’t readily noticeable, and it certainly isn’t enough to make muscles contract. The Revitive is and does — you can feel it (it feels really, really good), and it readily makes muscles contract, enough to increase their strength.
The Revitive also has large electrode pads — they will touch the entire bottom of your feet. By comparison, TENS units (which provide similar amounts of electricity) use pads that are typically only 1-2 inches in size. Your feet are much bigger than that, and therefore, can absorb much more electricity over their surface area — and send many more free electrons into your body.
Comparing the Revitive to the Earth (or a TENS unit)?
On one hand, a TENS unit delivers high amounts of free electrons, but is somewhat limited by the amount it can deliver via small electrode pads.
On the other, the Earth delivers much lower amounts of electrons — which is why scientists recommend 2+ hours per day (or my recommendation to submerse in water) to be powerful and effective for your health.
By contrast, the Revitive can both deliver high amounts of free electrons, while also utilizing a much larger electrode pad than a TENS unit. Two or three (30 min) sessions per day can be similar to spending 30+ minutes in a pool or body of water, in terms of the free electrons provided to the body.
How to Use the Revitive
Revitive recommends up to six 30-minute sessions per day.
For maximum effect, I suggest a minimum of 2-3 sessions (60-90 minutes) daily — though more is certainly even better.
I believe this minimum threshold of 60-90 minutes daily (2-3 sessions) can be surprisingly achievable — it requires no effort, only sitting. You can do anything else while you sit and receive free electrons.
You can also walk away from the Revitive — the device will pause until you return.
Further, Revitive is extremely logical for anyone who is not able to be very active due to health challenges.
This is an excellent option if you can figure out how to make it work for your bedroom.
Remember, the Earth’s free electron supply is quite low. It takes hours of exposure to it — daily — for noticeable effects to occur.
This is why sleeping while grounded is such a fantastic way to touch the earth. You can easily achieve 7-9 hours of grounding occur — without much effort.
Many “grounding” systems exist, for purchase, to help you ground while you sleep. Real research (source, source) supports this as beneficial.
This very simple DIY system involves three components:
A conductive sheet — laid under your bedsheets
An connector cable — that connects this sheet to a “ground” source
A ground source — that is touching the Earth
The conductive/grounding sheet can be purchased here: here. You’ll want to use the HertzCloth™ option.
The connector cable can be purchased here: here. You’ll want to use the “Plug to clamp” item if connecting to your electrical 3-prong outlet, or the “Gator to clamp” item if connecting to a stake outside a window.
The ground source needs to be either 1) the ground wire in your 3-prong electrical system, (purchased here: item #A295-4 or item #A295-12), or 2) a stake driven into the ground outside a window.
First, the Hertzcloth — like all conductive fabrics — are delicate and must be washed by hand, with natural soaps (no detergents), and promptly removed from water to open air dry. This conductive fabric will likely need to be replaced every 18-24 months, if only for sanitary reasons — they cannot be washed normally.
Second, the system is a bit convoluted. It involves a grounding sheet under your normal sheets, so making the bed has an extra step: making sure the grounding sheet is situated. There will also be a wire going from under the bed sheet to either an electrical outlet or out a window (to a stake in the ground). For some people this will be fun, for others it will be worth the trouble, and for others it will look and feel like a mess.
Third, there is a strong argument that grounding like this is not advisable in areas of high EMF. Some areas, especially large cities or close to major power grid stations, have high-powered EMF fields in the ground (near power stations) or in the air (near cell towers). It is debatable whether grounding in these locations is actually helpful; some argue it could be harmful.
All that said, if you can manage this system — it can be highly worthwhile. The steady supply of electrons all night can be a powerful force for healing, energy, sleep, and inflammation-busting. I personally noticed extensive dreaming in my first nights sleeping on a grounded bed.
Touching the Earth & free electrons
Final Thoughts
Receiving electrons directly from the Earth — or from a device like the Revitive — has the potentialy to level-up your journey toward health.
Of course, the business of harvesting free electrons is, mostly, a daily routine — whether being outside with the Earth, or using a Revitive. This routine also will require time spent each day for maximum effect.
Of course, I will always insist that even five minutes of exposure to free electrons is better than nothing. Certainly!
Yet, when done with wisdom — to maximize effectiveness — significant benefits are real and verifiable by research, and anecdotally.
There are other ways to receive free electrons, too — truly fresh air, and water, for instance. We’ll share those methods soon; some of them are perhaps as powerful as intense Earthing.
What happens when the body doesn’t have enough electrons?
A lot happens biologically in an electron deficit!
In fact, this is likely the end result of most diseases: a lack of energy supply — potentially created by pathogens, inflammation, poor sleep, nutrient deficiencies, and gut dysbiosis.
Of course, when the body’s energy supply is undermined, immunity suffers dramatically. This is likely why chronic fatigue, hypothyroidism, aging, and pathogenic activity are so interrelated.
A lack of electrons can also de-saturate the electron transport chains in mitochondria, leading to chronic fatigue and slowing the cellular migrations and other essential activities of the cells of the immune system
Consider, again, that the body steals electrons from food.
What if your gut health is compromised? Electrons cannot be efficiently harvested from the diet, but will instead feed pathogens in the gut (which then release endotoxin into the blood stream, causing chronic inflammation).
Oh, how the weakened body needs pure electricity — free electrons — without the price it pays when it attempts to digest food.
Enter a potential solution: free electrons from the Earth. They enter directly through your skin — you can supply the very energy your body works so hard to extract from food.
This energy the body can receive from the environment — capable of cooling inflammation, rapidly healing the body, boosting immunity, deepening sleep, and making us resilient — is available to you without the toxins and inflammation produced by a dysbiotic gut. Simply by Earthing.
And of course, a steady and strong supply of free electrons will improve the gut microbiome, too — improving gut health and all the biological and metabolic activity that depends on it.
The health implications of accessing the Earth’s free electrons are vast — and apply to the entire population.
For instance, cardiovascular health is of particular importance as we age — cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the US.
Unsurprisingly, free electrons have been shown to improve cardiovascular health, and could even reduce the need for blood thinners like Warfarin:
Grounding increases the surface charge on RBCs and thereby reduces blood viscosity and clumping. Grounding appears to be one of the simplest and yet most profound interventions for helping reduce cardiovascular risk and cardiovascular events.
I’ve done “hacks” such as grounding for nearly fifteen years. I’ve tried some pretty ridiculous ideas!
Many of them, especially when focused on diets and silver bullet theories, were largely fruitless. Unfortunately, some were harmful to my progress, and many distracted me — for much too long — from what matters for health.
Yet, I can unequivocally say that focusing on free electrons — especially when done wisely, to maximize their effect — has been one of the most impactful “hacks” I’ve ever done. Few things come close.
My only challenge with sharing this information has been that most people I speak and work with do not have access to nature and free time to pursue touching the Earth — at least not enough to change their lives. This is why I’m so excited to have the Revitive in my own arsenal; it opens the door to share these concepts with a population who will legitimately be able to act on this information.
For years, I’ve personally noticed tremendous improvements in inflammation, muscle strength and endurance, cognition (a major reduction in brain fog), deeper sleep, better digestion, and better vitality overall. These results were not achieved in mere minutes per day — free electrons don’t work that way.
Rather, it’s wise to recognize that 60-90+ minutes (or, two hours per day of Earthing, as the research suggests) is a reasonable threshold for the major, full-body improvements we seek — whether touching the Earth, submersing in bodies of water, or using a device like Revitive.
Down the road, I’m excited to share with you a few other methods I love for receiving free electrons. They, too, have been major boons to my health — propping me up when I lived in sick buildings, and hastening my recovery once in a healthy space.
My hope for you is that you can find the boost you need to hasten your progress — whatever your goals might be, whether they be improved gut health, cooling of chronic inflammation, deeper sleep, pain relief, or a clearing of brain fog.
I believe in you, and I know your body is strong. You can do things that will amaze you, by giving your body what it needs.
Interested in learning how to implement the Revitive device in your routine?
Some 20 studies to date have reported intriguing evidence of wide and significant physiological improvements when the body is grounded vs. non-grounded.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31831261/
Multi-disciplinary research has revealed that electrically conductive contact of the human body with the surface of the Earth (grounding or earthing) produces intriguing effects on physiology and health. Such effects relate to inflammation, immune responses, wound healing, and prevention and treatment of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25848315/
However, emerging scientific research has revealed a surprisingly positive and overlooked environmental factor on health: direct physical contact with the vast supply of electrons on the surface of the Earth. Modern lifestyle separates humans from such contact. The research suggests that this disconnect may be a major contributor to physiological dysfunction and unwellness. Reconnection with the Earth’s electrons has been found to promote intriguing physiological changes and subjective reports of well-being. Earthing (or grounding) refers to the discovery of benefits—including better sleep and reduced pain—from walking barefoot outside or sitting, working, or sleeping indoors connected to conductive systems that transfer the Earth’s electrons from the ground into the body.
This body of research has demonstrated the potential of grounding to be a simple, natural, and accessible clinical strategy against the global epidemic of noncommunicable, degenerative, inflammatory-related diseases.
In the long winter months — or even during summer days — our bodies need healthy, light.
Healthy lighting includes broad-spectrum frequencies of light, in smooth natural output curves.
Clearly, sunlight — as a “blackbody radiator” (it emits a continuous spectrum) — is the best source of natural spectrums of light.
Yet, we don’t want to mimic sunlight perfectly — that would include too much UV and be too intense. After all, sunlight provides roughly 1000 watts of light on our body, alone, often with enough UV to cause serious burns.
Instead, we need indoor lighting to be:
full-spectrum
safely balanced
in reasonable doses
…so that it can encourage:
alertness
hormonal balance
great digestion
thyroid function
circadian alignment
digestive well-being
Let’s quickly explore the components of healthy indoor lighting.
First, blue and red wavelengths need to be balanced, in at least a 1:1 ratio, — if not 2-3x more red than blue.
Incandescents typically have much more red than blue, while fluorescent and LED bulbs are typically the opposite — LEDs have 2-3x the blue of red.
Incandescent bulbs are, therefore, despite poor energy efficiency, a nearly-optimal foundation for healthy indoor lighting. Yes, halogens are a type of incandescent and are thus nearly always a good alternate option, as well.
Second, sunlight produces healing infrared frequencies that are restorative for the human body. Incandescent bulbs produce massive amounts of invisible infrared light.
While this is wasteful from a lighting and efficiency perspective, these frequencies encourage health in the body. LEDs and fluorescents produce very little infrared. Therefore, incandescents are preferable for healthy indoor lighting.
Third, sunlight does not flicker — it is a smooth, continuous source of healing light.
On the other hand, LEDs and fluorescent bulbs flicker several hundred times per second — in part, to save electricity. Half the time during use, these bulbs are entirely or nearly off. LEDs flicker is virtually completely on/off — saving literally half the power required to run the bulb.
This flickering light has been shown to have detrimental effects in humans and other species.
By contrast, incandescent bulbs don’t flicker at all — they mimic sunlight in their smooth, continuous radiative energy. Again, this is more ‘wasteful’ from an energy efficiency perspective, but likely healthier for the humans living and working in a space.
Fourth, sunlight changes throughout the day, based on the amount of atmosphere it must traverse to reach the ground.
Warm reds begin each day, building with greens, and bright blues, and peaking with full UV power at midday.
Thus, using these four characteristics:
red/blue balance
infrared
non-flickering
change throughout the day
…we can successfully recreate sunlight and enjoy the benefits of healthy indoor lighting.
Let’s discuss just how easy it can be.
1
The Foundation
Red + Infrared
The best source of red and infrared light is clearly the traditional incandescent light bulb.
Sadly — at least for human health reasons — incandescents have been phased out around the world, prohibited from being sold as normal light bulbs. However, they are still available in many online retailers, and can often be sold when marketed as “specialty” bulbs.
Clear incandescents are usually best, with no filter to alter their spectral output.
Nearly any wattage can be appropriate — from 15 watts for night-time use, to 40 watts for Zoom call lighting (on the face), to 60 watts for daytime room lighting, to 150-300 watts for strong daytime room lighting or therapeutic dosages.
IncandescentBulb
Best for:
15 watts
Night-time use
40 watts
Zoom call lighting
60 watts
General purpose; Daytime room light
150+ watts
Strong daytime room light; Therapeutic light
Incandescent bulbs are easily screwed into clamp lamps for easy customization of light placement.
15 Watts
Clear Incandescent
(click to view)
40 Watts
Clear Incandescent
(click to view)
60 Watts
Clear Incandescent
(click to view)
150 Watts
Clear Incandescent
(click to view)
(click image to view)
Sometimes, especially in winter, heat lamps can be very appropriate for either room lighting or therapeutic light.
At 125 or 250 watts, they are simply incandescent bulbs on steroids — overloaded with infrared and red, and very limited in the shorter blue spectrum. However, they are missing so much blue that they need supplemental blue frequencies to successfully recreate sunlight.
Bright, clear incandescent bulbs are appropriate from sun-up to sundown.
Lower-powered incandescent bulbs (40w and lower) are safe to use even until an hour or two before bedtime.
The One LED Bulb that can Almost Replace a Clear Incandescent
Consider their SUPERWARM™ 1700K Flicker-Free A19 10W LED Bulb and its spectral output:
The SUPERWARM boasts an incredible amount of red light, with very little blue — creating its warm, 1700K color temperature. An excellent option before bed.
This bulb almost perfectly recreates clear incandescent light, with two differences:
Full-spectrum, red-rich frequencies
Zero flicker
The only downside is this bulb produces zero infrared. However, this may be acceptable in summer, when combined with another infrared-producing bulb, or at night.
In other words, the infrared produced by clear incandescents is extremely valuable to the human body, but the SUPERWARM bulb by Waveform is an incredible substitute.
This bulb’s light is attractive, appealing, and warm. Use wherever incandescents are appropriate. Especially appropriate for morning and evening use.
Just know that, theoretically, this bulb is missing infrared — which would be superior.
2
Add Some Blue
Non-Flickering LED
In reality, most incandescents alone struggle to produce enough blue to mimic sunlight — only the 150w bulbs produce any notable blue.
Even still, those stronger bulbs don’t produce nearly enough blue light to mimic sunlight.
Enter a new company I discovered earlier in 2021 called Waveform Lighting.
Waveform Lighting specializes in LED bulbs that are flicker-free and full-spectrum.
Just like the SUPERWARM (mentioned above), Waveform also offers bulbs at virtually every color temperature: 1700K, 3000K, 4000K, 5000K — and it makes sense to use one of these in addition to the incandescent. Why? To better mimic sunlight.
Blue light is essential for many biological functions:
informing the body when it’s daytime
suppressing daytime melatonin,
keeping us alert
activating dopamine
and much more
We are certainly exposed to too much isolated blue light in modern environments. But that doesn’t mean blue is unnecessary — we need it to function.
In fact, with a foundation of lots of red/infrared, the body can properly benefit from the right amount of blue.
Therefore, it’s wise to supplement a higher color temperature bulb — such as this non-flickering 4000K daytime LED — with our incandescent bulb.
Click to visit this Waveform Lighting product (no affiliation).
Three options are available from Waveform Lighting — with varying amounts of blue/red:
4000K
CENTRIC DAYLIGHT
A warm, balanced version of daylight.
5000K
CENTRIC DAYLIGHT
A decent amount of blue, some red.
6500K
CENTRIC DAYLIGHT
Lots of blue, little red.
I recommend the 4000K bulb for most situations, but the 5000K and 6500K provide lots of blue — perfect for larger spaces or with higher wattages of incandescent light.
These blue-rich LED bulbs are appropriate to use beginning later in the morning (9 am or so) until about 6 pm.
So far, we’ve added two non-flickering, full spectrum light bulbs:
Incandescents — delivering heaps of red/infrared
Waveform Lighting LEDs — delivering full-spectrum light, including rich blues.
Sunlight also includes UV — should you consider adding this, too? Let’s find out.
3
UV?
Sperti Lamp-vs- ‘Reptile’ Bulbs
UV plays an important role in circadian, hormonal, digestive, immune, and cognitive health.
Many are beginning to champion the critical effects UV has on the body, via Vitamin D3 production and other avenues.
However, caution is advised when it comes to ultraviolet frequencies — less is more. There is no need to ever sunburn.
There are two methods to reap the benefits of indoor UV light:
As a background frequency in work spaces — perhaps for several hours around midday (and mostly for circadian benefiets via the eyes) — by placing a small UV bulb 10+ feet away, and shining away from the body
A therapeutic dose on the full body, at 2 feet away, in only a few minutes per day.
When UV light is present in a workspace, folks often notice better mood, more alertness, and more energy.
Whether aiming for background lighting or a full-body therapeutic dose, it’s best to combine the UV bulb with your red/infrared bulb. The longer frequencies (red/infrared) nourish and help protect skinfrom negative effects of UV — especially before UV exposure.
The tanning bed could be a very natural and simple solution for getting weekly UV exposure — and this works extremely well for many people during during winter months. But tanning salons have become hard to find, and using them safely is complicated. In general, shoot for:
“medium-pressure” beds,
once per week for only 5-6 minutes (for most people).
If using a tanning bed, be sure to get red/infrared therapy before or after the tanning session.
In-Home Therapeutic UV Options
There are two basic options for in-home UV:
the infamous medical device Sperti Lamp
bulbs designed for pet reptiles
Surprisingly, these two are — essentially — the exact same thing, except for one difference:
Reptile bulbs provides 13-26 watts
Sperti Lamp provides 300 watts
Let’s analyze the pros/cons of these two options.
(1) Sperti Fiji
THE SPERTI FIJI LAMP — The Fiji is superior to the standard Sperti due to its higher UVA content, which is still only 3:1. (Amazon) (click to open)
(2) Reptile Bulbs
REPTISUN 5.0 (13 watts) — A better UVA-UVB ratio of 6:1. (PetSmart) (click to open)
REPTISUN 5.0 (26 watts) — Also the better UVA-UVB ratio of 6:1. (Amazon) (click to open)
Which is more appropriate for you?
Most people who buy the Sperti eventually realize two things:
How difficult it can be to expose the entire body to such a small lamp
How powerful it is — it only takes a few minutes to 1) burn, or 2) raise Vit D levels too high
These are real risks with the Sperti. It’s a quality device, for sure, but far too many people buy them, only to have to stop using them.
The biggest problem with the Sperti is its low UVA output. UVA output controls Vitamin D production in the body, too — and too little can cause Vit D levels to rise too high.
Therefore I only recommend a Sperti (even the Fiji device) if you fully understand these risks, how powerful its UVB output is, and are ready to supplement additional UVA.
I’m a bigger fan of the low-key, unassuming reptile bulbs.
They produce very similar light, though these particular ZooMed bulbs (above) produce a better UVA-UVB ratio (6:1). Compared to the Sperti, these bulbs are:
gentler
less likely to cause problems
able to raise Vitamin D levels much more slowly
less likely to burn you
smaller, less in the way
You can dip your toes with the 13 watt bulb, or get the stronger one with 26 watts — it’s stronger than you’d expect. Which demonstrates just how (too) powerful the 300 watt Sperti is.
Consider spending 3-5 minutes per day in front of a reptile bulb, mid-day, preferably after a shower or other exposure to heat and red light. Protect your eyes from UV: don’t look at the bulb while on, and wear eye protection. Alternating days is a great idea; observe how you feel on days on versus days off.
Btw, there are intriguing new LED products coming on the market that will replace mercury-filled fluorescent reptile bulbs.
I plan to try these soon, but in the meantime here is one product I’ve got my eyes on.
4
Additional UVA?
Black lights.
As we’ve mentioned, most bulbs marketed for UV light are primarily designed to deliver UVB — and don’t provide sufficient UVA to mimic sunlight.
This can lead to multiple problems in your body — including Vitamin D regulation — especially with the immensely powerful Sperti lamps (and low-pressure tanning beds).
Let’s first understand what the sun’s UV spectrum looks like. How much UVA does it contain — relative to UVB?
What is the sun’s natural ratio of UVAto UVB?
In space — (20:1 ratio)
Before sunlight travels through the atmosphere — solar radiation contains 20X more UVA (than UVB).
On earth — (500+:1 ratio)
UVB is filtered out by the atmosphere.
Typical sunlight, on earth, has 500-100,000X more UVA than UVB — for much of the year, and most of the day.
This UVA-rich light what humans are adapted to.
We need much more UVA than we do UVB.
An optimal UVA/UVB ratio keeps Vitamin D levels from rising too high.
Bulbs — (much lower ratios)
Sperti (classic) is 1:1
Sperti (Fiji)is 3:1
ZooMed bulbs I recommend (above) are 6:1.
So do we need moreUVA than most “UV bulbs” provide? We probably do.
It is possible to get UVA during winter! However, this would require exposing lots of skin to sunlight — outside — during potentially cold weather. This can be an option, a very healthy option, for many.
For others, we’ll need a bulb that creates a decent stream of UVA light.
Here is the best option I’ve found so far:
The highest quality UVA light I’ve found. From Waveform Lighting. The 395 nm model is perfect, and better priced. (click to open)
If you get the Waveform realUV black light, you’ll need to stand a minimum of 2 feet away during light therapy, if not a bit further. It’s a strong light. It’s also strong enough to be across the room and immerse the room in quality UVA light — which can be good for health.
5
Get Started
CREATING A PLAN at Home
You’ve got the components: infrared, red, blue, UV. Now let’s put them together in a way that helps you re-create sunlight.
Let’s begin with a simple light setup at your desk or workspace.
A 40 watt incandescent bulb (clear) with a 4000K Centric Daylight bulb from Waveform Lighting.
First thing in the morning, and when working after dinner, I’ll leave the Daylight bulb off — and use the 40 watt incandescent by itself.
On cold days, you might especially want more heat, infrared, and red light. Turn on a heat lamp, 3-5 feet behind you, to mimic summer sunshine while you work:
Add a heat lamp (125 watt or 250 watts) behind your — or off to the side — to enjoy more warming, restorative infrared/red frequencies.
With the heat lamp, the Daylight bulb (and 40 watt incandescent in front of you), the only frequencies lacking — to recreate sunlight — are in the UV range.
Add in a reptile bulb to introduce some UV into the room.
Being far behind you (and if you’re clothed), this UV will not provide therapeutic light, but instead signal “daytime” to your brain and help keep you alert.
Now add a reptile bulb for UV, off in the background, to fill the room with extremely gentle, UV light.
Finally, if you’d like a more therapeutic, intense dose of these frequencies, utilize two or more heat lamps (250 watts each), a reptile bulb, and a black light.
Keep in mind that real sunlight provides about 1000 watts on the typical human body. This setup provides just over half of that.
Red LED products can be easily added into this setup — taking the place of one heat lamp.
The Joovv Quad 3.0 Kit — $5,645
Where do red light LED products fit into this?
Generally red light LEDs are best used for therapeutic purposes: Intense, full-body light for 10-30 minutes at a time.
Red LEDs do not mimic sunlight, and are inferior to heat lamps.
My Experience
When I was living in sick buildings — and hadn’t realized their detrimental effect yet — I fell in love with light therapy. Recreating sunlight helped me feel wonderful when nothing else could.
Over the years, I worked up to ten 150 watt clear incandescent bulbs and used them for a long time. Impressive was the ability to warm, induce sweat, improve digestion, immunity, and sleep, and energize the mind — even in a sick building.
I’d do a 20 minute session before work, and then a longer session when I got home in the evening. On breaks, I’d go outside for fresh air and sunlight. I wore blue-light reducing glasses inside, under the fluorescent light.
Healthy, restorative light became a big part of my life — and my recovery.
Learn more about light — and receive guidance on your health journey.
There is no better, more holistic, and safe way to build upper body strength than bodyweight exercises.
Bodyweight exercise develops vital core strength, re-synchronization of the nervous system, and synergy between muscle groups.
Bodyweight exercises are the premier option for both teenagers getting started and middle-aged folks looking to maintain muscle mass and youthful vigor.
But that’s not all — bodyweight exercise is also the best approach when recovering from chronic illness.
Even the simplest bodyweight movements can improve and restore your body’s upper body strength, no matter your physical challenges.
Check out bodyweight movement expert Ido Portal’s inspiring video:
I’m extremely impressed with Titan Fitness products. (I’m not affiliated with the company, I’ve just purchased multiple products and love the quality and prices).
Among the most healing motions you can make is hanging — from something above you.
While branches and cliffs may have been nearby in times past, in the modern world — and as societies became more “civilized,” it’s become difficult to find something, anything, to hang from!
Enter: the chin-up bar.
A solid, reliable bar to hang from is essential for the health of your spine, back, neck, and shoulders — even if you never attempt a pull-up.
In fact, many fitness-minded folks focus too much on the strength-building qualities of the pull-up/chin-up — and neglect the equally-restorative attributes of simple hanging.
TIP: Try to hang for at least 60 seconds a day.
PROS:
Improve your neck, back, spine, and shoulder musculoskeletal balance
Correct muscle imbalances that lead to pain
Elongate tissues in the entire upper body, leading to better blood flow, lymph drainage, and digestion
Strengthen nearly every muscle in the upper body, with the exception of the triceps
CONS:
None
RATING: 12/10
It’s hard to overstate how important it is to hang — and to be able to, because you’ve got the right equipment.
This product is super high quality. I installed it over 12 months ago in the garage at home, and it’s amazing. The thought has crossed my mind to put one in my office, too.
2
Lebert Parallettes
(amazon)
Parallete bars are incredible for movement and building strength in the core and upper body.
Parallete bars are a small, portable, home-size replacement for real parrallel bars (which are 4 feet tall and 10+ feet long).
Always be careful, especially if trying to do inversions (feet up in the air).
PROs:
Super high quality
Two color options
Supports up to 400 lbs
CONs:
The feet/pads have a nasty rubber smell that takes a while to off-gas
RATING: 8.5/10
The only reason this product is not a 10/10 is that the rubber feet took a while to offgas.
3
Olympic Rings
(amazon)
(TitanFitness.com)
Don’t let the word “olympic” fool you. Everybody can benefit from a few minutes a day with the rings.
There’s no better way to build upper body strength than with the rings. They are absolutely at the top of the list for developing upper body muscle, fitness, tone, and overall balance.
Even if you’re saying “no way, not me” — trust me, you can benefit from rings. Even a few minutes a day, even with extremely simple, easy motions.
You don’t even have to know how to use them. Just pulling and leaning into the rings synchronizes your nervous system, improves your core strength, and puts you in the mode of “play.” As you become stronger, you’ll find yourself making natural motions that build your strength.
PROs:
Durable, high quality
Affordable
Extremely secure
CONs:
Wooden rings are easier on hands
RATING: 10/10
There is no better avenue to increase upper body strength than the Olympic rings.
Balancing exercises are some of the most restorative movements you can make — for the mind and body.
This is the reason various mind-body disciplines — such as yoga — have always utilized balancing postures: they synchronize the mental and the physical better than most other activities we can engage in.
Here are some favorite tools to help encourage and take advantage of the benefits of balancing.
By improving your balance — in both lower and upper body — you can improve the health of your entire system.
The BOSU Ball is a staple of the modern gym and training session.
Creating an unstable surface to stand on — by putting the round side face-down (feet standing on the flat side) — the body has to constantly adapt and improve its balance. This strengthen’s the body’s joints (including the ankles, knees, and hips), core muscles, tendons, and leg muscles, while also synchronizing the nervous system.
You can also use this for upper body work, by doing pushups and planks with either hands or feet on the ball. The BOSU Ball is known for being well-built and durable, and is the standard among gym equipment of this type.
The ORIGINAL model was the first of its kind, and still is absolutely perfect for home use.
The PRO model is designed for use in gyms, and is capable of withstanding even higher traffic and use.
The NEXGEN is a new offering, built with supremely high quality and improved grips for more extreme training.
Simply inflate with air, and you’ve got an unstable surface to practice your balances.
This little balance disk is surprisingly helpful for being so cheap.
It’s not super tiny, but it is much more portable than a BOSU ball. It won’t give you nearly the range of possibilities a BOSU ball does, but it could be a quick “warm-up” before you head out the door — or an introduction to balancing.
I recommend the balance disk for beginners, or for experienced movers who want a portable option or variation from other, more challenging balancing tools.
PROs:
Pretty decent amount of stimulation to balance
Smaller, more portable
Well-made, durable
CONs:
Not as versatile or challenging as the BOSU ball
Very portable when deflated — (but re-inflating takes a few minutes)
RATING: 6.2/10
This is amazing as a quick, portable balancing tool. It’s absolutely better than nothing. However, if you can spend more on something more challenging (like a BOSU ball), you should. I enjoy owning both.
3
Lebert Parallettes
(amazon)
Parallete bars are incredible as a movement trainer.
They’re also excellent for building strength in the core and upper body. I consider them an essential component for building your core, shoulders, and entire upper body with balance between all parts.
PROs:
Super high quality
Two color options
Supports up to 400 lbs
CONs:
Smelly rubber feet/end caps.
RATING: 9.3/10.
These would be a 10/10 if the rubber end caps didn’t offgas so much. Remove them and let them offgas in the garage, or outside for a while.
At the time of this posting — the yellow set is quite a bit more affordable than the chrome. They must have had difficulty selling the yellow color.
4
Revolution Balance Board
(amazon)
This board allows you to mimic surfing, as you slide left-to-right, this really takes your balancing skills to the next level. The motion is limited to left-right motion (no forward-back), but nevertheless requires you to incorporate forward-back balancing to avoid falling either direction.
DIY — Make Your Own
You can make your own version of this for very, very cheap with two items from a hardware store: a $7-10 30 inch laminated wooden board (laminated is stronger) and a PVC pipe (they’ll often cut it for you — 16 inches should be about right). You might want to sand down the edges so they don’t scratch the floor.
PROs:
Convenient
Fun
Excellent trainer
CONs:
Pricey
You can make your own for under $20
Won’t last a lifetime
RATING: 8/10
I’d seriously consider making your own for much cheaper. You can always “upgrade” down the road if you really love the concept!
*These are “Do-Everything” supplements, with many unique & beneficial characteristics. Their multifaceted benefits also make them gentle, appropriate as a starting point as a solid, long-term foundation.
A strong foundation — and a potent first step — for any gut health protocol.
One of the most gentle yet impactful supplements available, colostrum affects the gut in multiple positive ways — with low risk of intolerance.
Colostrum boosts immunity, fights pathogens, feeds beneficial flora, and regulates the speed of motility in the gut.
Colostrum contains:
Lactoferrin (powerful against viruses and bacteria)
Insulin-like growth factors (IGF-1, IGF-2) which help your tissues grow and recover
Immunoglobulins — (Antibodies, used to fight pathogens — IgA, IgG, IgM)
Prebiotics — Healthy fibers that selectively feed “good” gut flora
Proline-rich-polypeptides — Short proteins that boost immunity, increase cognitive performance, regulate cellular redox, and can even play a role in the treatment of Alzheimer’s
Colostrum is incredible for both constipation and diarrhea, as well as when fighting off an illness. Most products recommend a higher dose to knock out a bug when sick.
It’s also a critical support for those with dire gut health challenges: often gentle enough to be tolerable, yet powerful enough to promote change.
Colostrum is safe for nearly all people, with the only exception being those with sensitivity to dairy. That said, many lactose-intolerant folks have no issues with colostrum.
Antimicrobial herbs create hostility in the gut against microbes, reducing pathogen counts and boosting immunity. Rotate through herbs to prevent excessive killing.
Because oregano oil is quite powerful, it should only be taken for several weeks at most, and then cycled off for at least month or two. In dire cases, it may be used a month or so for its immune-boosting, antiseptic properties.
Oregano oil is most effective when the body is sick, fighting off illness, or struggling with dysbiosis of the gut, but it should not be taken daily for long periods of time.
Oregano oil may even reduce pain perception and increase a sense of calm, although these should not be the primary reasons to take this supplement.
Note — Oregano oil can deplete iron levels, and should be used cautiously or avoided when iron levels are too low.
Cinnamon
OREGON’S WILD HARVEST True Cinnamon
Cinnamon oil has potent antimicrobial properties against virtually all pathogens, even in drug-resistant strains.
…more info
Cinnamon oil is powerful stuff. If taken too frequently, it can kill off good gut flora in the gut.
Cinnamon oil can work against biofilms that allow hardy pathogens to resist antimicrobial compounds.
Triphala has potent antimicrobial properties and, therefore, it should be classified as a “killing” gut supplement, in that it will increase hostility in the gut against microbes. It also tends to have a mild laxative effect on the gut, helping to produce more complete and regular stools.
Peppermint
HEATHER’S Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is a gentle antimicrobial, with varying rates of effect against different species of bacteria.
Peppermint doesn’t kill all microbes equally, but it can absolutely support the immune system by making the gut more hostile. Peppermint oil is known to have good results in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Crohn’s but it also has value as a general antimicrobial for ongoing gut health.
Ginger
NATURE’S WAY Ginger Root
The main active ingredient in ginger is gingerol, which has powerful antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
Ginger is beneficial for dyspepsia (which is related to GERD, ulcers, gastric reflux, and gastroparesis), improving the rate of gastric emptying.
When used as an antimicrobial, ginger greatly reduces the growth of bacteria and viruses. Gingerol then absorbs into the bloodstream, exerting its anti-inflammatory and antmicrobial effects throughout the body.
Garlic
ZHOU Garlic
Garlic has powerful antimicrobial properties that affect the full spectrum of microbe — including bacteria, yeasts/fungus, protozoa, and viruses.
…more info
It’s antimicrobial effects are due to sulfur compounds that form as the garlic is chopped. Allicin is the main example, and it exhibits powerful antiseptic effects against microbes. Allicin is unstable — it breaks down shortly after garlic is chopped.
In this Zhou garlic supplement, allicin is stabilized — so its benefits are available anytime. The sulfur compounds in garlic are absorbed and travel around the body, behaving as an antioxidant and killing pathogens.
Turmeric (Curcumin)
JARROW Curcumin
Curcumin is a legitimate antimicrobial compound with far-reaching benefits for the entire body.
Against bacteria, curcumin has the most severe effect against H. Pylori, but also has broad-spectrum antibacterial effects.
Curcumin is being considered as an antiviral drug, and has broad-spectrum antifungal effects — most especially against Candida.
TUDCA is best known as a liver supplement (and a great one, at that), but it also directly improves the microbial balance of the gut.
TUDCA is a compound found in bile, but humans only make tiny amounts of it. On the other hand, bear bile is extremely rich in TUDCA, and for centures bear bile was used as a health tonic. Thankfully, it’s not necessary to hunt bears for their bile any longer.
TUDCA’s effect on the liver is beneficial for the gut. Bile ducts are gently, yet powerfully cleaned and nourished — improving liver health and bile flow to the gut. Bile is notoriously antimicrobial, meaning TUDCA improves the gbut microbiome indirectly, too, by making the gut hostile to pathogens via increased bile flow.
The UDCA stands for ursodeoxycholicacid and it’s a powerful compound in its own right. The “T” in TUDCA stands for taurine — a key amino acid that cleanses the liver and aids in digestion on its own. Therefore TUDCA provides the many benefits of UDCA while also those of taurine.
Liver health is essential for gut health, and the best first step toward both liver and gut health might be the powerful, yet quite tolerable, healing effects of TUDCA.
Thorne SF722
(Undecylenic Acid)
Lauricidin
Monolaurin
Digestive Enzymes
All enzymes are antimicrobial, increasing hostility in the gut against microbes.
PURE ENCAPSULATIONS Digestive Enzymes
Digestive enzymes are the array of enzymes released when food enters the digestive system.
They are designed to specifically break down carbs, proteins, and fats.
Pancreatin is a commercial name for these three enzymes:
amylase
protease
lipase
These three enzymes are foundational to human digestion. Supplemental pancreatin is sourced from pigs and will have different ratios from human pancreatic juices.
This does not mean pancreatin is of no benefit to digestion, just that it is not a perfect replacement for human pancreatic enzymes.
“PPE [pancreatin supplements from pigs] do not provide a full substitution of the lipolytic enzymes present in HPJ [human panctreatic juices].”
Other enzymes are often included in digestive enzyme products: cellulase (breaks down cellulose, or plant fiber), and lactase (breaks down the milk sugar, lactose). Invertase breaks down sucrose (table sugar) into glucose and fructose. Beta-glucanase breaks down beta-glucans, a sugar found in plants (oatmeal, barley), and the cell walls of microbes (making this enzyme an antimicrobial and anticancer compound).
All in all, digestive enzymes can slightly improve the risk of maldigestion, ramp up gut hostility during digestion, and increase the absorption of nutrients. They may especially play a minor role when gut health is truly struggling and food is not well digested.
Sometimes, enzymes can increase energy in the body to the extent that they interfere with sleep. Enzymes can also deplete minerals in the body, particularly sodium and magnesium. Enzyme products also tend to advertise large doses per capsule — when smaller doses would be more tolerable and effective.
If you have any negative symptoms, such as insomnia — or feel that sodium or magnesium levels are being depleted — reduce the dose or frequency or stop taking enzymes altogether. Discontinue enzymes if any pain is noticed after taking.
Systemic Enzymes
All enzymes are antimicrobial, increasing hostility in the gut against microbes.
BRAGGZYME Systemic Enzymes
Systemic enzymes not only benefit the gut, but also enter the bloodstream and break down microbes, toxins, metabolic waste, and junk protein.
The benefit of systemic enzymes to the gut shouldn’t be overlooked, though. In fact, this is a critical component of why systemic enzymes seem to improve symptoms, performance, and quality of life so much.
The most popular systemic enzymes are all considered proteolytic — which means they break down proteins. This term is often used interchangeably (with “systemic”) to describe systemic enzymes, though it isn’t a perfect translation.
Systemic enzymes are quite popular — and for good reason. Taken exclusively on an empty stomach, they function in a more alkaline environment (the intestines and bloodstream) rather than an acidic environment (the stomach).
Attacking pathogens without the interference of food entering the digestive tract allows systemic enzymes to make significant headway — cleaning up the gut and bloodstream, and lowering inflammation as a result. Many folks notice more energy, better brain function, less joint pain, and improved mood as a result of systemic enzymes.
The most popular systemic enzymes are:
Serrapeptase — (from silk worms)
Nattokinase — (from Japanese natto)
Trypsin — (pancreatic enzyme)
Chymotrypsin — (pancreatic enzyme)
Bromelain — (from pineapples)
Papain — (from papaya)
It’s best to take these enzymes in a blend, together, to benefit from all of them simultaneously.
Too, the benefits of enzymes are possible in smaller doses than are often supplied in products. High doses can be jarring to a weaker system, and aren’t necessary. These products are often formulated to “impress” the average person — when the needs of those struggling with chronic digestive issues are very different.
As with any gut supplement, it’s common for a person’s response to systemic enzymes to be highly individual. Formulas change frequently — with the new ingredients being less effective than the old. Keep your wits about you; If you know why a product works you can be better suited to finding a replacement if a product changes or becomes unavailable in the future.
GutPro has been recommended to me by clients for several years, but I always balked due to the higher cost and online-only availability.
I’m glad I tried it, because this may be the highest-quality probiotic on the market.
With zero fillers (it’s literally the probiotics and nothing else), the formulation is designed to produce as little histamine or lactate as possible, minimizing negative reactions in those with hypersensitivities.
Negative reactions are still possible with any probiotic (GutPro acknowledges this on their website), so finding the right product for you is what’s most important. However, GutPro is likely one of the most tolerable and helpful products available.
When the powder form is purchased, customers receive a fair price (lower per serving than most other high-qauality probiotics) and option to pick the dose that works best. Microdosing is easy with GutPro powder. Be sure to get the dosing spoons, as well.
IMPORTANT UPDATE: As of 11/2021, Garden of Life has increased the nutrient dosages in this product substantially, up to nearly 100% DV for most nutrients.
This means that the 3-capsule dose is now nearly a multivitamin — in addition to a probiotic.
In particular, 3 capsules now provides over 100% DV in chromium, a nutrient that can induce hypoglycemia.
Therefore, this product may not be advisable in doses larger than 3 capsules per day.
I still consider this probiotic top shelf for maintenance (1-3 capsules per day), but no longer appropriate for high-dose repopulation.
This product meets many criteria for quality and has delivered excellent results for both me and endless numbers of clients over the years.
Species Diversity — There are 31 strains in this blend, which is an extremely (perhaps remarkably) high number for a probiotic product. Results are always hit-or-miss when you go searching for “that one strain” that you need more of. Too, single strain products can cause imbalance over time (just like with nutrients). High diversity also reduces the likelihood of a bad reaction, due to diversification. Too, a healthy gut typically has more diverse species of microbes.
Vitamins, Minerals & Enzymes — Low-dose nutrient blends can be a major positive in poor gut health. Each time you take one of these pills, you’re getting not just the probiotic army, but a light dose of virtually all major nutrients and minerals you’d expect from a multivitamin — and in natural, non-synthetic forms. I would expect the small number of enzymes to possibly detract from the effectiveness of the probiotics, but this does not seem to be a concern, based on results.
Prebiotics — There are modest additions of potato starch and acacia fiber, which are both well-known prebiotics. This improves the effectiveness of the probiotics even when this product is taken alone on an empty stomach. It’s still optimal to take well-tolerated prebiotics with any probiotics, even if the probiotic contains some prebiotics.
It is perfectly acceptable to take one pill per day as a maintenance dose — meaning one 90-capsule bottle product can last 3 months. When we take probiotics with prebiotics, the numbers of the beneficial species can double in as little as fifteenminutes. This can be an efficient way of making probiotic supplementation more cost-effective.
The ability to take a single pill — rather than the full, 3-pill dose — also allows the user to test for tolerability when first starting the supplement.
After nearly a decade of taking probiotics and working with clients, this product clearly comes out the winner. Better results have been consistently achieved with this product than any others — even the outrageously-priced expensive brands like Metagenics (and other functional medicine probiotics).
Chewable Probiotics
Many, many folks struggle to swallow pills — especially when dealing with gut health issues that general weakness and/or nausea.
In these cases, a chewable probiotic can be nothing short of a life-saver.
I’ve had excellent results with this product, even if folks who struggle to tolerate gut supplements.
700mg is a slightly large dose. 500mg would be safer for beginners.
Tiny doses may be required in gut dysbiosis.
Apple pectin is a gentle prebiotic fiber that is quite well-tolerated and has many, many benefits for the gut.
Apple pectin can increase (and even double) butyrate levels, feed beneficial microbes and — surprisingly for a prebiotic fiber — actually reduce the number of harmful bacteria.
Apple pectin also increases the concentration of short-chain fatty-acids, acetate, propionate, and bicarbonate. Somehow, it also seemed to lower lactic acid in the stool (some folks struggle with lactic acid).
Importantly, the beneficial effects of apple pectin were not achievable simply by eating apples, apple juice, or apple puree — apple pectin alone was required.
When the apple pectin was removed from the diet, the improvements in gut began to retreat, suggesting that consistent pectin supplementation is a good idea.
A good, small starting dose for most is 250-500mg, with a large dose range being 1.5g/day. For severe gut dysbiosis, try 50mg (even a tiny, tiny pinch), or delay usage until gut health improves.
F.O.S.
SOURCE NATURALS F.O.S.
(Fructo-oligosaccharides)
Fructooligosaccharides are a natural fiber that occurs in foods.
FOS can be produced by breaking down inulin (usually from chicory root).
Taken properly, FOS can be a powerful tool to reshape the health of the gut microbiome. FOS is generally well-tolerated, except in certain more severe cases of gut dysbiosis, IBS, Crohn’s, etc. In these situations, FOS should be a later experiment, explored after other steps are in place (such as fixing the circadian rhythm, daily therapeutic light,
G.O.S.
JARROW G.O.S.
Bimuno
(Galactooligosaccharides)
(iHerb)
JARROW XOS + GOS
GOS is a fiber produced after lactose is digested, directly feeds beneficial microbes, and could be critical in the developing newborn gut microbiome.
Oligosaccharides resembling GOS occur naturally in human milk and may be one of the factors that protect human infants from gastrointestinal pathogenic bacteria.
In infants, the supplementation of formula with a mixture of GOS and fructo-oligosaccharides can modulate bowel function and stool characters in the same direction as does breast-feeding.
H.M.O. uses human milk oligosaccharides to improve the gut microbiome and relieve symptoms associated with IBS.
I formerly recommended Holigos. However, Layer Origin claims to have a product that is 99% pure, whereas Holigos only claimed 95% purity.
I personally notice a better effect — particularly a cognitive boost — when taking Layer Origin’s H.M.O. I believe it’s a better product.
Infants consuming a formula with 2′-FL and LNnT had significantly fewer parental reports of bronchitis, reduced incidence of lower respiratory tract infections, reduced use of antipyretics and reduced use of antibiotics compared to infants fed a formula without HMOs (human milk oligosaccharides).
Many of the benefits of chicory root are attributed to inulin, although other helpful compounds are certainly in play, such as chicoric — which can improve blood sugar levels.
Inulin and chicory are longer-chain fibers and, therefore, may cause trouble in situations where gut health is weak. Coffee can have some minor benefits for the gut microbiota and can help relieve constipation — and makes a delightful pairing with chicory’s rich taste in this traditional New Orleans-style beverage.
Inulin is the least tolerable prebiotic on this list.
It is not recommended in situations where gut health is sensitive to fiber. Instead, start with something more tolerable, such as pectin — or non-supplement approaches like the circadian rhythm, therapeutic light, and environmental health.
When honey enters the digestive tract, it simultaneously feeds beneficial microbes, kills harmful pathogens, and provides nutrients and energy to the body.
Honey is even a complete food, providing micronutrients, amino acids, Vitamin C and B-vitamins — and encourages the intestinal absorption of these nutrients while discouraging pathogenic activity.
Flavonoids, polyphenols, and organic acids also contribute to the digestive, immune, and metabolic benefits of honey.
Research in animal models even suggests that not only does honey provide calcium, but it improves calcium absorption into the body.
Honey is praised and valued in nearly every ancient religious and wisdom tradition as both a food and a healing topical balm and internal medicine — with known hunter-gatherer tribes utilizing it as 20% (and more) of daily calories, while commonly living into their 80s.
Honey even seems to directly interfere with cancerous cells:
“[Honey] has significant anticancer activity against human breast and cervical cancer cell lines.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21167897/
Locally-produced honeys possess excellent antibacterial activity comparable to the commercial honeys.
Known for its antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant qualities, manuka honey has been used for centuries to heal wounds and improve oral health.
When compared to normal, local varieties, manuka honey has significantly more antimicrobial effects.
Manuka honey can even stimulate macrophages to release compounds such as TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 — which are critical for combatting microbial infections and wound healing.
The higher the UMF rating of manuka honey, the more potent the antimicrobial properties.
The only downside to manuka honey, for most locations around the world, is its expense — and higher UMF ratings can be extremely costly. On the bright side, even lower-UMF content seems to have profound antimicrobial activity.
I recommend buying what you can afford — don’t worry about achieving the highest UMF ratings. My results with various affordable manuka honey have been stellar.
Manuka honey has been widely researched and its antibacterial potential is renowned worldwide.
There are over 2500 articles on PubMed concerning the benefits of propolis.
“Propolis has been reported to have various health benefits related to gastrointestinal disorders, allergies, and gynecological, oral, and dermatological problems.”
Royal Jelly may even protect the skin from UVB-induced damage by improving collagen formation in the skin. Royal jelly also contains the unsaturated fatty-acid (10-HDA), which may have antitumor and antibacterial activity.
Apple cider vinegar is incredibly popular — and for good reason. Its beneficial effects are many.
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is known as a digestive tonic, and it can actually help overweight people lose weight. It also leads to more satiety after a high-carb meal and improves blood sugar stability. ACV may also lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and reduce oxidative stress.
A main benefit of apple cider vinegar is its acetic acid. Acetic acid is highly antimicrobial and its attributes align almost perfectly with the broad-spectrum benefits of apple cider vinegar. ACV’s acidity also may allow minerals to be absorbed more effectively, and improve the acidity of the stomach after a meal — leading to increased immunity from opportunistic pathogens.
Take 1 tbsp (15 mL) in a glass of water 1-2x/day before meals or on an empty stomach.
Is ACV a cure-all? No, nothing is. Instead, apple cider vinegar is a powerful tool, and one component of a well-rounded gut regimen.
Conclusion
Miracles don’t happen with any individual supplement.
Very, very few people will find a gut supplement that restores amazing gut health on its own.
Instead, gut supplements must be combined — with each other and with a greater approach (the circadian rhythm, therapeutic light, good air quality, gentle movement, & wise nutrition) — to achieve the best effect.
It’s important that we understand 1) how the gut works and 2) what restores its function over time:
Increasing hostility to pathogens.
Constantly reintroducing beneficial microbes and giving them proper nourishment through diet and prebiotics.
When these factors are in play, great things can happen and gut health can be systematically restored.
This completes Big Supplement List (Gut). To continue, select Supplement Timing.
This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for website owners to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, audible.com, and any other website that may be affiliated with Amazon Service LLC Associates Program.
The information on this site is not intended to diagnose or treat any illness. All information is presented for educational purposes.
