Can Grounding Boost Immunity? An IPB Expert Explains the Facts
Going barefoot or grounding/earthing, a practice that has recently been widely discussed on social media cannot yet be considered a method for boosting immunity or preventing viral infections.
This was stated by dr Widya Eka Nugraha, MSiMed, a lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine and Nutrition at IPB University. She emphasized that such claims must be evaluated carefully based on scientific evidence and the principles of biomedical science.
“Grounding can indeed alter the body’s electrical potential when the skin comes into direct contact with a conductive surface of the earth. However, this physical phenomenon does not automatically mean there is an increase in the body’s immunity against viruses,” said dr Widya.
She explained that a number of preliminary studies indicate a possible link between grounding and oxidative stress, inflammation, pain, sleep quality, and autonomic nervous system activity. Nevertheless, existing studies are generally small in scale, have methodological limitations, and have not been consistently replicated by independent researchers.
“These findings are best viewed as preliminary evidence, not as a basis for using grounding as a treatment for viral infections,” she said.
dr Widya explained that it is important for the public to distinguish between biological plausibility and clinical effectiveness.
“A mechanism may be biologically plausible, but clinical effectiveness must be proven through randomized clinical trials, appropriate control groups, objective measurements, and replication of the research,” she emphasized.
Furthermore, biologically speaking, skin contact with the earth’s surface allows for the exchange of small amounts of charge. However, Dr. Widya noted that there is currently no strong evidence that the transferred electrons reach specific tissues in sufficient quantities to act as antioxidants or clinically alter the immune response.
The benefits felt when grounding may also be influenced by other factors, such as walking, exposure to natural light, fresh air, relaxation, the natural environment, or the placebo effect.
When facing viruses, dr Widya continued, the body actually has complex defense mechanisms. The innate immune system recognizes viral components and triggers interferons and cytokines to inhibit replication.
Natural killer cells and macrophages also help limit the spread of infection. Furthermore, adaptive immunity works through antibodies produced by B lymphocytes and T lymphocytes, which coordinate the destruction of infected cells. This response must be balanced, as both an overly weak response and excessive inflammation can be harmful.
“There is no high quality clinical trial evidence yet that grounding can reduce the risk of viral transmission, viral load, duration of infection, hospitalizations, or death. Therefore, grounding cannot yet be recommended as a preventive measure or therapy,” she explained.
Dr Widya stated that grounding can still be practiced as a recreational and relaxation activity as long as it is safe, but it is not a substitute for medical intervention.
Infection prevention continues to rely on vaccination, proper ventilation, hand hygiene, cough etiquette, mask use in high-risk situations, and appropriate testing and treatment.
For urban residents, enjoying nature and taking leisurely walks can be part of a healthy lifestyle, without automatically linking them to the ability to prevent or cure viral infections.
“For people with diabetes, nerve damage in the feet, open wounds, or balance disorders, grounding through barefoot activities must be done with greater caution. The surface must be free of sharp objects, excessive heat, and sources of infection to ensure safety,” she said. (IAAS/STD)
