…in a healthy way

By Linda Caldean, RN

Warmer weather is finally here and Mother Nature is waking up. What a joy to watch everything sprout and blossom. Is there more to it than meets the eye? You bet and it centers on a healthier you and me. For instance, let’s start with our “microbiome.”

Mother Nature provides trillions of microbes (fungi, bacteria and viruses) that inhabit the air, soil, plants and all animals, including us. These microbes are essential for life. We are born with microbes and have distinct communities of them throughout our body, with our large intestine being the most densely populated. These groups of microorganisms are constantly changing in response to stress, exercise, diet, medication and other exposures.

The “good” microbes play a crucial role by aiding digestion, immune function and both mental and physical health. The goal is to support them and increase their dominance over the bad microbes. An “out of balance” microbiome has been linked to obesity and various disease conditions, along with mental health issues.

Studies have found that people who spend more time outdoors, especially gardeners, have a more healthy and diverse gut biome. We truly benefit from the protection that nature’s good microbes have to offer.

The next wonderful thing that Mother Nature provides is the sun, a vital energy source which enables all life. From a health standpoint, it provides 80-90% of our vitamin D needs and it’s free! Short exposures to the sun’s UVB rays on bare skin several times a week is sufficient. It can also be obtained from diet and supplements.

Vitamin D is crucial for bone health, boosts the immune system, regulates muscle/nerve function, reduces inflammation and supports mental well-being.

A healthy Vit D level is important and can be checked by requesting a simple blood test.

Lastly, I want to ask, “are you getting your Vitamin G?”  I’m just kidding as there is no such thing. But there is a concept called “Earthing.” This refers to a physical connection that takes place

between the electrical frequencies of the human body and those of the Earth. Because the Earth is a source of subtle energy, it provides important elements that contribute to optimum health. We are energy beings and our body’s biological design acts as a natural conductor for the Earth’s abundant negatively charged free electrons. A great way to ground and center.

Now that the weather has warmed up, the easiest way to practice Earthing is by getting in direct bare-skinned contact with the Earth. No, I don’t mean that you have to lay outside in your birthday suit, but you can connect to the Earth in a variety of ways. The best way for direct skin contact with the Earth is to stand, sit or walk barefoot in the grass (or along a beach).

I do it in my backyard and the grass feels soft, cool and soothing under my feet as I absorb the grounding energies.

Research indicates there are some consistent benefits of Earthing. It may ease inflammation, improve sleep, decrease chronic pain, increase energy levels, improve blood pressure, relieve headaches and accelerate healing.

Yes, there are some detractors of the Earthing concept, but I believe we are energy beings and the Earth radiates energy, so why wouldn’t it work?  It is a scientifically known fact that nature grounds us by reducing stress and improving our mental health.

So, get outside and bond with Mother Nature. Inhale the fresh air, hug a tree, go barefoot and have fun. Replenish your microbes and soak up some vitamin D. Feel the joy as you connect with all the beauty that surrounds you.