Exercise increases energy demand and can raise amino acid oxidation and protein breakdown. This produces nitrogen waste that is converted into urea by the liver. Creatinine is formed through normal creatine metabolism in muscle. Both substances circulate in the blood and are cleared primarily by the kidneys.
Sokal and colleagues examined whether grounding affected these markers during exercise and recovery. In a double blind crossover study, 42 participants completed two 30 minute cycling sessions. Each participant exercised once while grounded and once while insulated. Blood was collected before exercise, after 15 and 30 minutes of cycling and after 40 minutes of recovery.
Blood urea was lower during grounded exercise and recovery. Creatinine did not change significantly during exercise but was lower after 40 minutes of grounded recovery.
Lower blood urea could reflect reduced urea production, altered protein metabolism or differences in renal handling. Lower creatinine during recovery could also reflect changes in creatine metabolism or kidney clearance. Since urinary excretion, filtration rate and muscle protein breakdown were not directly measured, the study cannot determine which mechanism produced these changes.
The clearest conclusion is that grounding altered circulating urea and creatinine during exercise and recovery. These findings connect grounding with nitrogen metabolism and the physiological handling of exercise related metabolic waste.
As always, if you’re interested in learning more about grounding, check out Earth & Water :)
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