The results of this study show that earthing increases pH on the mucous membrane of the throat for eight out of nine participants. Changes in pH in the throat reflect changes in the whole respiratory system following connection to a source of negative charge (the earth). On average the pH of mucosal airway epithelial cells is 6.6 but changes occur in different situations and pathologies [8]. One of the mechanisms of acid secretion are H+ channels. They are activated by intracellular acidification, extracellular alkalization, and/or membrane depolarization [8].
Contact with the electrostatic potential of the earth changes the potential in the extracellular environment of the body having an impact on membrane depolarization [6]. Earthing produces an immediate equalization of the electric potential of the body with the electric potential of the earth. Our body can be seen as a rechargeable battery or a capacitor that can store electrons [6].
During earthing there is a gradual build-up of negative charge in the body, while there is gradual loss of electrons through breathing when not grounded. The consequences of these phenomena are changes in the biochemical processes occurring in cells [9] [10][11]. The pH value has an impact on the activity of enzymes made up from amino acids at the active site and the ability of a substrate or enzyme to donate or accept hydrogen ions [7] [9].
If a human body is insulated from the ground, it becomes more positively charged with each exhalation because each breath is removing negative charge. Eventually, the individual’s body becomes sufficiently positive, that the exhaled negative ions will immediately return to it. Human subjects should constantly be earthed to exhale high concentration of negative ions that prevents acidification of the environment in pulmonary alveoli. [12] The lungs work as electric ionizers. Evaporating water produces negative ions OH- in the exhaling air. The consequence of this process is a predominance of positive H + ions left in the water that hasn’t yet evaporated. If the excess positive charge is left behind, the production of OH- ions will cease unless the body is connected to a source of negative charges such as earthing. Breathing (undisturbed exhalation) results in the release of negative ions as part of the process of water evaporation, but this only happens if the person is grounded or has recently been grounded. The respiratory tract requires humidity for maximum effectiveness in protection against pathogens. The water in pulmonary alveoli evaporates in a sufficient amount only when hydroxyl OH- ions are released. It happens only when the pulmonary environment is supplied with negative charge coming from earthing or from breathed in negative ions. Negative ions are breathed in only when there is sufficient humidity in the ambient air.
High humidity (> 95%) with a temperature of 38oC are important factors reducing the viability of SARS Coronaviruses [13]. Fever is a symptom of the activation of the defense mechanisms in a respiratory viral infection; nevertheless, sufficient humidity in the respiratory tract associated with water evaporation is needed to overcome the infection. Low humidity impairs the resistance of the respiratory epithelium against viral infection [14].
Viruses are made up from a viral envelope and proteins anchored in a lipid bilayer envelope. They possess electrostatic charge on their surface which is pH-dependent in polar media such a water. The pH value at which a virus achieves equilibrium with its water environment is referred to as the isoelectric point. The surface charge of coat proteins belonging to viruses is an important factor of virus sorption processes [15]. For instance SARS-CoV S glycoprotein mediates viral entry through pH-dependent endocytosis [3]. In the influenza virus, acidity is able to induce changes in viral envelope proteins leading to the formation of pores for low molecular mass compounds. Low pH is responsible for the entry of enveloped viruses and triggering fusion with the host cell membrane [5]. Negatively charged amino acids of the coronavirus nucleocapsid (N) protein are involved in virus assembly [4]. Respiratory viral infection is frequently associated with bacterial coinfection contributing to a severe clinical course. Viruses can damage respiratory epithelial cells. This injury increases the binding of bacterial pathogens and disturbs inflammatory responses [16]. Reduced pH in pulmonary airways leads to inhibition of antimicrobial activity and disrupts airway host defense mechanisms [17]. Acidosis increases the susceptibility of respiratory epithelial cell to certain bacterial infection [18]. The prevention of the development of acidosis in the respiratory tract environment plays a crucial role in hindering respiratory bacterial infection. Earthing results in increased pH value on mucous membranes, as well as leading to continuous production of hydroxyl negative ions responsible for a suitable level of alkalosis.
In addition it was demonstrated that chloroquine analogs are effective against viral infection by inhibition of acidification of endosome during replication of pH-dependent viruses [19].
Interference into the endosomal acidification can be performed by changing the electrostatic potential of epithelial cells which occurs during earthing of the human body.
Limitations to this study are: small number of participants, assumption that pH in the throat reflects the pH value in the respiratory tract. Measurements of pH however, were taken at rest and 2 hours after meals and drinking to reduce the effects of other factors on pH value.
In summary, earthing supplies a negative charge to the body. In the respiratory airways this negative charge results in alkalization of the pulmonary environment. In turn, alkalization prevents the entry, fusion and replication of viruses which have a low isoelectric point. High value of pH in the pulmonary environment is associated with water perspiration, exhalation of negative ions which results from earthing preventing acidification - storage of H + ions. As a result, replication of viruses is reduced.