#5: Touch Grass
Cheers with Chance: What I Learned This Week!
Hey Friends,
Welcome back to Cheers with Chance! This week, I’ve been nerding out on the science of grounding, questioning my caffeine habits, and diving into new research on creatine that could boost brain function. Plus, let’s talk about why tacos make you happy (and it's actually backed by science).
Grab a drink and let’s get into it!
🍹 5 Things I Learned This Week
1️⃣ [Health] – Grounding: The Science of Earthing and Inflammation
You ever wonder why walking barefoot on grass or sand just feels good? Turns out, there’s some serious science behind it. The concept of earthing (or grounding) has been gaining traction, and for good reason. According to Clint Ober, author of Earthing: The Most Important Health Discovery Ever?, direct contact with the Earth’s surface allows our bodies to absorb negatively charged electrons, which can neutralize free radicals to reduce inflammation, improve sleep, and enhance overall well-being.
How It Works:
The Earth's surface has a negative charge due to an abundance of free electrons.
When we make direct contact with the ground, our bodies absorb these electrons.
These electrons help counteract oxidative stress, a key driver of inflammation and chronic disease.
A study published in the Journal of Environmental and Public Health found that grounding can significantly reduce markers of inflammation. Another study noted that grounding may influence the autonomic nervous system, reducing cortisol levels (your stress hormone) and improving sleep quality.
According to Clint Ober (who helped invent the cable modem 👀), has also pioneered modern grounding research:
"Your body is electrical. Your heart, brain, nervous system, muscles, immune system – they’re all governed by bioelectrical signals. The moment your feet touch the Earth, your physiology changes."
How to Ground Yourself:
Walk barefoot on grass, dirt, or sand for at least 20-30 minutes a day.
Use grounding mats or sheets indoors when direct outdoor contact isn’t possible.
Swim in natural bodies of water, which conduct the Earth's electrons efficiently.
This is not just for adults. I found it particularly interesting during the documentary they discuss the benefits of grounding and the effects it can provide infants—helping promoting sleep and well-being!
After a long workday, I tried grounding barefoot in my backyard—10 minutes in, and I swear my stress levels dropped.
For more, check out The Earthing Movie (Watch here).
2️⃣ [Food] – The Science of Coffee: Friend or Foe?
While at the Myriad Botanical Gardens in Oklahoma City recently for their annual Tulip Festival with my wife Shelby, niece Reagan, and mother-in-law Leslie, I stumbled upon a fascinating fact touring the gardens: Coffee beans exist to protect the coffee plant from predators. If coffee is nature’s pesticide… what is it doing to us? (No, I’m not telling you to quit—just hear me out.)
The caffeine acts as a natural insecticide, discouraging animals from munching on the leaves and even preventing other plants from growing too close (a process called allelopathy). This helps the coffee plant survive by reducing competition for nutrients and protecting itself from being eaten.
That got me thinking—if caffeine is a defense mechanism in nature, what is it really doing to us?
The Science Behind Caffeine
Caffeine works by blocking adenosine, a neurotransmitter responsible for making you feel tired. This is why you feel alert after your morning cup. But the problem? The body ramps up adenosine production over time, leading to dependence.
Pros of Caffeine:
Enhances alertness and cognitive function.
Boosts metabolism and fat oxidation.
May improve exercise performance and endurance.
Cons of Caffeine:
Can increase cortisol levels, leading to stress and anxiety.
May disrupt sleep cycles, even when consumed early in the day.
Can lead to dependency and withdrawal symptoms.
A recent study in Frontiers in Neurology suggests that over time, relying on caffeine too much can actually make you feel more tired.—which may overstimulate the nervous system, leading to a cycle of energy crashes, cravings, and burnout. So, is it time to cut back? Maybe not entirely, but consider reducing intake after 12 PM and opting for lower-caffeine alternatives like matcha or yerba mate.
Will you be cutting back on coffee?
3️⃣ [Health] – Dr. Rhonda Patrick on Creatine: More Than Just a Gym Supplement
Most people think of creatine as a muscle-building supplement, but Dr. Rhonda Patrick’s recent research suggests it plays a huge role in brain health. She argues that the standard 5g dose may be too low for cognitive benefits, especially in cases of sleep deprivation.
Creatine’s Role in Brain Function:
Enhances ATP production: ATP is your body’s energy currency, and the brain is one of the most energy-demanding organs.
Supports Memory & Cognition: Studies show that creatine supplementation improves recall, processing speed, and working memory.
Protects Against Sleep Deprivation: Low sleep reduces ATP stores, but creatine helps replenish them, preventing mental fog.
In her recent podcast, she stated:
"We've always considered 5 grams the standard dose for performance, but emerging research suggests 20 grams may be optimal for neuroprotection and cognitive performance, especially in cases of sleep deprivation." (Listen here).
Creatine for Everyone – Not Just Athletes
Creatine isn’t just for gym rats. Studies show that it benefits:
Older Adults – Helps prevent cognitive decline and muscle loss!
Vegetarians & Vegans – Since creatine is mainly found in animal products, supplementation improves brain function in plant-based diets.
Kids & Teens – Some research suggests creatine may support healthy brain development in younger individuals.
I opt to consume 10-15g daily, and want to start testing out 20g on my low-sleep or travel days—I’ll report back!
If you’re looking for a clean and effective creatine, I like this option from Bulksupplements.
OR this option if you need a gummy fix :)
4️⃣ [Culture] – Science Confirms: Mexican Food Makes You Happier
We all know tacos bring joy, but now science agrees. A recent study (and *viral Instagram post) found that eating Mexican cuisine is linked to increased happiness.
Why Mexican Food Boosts Mood:
Rich in Spices: Capsaicin (found in chili peppers) triggers endorphin release, aka the “happy hormone.”
Social Experience: Mexican food is often enjoyed in a communal setting, strengthening social bonds.
Comforting Carbs: Dishes like tortillas and rice provide serotonin-boosting carbs, improving mood.
This study aligns with Blue Zones *research, which shows that cultures emphasizing social meals and flavorful, whole-food ingredients tend to have higher happiness levels.
So science officially says: More tacos, less stress. I don’t make the rules, but I’ll follow them.
What is your favorite Mexican dish?
🍹 [Beverage] – Agave Tequila & Grapefruit Spritz
Spring calls for something crisp, refreshing, and slightly sophisticated. Enter the Tequila Paloma Spritz – the perfect warm-weather cocktail.
Ingredients:
1.5 oz 100% Agave Tequila
3 oz fresh grapefruit juice
0.5 oz fresh lime juice
0.5 oz agave nectar
2 oz sparkling water
Grapefruit slice & rosemary sprig for garnish
Instructions:
In a glass filled with ice, combine tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and agave nectar.
Stir well, then top with sparkling water.
Garnish with a grapefruit slice and rosemary sprig.
Why It’s Great:
Agave tequila is low in sugar and naturally gluten-free.
Grapefruit juice provides vitamin C and antioxidants.
Lime juice balances acidity and enhances digestion.
Enjoy it on a patio with good company.
P.S. If you make that Agave Spritz, tag me—I’ll toast to your good taste.
🍻 Final Thoughts
That’s it for this week! If any of these topics resonated with you, hit reply – I’d love to hear your thoughts. Also, if you try that Paloma Spritz, let me know how you like it!
Until next time, stay grounded, stay curious, and stay hydrated. 🍹
- Chance
Great information! I'm a huge grounding fan. I have grounding sheets and a grounding mat. I can tell a big difference in my sleep with the grounding sheets.
Growing up, I was barefoot all the time—running through the neighborhood, exploring the creek, and walking on pavement without a second thought. It’s wild to think that all those childhood adventures might have actually been helping my body fight inflammation. Do you think modern shoes and pavement have disconnected us too much from the Earth? I'd recommend reading "Born to Run" as an exploration into modern shoes and why they often hurt our feet.
I actually quit caffeine three years ago after realizing it was fueling a vicious cycle. An afternoon crash would send me back for more coffee, which then wrecked my sleep. Now, hitting the gym and running every morning gives me all the energy I need. Have you ever considered cutting it out completely, or do you feel like the benefits outweigh the downsides? Once you make it through that caffeine headache, I feel like we are better off without it.