Grounding / Earthing

Grounding or earthing tops the list as the least evidence-based trend, with proponents claiming that walking barefoot reduces inflammation and improves sleep by absorbing the earth's electrons. Yet a 2022 systematic review in Complementary Therapies in Medicine analyzed 22 studies and found that only 4 met minimal quality criteria, with most lacking control groups or using fewer than 30 participants. The strongest study reported a 16% reduction in pain scores, but results were not replicated. This practice is 80% more expensive than the typical free alternative of simply walking in the park, while providing no confirmed benefits over a placebo. Compared to Collagen Supplements at #9, grounding has even less clinical support, failing to outperform basic sleep hygiene or regular exercise in peer-reviewed trials.