What is Redox Potential? Understanding the Body’s Healing Capacity What is Redox Potential? “Redox potential” refers to the body’s ability to maintain a balance of electrons available for transfer in reduction-oxidation (redox) reactions. These reactions involve the exchange of electrons between two species (atoms or molecules): one species gains electrons (reduction), while the other loses electrons (oxidation). A high redox potential means the body has a sufficient reserve of electrons to support essential processes like energy production, detoxification, and cellular repair. Why is Redox Potential Important for our Biology? Redox reactions (the transfer of electrons) drive cellular energy production, facilitate communication between cells, support detoxification, and help manage inflammation and the repair of tissues. When the body has a sufficient store of electrons (a high redox potential), it can effectively manage these processes and maintain overall health. However, if redox potential is low due to a lack of available electrons, the body struggles to manage oxidative stress, leading to cellular dysfunction, impaired healing, and a higher risk of inflammation and disease. Redox and Inflammation Inflammation is like a controlled fire the body uses to clear out infections or damaged cells. This process occurs in two phases. Phase One uses oxidants to steal electrons and “set the fire”, breaking down microbial pathogens, toxins, or irreparable cells. Once this is complete, Phase Two begins, where antioxidants donate electrons to neutralize the oxidants and "put out the fire." When both phases are completed, debris is cleared and balance is restored, allowing for new, healthy growth. However, if redox potential is low, the body may struggle with Phase Two, leading to a slow, uncontrolled burn and chronic, low-level inflammation with ongoing symptoms. Redox and Energy Creation Cellular energy production in the mitochondria relies on a continuous cycle of redox reactions involving two key electron carriers, NADH and FADH₂, which act like buckets transporting electrons derived from the breakdown of food. NADH and FADH₂ donate these electrons to the electron transport chain, where they are funneled through a series of protein complexes to drive the production of cellular energy. By giving up electrons, NADH and FADH₂ become oxidized, turning into NAD+ and FAD—the "empty buckets" ready to accept new electrons (becoming reduced) and continue the cycle. Redox and Detoxification In the liver, enzymes use oxidation (stealing electrons) to convert fat-soluble toxins into water-soluble forms that can be excreted from the body. After this, glutathione, a powerful antioxidant, uses reduction (donating electrons) to neutralize these toxins, ensuring their safe elimination. Redox and Cellular Communication Reactive oxygen species (ROS)—molecules with unpaired electrons—are key signaling agents that help cells communicate about internal and external conditions. This signaling is essential for coordinating processes like immune responses, cell growth, and adaptation to stress. When redox potential is high, ROS signaling is balanced, enabling proper cellular communication and function. Increasing Redox Potential with Exclusion Zone Water Exclusion Zone (EZ) water is a structured, negatively charged, gel-like form of water inside the body that forms inside and around our cells and tissues. EZ water’s unique structure creates a reservoir of electrons that the body can use for redox reactions. Because EZ water surrounds all our fascia and connective tissue, electrons can be instantaneously transported anywhere throughout the body where they may be needed. The more EZ water we have, the more electrons we can store, enhancing our redox potential and overall healing capacity. How to Increase Redox Potential: Gather Electrons Food: Metabolizing food releases electrons stored in fats, proteins, and carbs to be used in the body. Grounding/Earthing: The surface of the Earth is an infinite repository of electrons, which flow into our bodies with direct skin contact. Sunlight Exposure: Infrared light supports the expansion of EZ water inside the body, and also stimulates the mitochondria to produce more metabolic water which then becomes EZ water. Exposure to ultraviolet light also generates free electrons stored in the EZ. Physical Activity: Exercise generates electrons through piezoelectric effects, where mechanical pressure creates an electric charge. How to Increase Redox Potential: Minimize Electron Loss Address Indoor Lifestyle: Our species evolved to be continuously connected to the Earth's natural sources of electrons and full-spectrum sunlight. Disconnection from nature leaves us reliant primarily on food for electrons, leading to widespread electron deficiency. Mitigate Exposure to Non-Native Electromagnetic Fields (nnEMFs): WiFi, cell phones, and wireless devices have been shown to collapse EZ water by about 15%, lowering redox potential. Wireless radiation also causes calcium to flood into cells, disrupting mitochondrial function and their production of metabolic water. Limit Environmental Toxins: Exposure to pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals, and other toxins increases the body’s demand for electrons to neutralize these substances, reducing redox potential.
