Static Electricity in the Body: Symptoms and How to Remove It

Static electricity can surprise you with sudden zaps or make your hair stand up, ruining a good hair day. Most people deal with it at some point, but you don’t have to live with it.

If you want fewer shocks and less frustration, start by understanding how static electricity works.

In this post, you’ll learn how to remove static electricity from your body, spot the signs of static buildup, and prevent it from returning. You’ll also get clear explanations of how static electricity forms and why it builds up in your body.

Let’s get started.

What Is Static Electricity and How Does It Build Up in the Body?

Static electricity, or electrostatics, happens when electrical charges build up on an object’s surface. This usually occurs when two materials rub or bump against each other.

Friction causes electrons to transfer:

• One object loses electrons and becomes positively charged.
• The other gains electrons and becomes negatively charged.

When you touch something with a static charge, especially one with extra electrons, you may feel a sudden zap. That shock is an electric discharge as the charge passes through your body.

How Static Electricity Builds Up in the Body

Your body can hold an imbalance of electrons until it releases that charge. For example, when you drag your feet on a carpet or brush against a surface, your body may pick up extra electrons.

This charge stays with you until it discharges – often through a sudden and uncomfortable static electric shock.

Why You Might Be More Prone to Static Shocks

Some people experience more static shocks than others. That’s because your chances of getting shocked depend on external factors like the clothes you wear, your footwear, and your environment.

Here’s why you might be getting zapped more often than others:

• You’re living in an area of low humidity. If you live, work, or spend a lot of time in a dry climate, you’re more likely to get shocked. Dry air and low humidity makes it easier for static electricity to build up – moisture-filled areas do the opposite.
• You wear a lot of synthetic clothing. Fabrics made of nylon, polyester, and other manmade materials encourage more electron transfer and increase friction. This increases the risk of static electricity in clothing.
• Your shoes have rubber soles. Footwear with soles made of rubber insulates and prevents static electricity discharge. The static stays with you and the shock builds up and discharges later.

Last but not least, the reason might be that you have dry skin. Just like dry air, dry skin is prone to static charge buildup.

Environmental and Seasonal Factors That Increase Static Buildup

Static electricity is influenced by the environment and seasonal changes. It builds up more in winter because cold air holds less moisture.

Dry air increases the chance of static buildup, which is why shocks are more common in winter or in dry climates. In contrast, humid air – like in summer or damp regions – reduces static accumulation.

Daily Habits That May Be Making Static Electricity Buildup Worse

Beyond the factors already mentioned, certain habits can make static buildup worse.

These include:

• Failing to moisturize your skin, especially when it’s already on the drier side;
• Shuffling your feet while on carpets;
• Combing your hair with a plastic comb;
• Opting for rubber soles or clothes made of synthetic fibers;
• Washing away too much of your skin’s moisture by taking hot showers;
• Not using a humidifier indoors when the air is dry.

Avoiding these habits can significantly reduce how often you get shocked on a regular basis.

How to Discharge Static Electricity Safely

At any point in time, especially when you’re in a dry or cold environment, you could be carrying static electricity on the surface of your skin or clothes. And if it’s not discharged purposefully and safely, it could be discharged unexpectedly and painfully when you make contact with a conductive surface.

To prevent shocks, touch metal objects throughout the day. Holding a key or coin works well. As long as you discharge the static regularly, you can avoid most unwanted zaps.

Simple Ways to Reduce Static in Your Body and Home

Beyond the tips already mentioned, you can take a few extra steps to reduce static buildup with minimal effort:

• Spritz your clothes with anti-static spray.
• Vacuum your space regularly to reduce dirt and debris that could make static worse.
• Keep a safety pin or key with you to quickly discharge static electricity buildup.
• Air dry your clothes instead of putting them in the dryer, where they rub up against other clothing and build up static.
• Shake your clothes out upon removing them from the dryer.

You can also add vinegar to your clothes during the rinse cycle. It can reduce static in your clothing, especially for cotton.

Natural Remedies and Grounding Techniques

Many people turn to chemical products to fight static electricity, but that’s not necessary.

You can use these simple, natural methods instead:

• Add indoor plants. They release moisture into the air through transpiration, which helps reduce static.
• Walk barefoot on floors or grass to ground your body and discharge static naturally.
• Use a humidifier to increase moisture in the air, especially in dry indoor spaces.

Small changes in your environment and routine can make a big difference in reducing static electricity. By choosing natural solutions, you’ll stay more comfortable and avoid those annoying zaps without relying on chemicals.

Clothing and Fabric Choices That Make a Difference

Your clothing plays a big role in how much static electricity you carry. Natural fabrics like cotton are less likely to hold a static charge compared to synthetic materials.

While natural fibers can still produce some static, they’re far less prone to buildup than nylon, polyester, and other man-made fabrics.

When to Be Concerned: Rare Medical Conditions Related to Electrical Sensitivity

Many believe that static electricity is nothing more than a minor annoyance, but that’s not always the case.

Some people report experiencing electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EH), a condition where exposure to electromagnetic fields appears to trigger symptoms like skin irritation, fatigue, headaches, and difficulty concentrating. It’s considered rare, with an estimated 1.5% to 5% of people claiming to have it.

However, EH is not recognized as a medical diagnosis. Scientific studies have not found a consistent link between EMF exposure and the reported symptoms. While the symptoms are real, they are likely caused by other underlying factors.

In most cases, the symptoms linked to static electricity aren’t considered harmful. However, if you’re concerned about any health effects, it’s best to consult your primary care provider. They can offer personalized guidance and rule out other possible causes.

Preventive Tips to Minimize Future Static Accumulation

It’s often easier to prevent static electricity than to deal with it after the fact.

Keep these practical tips in mind to reduce static shocks and buildup:

• Avoid wearing multiple layers to reduce fabric friction.
• Run a humidifier during winter months to counteract dry air. Higher humidity can dramatically reduce static.
• Treat carpets with an anti-static spray to limit static generation.
• Walk without dragging your feet and avoid rubbing against fabrics when possible.
• Keep your skin moisturized to prevent static buildup on the body.
• Choose natural fabrics—like cotton or wool—for clothing and home items such as rugs and curtains.

With these steps, you can significantly lower your chances of static shocks.

While reducing static electricity is about balance in your environment, maintaining internal balance through detoxification is just as important. Supporting your body’s natural detox pathways can help you feel more energized and resilient from the inside out.

To further support and assist your natural detox pathways, you should consider herbal supplementation. We partnered with environmental toxin specialists and supplement formulators to create the best formula on the market that supports your liver and kidneys detox organs in a safe way – it’s called Restore Detox.

How does it work? We selected the most potent 6 detoxifiers, which have been used for centuries. 

​

Click here to learn more about Restore Detox and find out how it can change your future for the better by boosting your body’s natural detoxification pathways and helping you to live your best, youngest, and healthiest life!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you remove static electricity from your body?

To remove static electricity from your body, you’d need to ground yourself to allow it to be discharged. Touch metal or go outside and allow your feet to touch the grass or ground. Doing so will help you get rid of static without feeling a painful shock.

Can certain diets reduce static electricity effects?

Static electricity management doesn’t typically extend to what you eat. And that’s because your diet isn’t a determinant of the amount of electricity you accumulate, although drinking enough water is essential for hydration. So, no, there is no diet you can go on to combat static electricity effects.

What deficiency causes static electricity?

Some believe that a vitamin B12 deficiency could cause static electricity, and that’s simply not the case. What vitamin B12 deficiency does cause is neuropathy. And when you aren’t getting enough of the vitamin, you could experience sensations similar to electric shocks from nerve damage which can “feel” like electric shocks.

Sources

Let’s Learn About Static Electricity

Zap! (Electric Discharge)

Static Electricity

The Effect Of Humidity On Static Electricity Induced Reliability Issues Of Ict Equipment In Data Centers — Motivation And Setup Of The Study

Why Do I Get Static Shocks From Everyday Objects? Is It My Shoes?

Physicists Deffner And Ibrahim Explain Winter’s Extra Helping Of Static Electricity

Are You Tired Of Being Zapped? These 10 Tips Can Help You Combat Static Electricity

Transpiration

Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity

Why Do Some People Feel Electric Shocks?

Electric Shock

The short-term and long-term effects of electric shock on the human body

Neurological and neuropsychological consequences of electrical and lightning shock: review and theories of causation

The sensitivity of the heart to static magnetic fields