Recently, I saw an ad for some expensive product that said it would promote more oxygen in the blood flow by taking just a few drops. I thought, "Hmm, that sounds like it might just be helpful and add another segment to my already healthy regimen." But, something made me dig a little deeper into finding out just how hard it would be to increase the oxygen in my blood. I am so glad I did, since I found numerous ways to keep my blood flowing with oxygen.
In a healthy environment, our cells are rich in oxygen, rejuvenated every night as we sleep. Optimum oxygen levels will give you more energy, enhanced brain function, and lower stress. Fatigue will be easily overcome, and you will look and feel younger.
A low-oxygen environment deprives the cells of essential nutrients needed for energy to clean and rebuild. As a result, our body fluids and blood becomes dirty and toxic. Lack of oxygen weakens every bodily system and is the main cause of disease. It weakens the immune system, which can lead to viral infections, DNA mutations, pathogenic bacteria, inflammation, heart disease, toxic buildup in the blood flow, and premature aging.
In this article, we'll dive into how oxygen is used in the body and 14 amazing ways to increase oxygen levels:
How Oxygen Is Utilized in the Body
The simple version goes something like this: When we inhale, oxygen from the air we breathe is diffused through membranes and into red blood cells. The oxygen-rich blood then circulates throughout the body and finds tissues in need of oxygen. Enzymes in the body combine with the oxygen molecules and initiate many metabolic (i.e., oxidative) processes in the body. One of the waste products of oxidation is carbon dioxide, which is then released from the cells into the blood. It combines with hemoglobin and bicarbonates and is transported back to the lungs — where the process starts all over again.How Oxygen Supports Body Detoxification
Health in the human body depends to a large degree on how efficiently nutrients can be absorbed and utilized at the cellular level, as well as how effectively the toxins and wastes can be removed. Cellular waste is removed from the body in several ways. Part of the waste is dissolved in water and transported to the kidneys and liver for filtration. It is then eliminated through the urine and bowels. Toxins are also excreted from the body through perspiration. However, some of the most toxic poisons in the body can only be "burned up" and neutralized through oxidation. This is the job of oxygen-rich red blood cells that circulate from the lungs and into the deeper organs and glands of the body. Minimizing your exposure to environmental toxins (e.g., using air and water filters, eating organic foods, using toxic-free personal care products, etc.) while restoring oxygen balance in the body is a commonsense plan for cellular rejuvenation and disease prevention. Since the cells cannot store sufficient levels of oxygen for more than a few minutes at a time, the body needs a steady supply of oxygen from the environment. Several natural methods of increasing oxygen levels in the blood flow will help you avoid the effects of low oxygen levels and will improve your health. Pulse oximetry is one method for indirectly monitoring oxygen saturation to ensure normal blood oxygen levels, so investing in a pulse oximeter is one of the easiest ways to monitor your health.14 Ways to Increase Your Blood Oxygen Level
Restoring the oxygen levels in your blood is easier than you think; it takes just a few new habits and simple lifestyle adjustments. Don’t worry about using supplemental oxygen - instead, consider these tips as a form of natural oxygen therapy.- Open your windows. Stale air stuck between the walls of your home can be easily replaced by fresh air when you open the windows and let the oxygen circulate.
- Place plants throughout your house. Plants take in carbon dioxide, so arranging fresh greenery and flowers around your home can increase oxygen levels in your living space.
- Invest in natural aroma diffusers. Stop buying commercial candles and air fresheners that are loaded with harmful chemicals. Organic options like natural beeswax candles can make it easier to breath in fresh air and get pure oxygen to your blood.
- Exercise. Physical activity improves your respiratory system, helping your lungs absorb oxygen. Aerobic exercise is the best option for body oxygenation, so try hiking, walking or bicycling.
- Increase your water intake. Considering water is made up of oxygen, staying hydrated throughout the day can ensure the element gets properly dispersed throughout the body.
- Remove salt from your diet. An eating regimen that's low in sodium chloride can lead to increased oxygenation from the kidneys and the blood.
- Consume more essential fatty acids. Essential fatty acids can increase the amount of oxygen red blood cells carry. Given the body cannot produce omega-6 essential fatty acids on its own, eat more walnuts and hemp, flax, pumpkin and Chia seeds.
- Follow a plant-based diet. Eliminating processed foods and animal products from your diet removes excess acidity from the body. A plant-based eating regimen that's loaded with leafy green vegetables like kale, spinach, Swiss chard, parsley, sprouts, collard greens and mustard greens can help alkalize the body.
- Avoid recreational drugs and alcohol. Oxidative stress is associated with an increased use of these unhealthy products. Stop using drugs and alcohol to keep your tissues and organs in good health.
- Maintain an alkaline body pH. When your pH level lowers, the amount of oxygen in the red blood cells decreases. Work on maintaining normal pH levels by staying away from processed foods and refined sugars.
- Check your iron. Did you know that normal red blood cells are full of iron? If you're anemic, consuming more iron-rich foods like whole grains, nuts, seeds and dark leafy greens can increase iron absorption, which enables your red blood cells to carry oxygen.
- Dedicate time to prayer. Taking time to speak to God while relaxing and focusing on your breathing doesn't only reduce stress; it can also improve your oxygen intake.
- Learn to breathe properly. While breathing is a natural habit, the right techniques can ensure you're getting enough oxygen to the lungs. Breathe in slowly from the diaphragm and out through the nose.
- Improve your posture. The way you stand, sit and walk can impact your breathing process and inhibit the amount of oxygen that gets into your lungs. Work on improving your posture to inhale the most oxygen possible.
