11 Tips To Increase Your Oxygen Intake
Why is oxygen important?
Breathing uses chemical and mechanical processes to bring oxygen to every cell of the body and to get rid of carbon dioxide. Our body needs oxygen to obtain energy to fuel all our living processes.
Carbon dioxide is a waste product of that process. The respiratory system, with its conduction and respiratory zones, brings air from the environment to the lungs and facilitates gas exchange both in the lungs and within the cells.
Cells then need oxygen to be able to break up the chemical bonds of food molecules such as sugars, carbohydrates, and proteins to release the energy they contain. Bringing oxygen to our cells and muscles makes us capable of performing physical activity.
Using supplemental oxygen will increase your oxygen levels but there are other tips that can help increase your oxygen levels, its circulation and your body’s ability to take up the additional oxygen and utilise it more efficiently.
Take a look at these ideas as in conjunction with your home oxygen therapy a little change could greatly increase your oxygen levels and quality of life.
1- Get some fresh air
a woman relaxing, Credits: pexels
When you spend more time in regions where pollution is less and fresh air is available, your bloodstream gets a large supply of oxygen. You may plant trees and shrubs in your garden as they soak in CO2 and release oxygen into the atmosphere. You may also resort to jogging or a morning walk by the riverside, a park or green areas where air is fresher to take in more oxygen through breathing. Ensure the rooms in your house are properly ventilated as well.Go to oxygen parks.
2- Get a portable oxygen concentrator
(POC) is a device used to provide oxygen therapy to people that require greater oxygen concentrations than the levels of ambient air. It is similar to a home oxygen concentrator (OC), but is smaller in size and more mobile.https://www.healthproductsforyou.com/c-oxygen-concentrators.html
3- Exercise
a woman jogging, Credits: pexels
Even a small amount of exercise will help to improve your respiration ability, as your breathing rate increases and deepens your lungs can absorb more oxygen.
n most cases, if you work out regularly, you will be able to continue to work out at that level with relatively stable O2 levels. However, if you suddenly increase the length or the intensity of your workout, you may notice your oxygen levels will drop during a workout. Gasping, dizziness or nausea are indications that your oxygen level has dropped below an acceptable level and you have over-strained your body. To get in shape, you need to periodically challenge your body through movement 3 times a week or so – not every day
4- Measure Your O2 Uptake –
Pulse oximeters are extremely useful tools for measuring your blood oxygen level (O2 saturation) and pulse rate quickly and accurately. Oxygen saturation should always be above 95 percent. Get an inexpensive pulse oximeter, clip it on your finger, and measure your O2 uptake and your pulse 5-6 times a day. Compare your O2 uptake and pulse when you’re exercising and at rest. A few simple measurements at different activity levels will show you how to maximize your your blood’s oxygen
5- Stay hydrated to improve your oxygen levels
H2O is made of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. Drinking enough water will help you stay hydrated and increase the oxygen in your blood. If you want to try other fluids, fresh vegetable juices and smoothies can be a good choice. Fresh fruits and vegetables are full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, therefore juicing them or blending can help you absorb their benefits in a more easily digestible form level.
6- Eat lron-rich foods.
iron rich food, Credits: pexels
Your diet can seriously impact your oxygen levels. Certain foods can help improve your oxygen levels in the blood naturally. Target iron-rich foods such as meats, poultry, fish, legumes and green leafy vegetables as they can improve iron deficiency, which in turn improves blood oxygen levels.
7- Cut out Salt. A diet low in sodium can lead to increased oxygenation via the kidney and the blood.
cut down on salt, Credits: pexels
8- Eat green food
green foods, Credits: pexels
Oxygen-rich foods can naturally increase your blood oxygen levels. Try eating more green vegetables like kale, broccoli and celery in order to boost your oxygen levels and hopefully breathe easier.
9- Open your windows
open windows, Credits: pexels
Fresh air will bring additional oxygen into your home and even if you are constantly breathing in oxygen through a cannula, whenever you talk or open your mouth fresh air containing higher oxygen levels can be drawn into your body. If you live in a smoggy area then you could consider investing in an air-filtration system.
10- Plants
plants, Credits: pexels
They are the opposite of us as they take-in carbon dioxide and expel oxygen. Thereby increasing the foliage and plants in your home will decrease the carbon dioxide and increase the oxygen levels in your home.
11- Aroma
scented candles, Credits: pexels
Many of the chemical-filled candles and various other incense type products actually contain carcinogens. Instead it is better to burn all-natural beeswax candles as then you’ll have better luck breathing in oxygen.
12- Train your breathing
a woman breathing, Credits: pexels
Exercise alone is not enough if you want to improve the quality of your breathing since training provides no guarantee that you are actually utilizing the capacity of your lungs and oxygen uptake. Breathing is, however, vital in order to increase our oxygen level.
Slow and deep breathing increases the level of oxygen in our blood. Oxygen is transported to the blood within the body through the respiratory system and that is why it influences your oxygen level if your breathing is not optimal.