Every cell in your body requires oxygen to function properly. Life is short without oxygen. Breathing in air provides oxygen, but there is more to it than that.
Initially, you must be able to transfer air from your lungs into your blood. You may take this for granted, but many individuals have struggled with it in the last three years.
After the oxygen is in the blood, a protein called hemoglobin in the red blood cells is required to transport the oxygen throughout the body.
If a person has anemia, oxygen cannot reach all of the organs and tissues.
Your brain is one of the organs most affected. Because your brain cells consume at least 20% of your body’s oxygen supply.
Unlike your muscles, your brain cannot store energy; it need a constant supply of calories and oxygen to function properly. Sleep apnea, poor judgment, lack of focus, poor memory, mood swings, restlessness, melancholy, and low energy can all result from a shortage of oxygen in the brain.
- Exercise: One of the most effective ways to increase oxygen in the blood is through regular exercise. This is because exercise helps to improve the overall cardiovascular system, including the heart and lungs, which allows for more efficient transport of oxygen to the body’s tissues.
- Deep Breathing: Practicing deep breathing techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing or belly breathing can also help to increase oxygen levels in the blood. This type of breathing involves taking slow, deep breaths that fully expand the lungs and allow for maximum oxygen intake.
- Increase Iron Intake: Iron is an important mineral that is essential for the production of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Eating foods that are rich in iron such as leafy green vegetables, red meat, and fortified cereals can help to increase oxygen levels in the blood.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is also important for maintaining healthy oxygen levels in the blood. Water helps to keep the blood fluid, which allows for easier transport of oxygen to the body’s tissues.
- Improve Indoor Air Quality: Indoor air quality can also have an impact on oxygen levels in the blood. It is important to ensure that indoor spaces are well-ventilated and free from pollutants such as smoke, dust, and mold, which can reduce the amount of oxygen in the air.
- Get Enough Sleep: Finally, getting enough sleep is also important for maintaining healthy oxygen levels in the blood. During sleep, the body is able to repair and rejuvenate itself, which includes replenishing oxygen levels in the blood. Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep per night to support healthy oxygen levels.