Human life is based on the process of respiration. Humans breathe an average of 17,000 to 20,000 times a day, and in some cases much more than that.
By Gina Poulou, Certified Breathing Coach and Instructor (Buteyko Clinic International) Functional Breathing instructor (Oxygen Advantage).
We need to understand the importance of the process of respiration in terms of biochemistry, but also biomechanism. It is very important for our health both what we breathe and how we breathe. The truth is we have forgotten how to breathe properly. If breathing is done carefully and consciously, it can benefit the body and boost the quality of our daily life. Breathing is in itself an excellent workout for the body.
Let me explain breathing in simple words.
The heart and lungs are connected through the veins and arteries. The gases that are responsible for keeping us alive, namely oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2), are transported through the veins and arteries. The arteries, starting from the heart, carry O2 to the body and the veins carry CO2 back to the heart, which in turn is led to the lungs and excreted. The exchange of gases takes place in the alveoli through the capillaries. Each cell is surrounded by capillaries. O2 reaches the alveoli by inhalation and is transported through the capillaries to the blood and consequently to all the cells of our body. The body is then ready for metabolism.
CO2, a derivative of metabolism, is carried by the blood back to the alveoli and excreted. In the lungs, the blood will once again be enriched with O2 and begin its new journey from the heart into the arteries. Once these dissolved gases are found in the blood, the circulatory system carries them throughout the body, bringing O2 to the tissues and CO2 to the lungs. It becomes clear, therefore, that if the blood does not carry the necessary O2, it will never cleanse and toxins are simply recycled in our body. The correct distribution of O2 in our blood and consequently in each of our cells is extremely important.
However, modern man, due to prolonged stress, or other health problems enters a state of hyperventilation that is, inhaling much more O2 than the body needs. In this way, the balance of basic gases, ie O2 and CO2, is disturbed with harmful effects on health. A key role of respiration is to maintain the right pH in the blood, keeping the percentages of the two gases in balance. Elevated CO2 levels cause acidosis, while decreased levels, and therefore elevated O2 levels, cause alkalization.
Both cases have a negative impact on the health of the body. However, acidification is equivalent to the accumulation of toxins in the body, while alkalization forces the body to eliminate alkaline elements, to restore the pH to normal levels. Alkaline elements are calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, very basic elements for our health. Therefore, calcium is lost from our bones and teeth in an effort to defend the body. So, it is not enough just how O2 is channeled into the blood, but also how much O2 will be channeled and how the CO2 levels will increase or drop.
Another very important gas involved in the respiration process is nitric oxide (NO), which is produced in the paranasal cavities and is constantly secreted into the nasal airways. NO is characterized as a molecule of life and has beneficial effects on our health. Among many, it strengthens the immune system, fights harmful bacteria, fungi and viruses, facilitates the supply of oxygen and nutrients to cells, helps remove toxins, increases fibroblasts and collagen synthesis, promotes collagen synthesis And much more.
In 1992 NO was named "Molecule of the Year" by the scientific journal Science, while in 1998 pharmacologists Furchgott, Ignarro and Murad won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their discoveries regarding NO. Holding the breath for short periods of time, NO increases in the nasal cavity, while CO2 also increases slightly in the blood. Upon resumption of inhalation NO is transferred from the nasal cavity to the lungs. Both gases play an important role in opening the airways and improving blood circulation, and allowing more oxygen to be delivered to the cells.
A simple test that reveals how functionally we breathe is the BOLT (Body Oxygen Level Test), as it reveals in a very simple way our chemosensitivity to CO2, ie how sensitive our body is to CO2 and whether we have hyperventilation, ie the inhalation of more air than our body really needs. The BOLT goes as follows: just inhale and exhale slowly for a few minutes, without haste, and at the end of the exhale pinch your nose. Count the seconds you endure without inhaling, without reaching an extreme point, but until you feel a strong air hunger. You will understand when the body reacts and needs inhalation.
A BOLT score less than 25’’ indicates a breath that needs improvement. The goal is to reach a pausing time of over 25’’ with an excellent 40’’. With the appropriate breathing exercises you will restore your breathing to its normal rhythms, those who want calm and balanced breathing, in order to achieve the desired, which is 6-7 breaths per minute.
With proper breathing exercises:
- Stress is reduced
- The toxicity of the body is significantly negated
- The quality of sleep is restored
- Improves digestion and general function of the digestive system
- Improves cardiovascular health
- Blood pressure is regulated
- Cognitive skills and concentration are improved
- The skin becomes (and looks) healthy and radiant
- Inflammations in the body are reduced
- Combs sinusitis
- The joints, the muscles and the body in general become stronger
- The lungs are strengthened, stimulated and shielded
- Improves body alignment
- The chances of stroke and heart attack are drastically reduced
- Stimulation of metabolism
Just 2' of right breaths are enough for the practitioner to properly filter and purify his blood, but also to adequately oxygenate every cell.
In conclusion, we need O2, CO2 and NO at good levels in our body. We achieve this with the right breath, which leads to a surge in the quality of our daily lives. Let's not forget that too much oxygen is just as destructive as less oxygen. Healthy cells create healthy tissues and healthier functional and efficient organs that improve our immune system. Clean and properly oxygenated blood fights infectious bacteria and viruses.
Improved and proper breathing helps to better absorb vitamins and minerals in the body, and is a great ally in strengthening our immune system against any virus, and therefore against the pandemic.
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