The recent fires burning around the country have served as a reminder of and highlighted the importance of appreciating and addressing the health of our respiratory system. When working correctly, air enters into the lungs, is passed on to microscopic bags or sacs called “alveoli”, which then filter and extract oxygen and transfer to blood cells, which in turn deliver it to the trillions of cells that make up the human body.
These cells then use the oxygen to burn sugar, releasing carbon dioxide, which is then, along with other waste materials, sent back to the lungs to be eliminated through exhalation. While this cycle occurs around 20,000 times a day and is obviously the most critical of all biological processes, we rarely think about it.
Nonetheless, by paying attention to our inhalation and exhalation, not only can we maximize its efficacy, we can also improve brain function, immunity, energy levels, overall health and longevity.
First, by being conscious of and controlling the breath and breathing musculature, including the rib muscles, abdominals and diaphragm, we can increase their power and strength, optimize oxygenation of cells tissues and organs and improve the body’s ability to detoxify itself.
Secondly, by being aware of what we’re breathing, avoiding carbon monoxide, cigarette smoke and other airborne particulates and poisons, we can help keep the breathing apparatus clean and functional.
Thirdly we can use nutrition and supplementation to improve respiration, particularly vitamin E, vitamin C, Glutamine, Selenium, Sulfur and phytonutrients from fruits and vegetables.
