The Breath of Life: Why oxygen is important to your body

Oxygen – a colorless, odorless gas that is extremely fundamental to life as we all know. It is debatable whether to consider it a nutrient, as it does not enter via mouth and to the digestive system. However, with its vital role, it is as important as other nutrients. While it may seem like a simple and ubiquitous element, its role in the human body is nothing short of extraordinary. Every breath you take fills your lungs with this life-sustaining gas, setting in motion a cascade of biological processes that are essential for your well-being. In this blog post, we will delve into the reasons why oxygen is so crucial to the human body and explore the fascinating journey it takes within us.

The Basics of Breathing:

Before we explore the importance of oxygen, let’s briefly understand how the respiratory system works. When you inhale, your lungs fill with air, extracting oxygen from it. This oxygen is then transported through the bloodstream to every cell in your body, where it is used to produce energy through a process called cellular respiration. Simultaneously, your body releases carbon dioxide, a waste product, which is transported back to the lungs and expelled when you exhale.

Why is oxygen important to your body?

Energy Production:

One of the primary reasons oxygen is vital to your body is its role in energy production. Within the cells, oxygen participates in a series of chemical reactions that lead to the synthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), simply, the energy. This process, known as aerobic respiration, is highly efficient and allows your body to generate a large amount of energy needed for various physiological functions, from maintaining your heartbeat to powering the intricate processes within your cells. Can’t we have energy without oxygen? Actually we can. Energy producing reactions start without oxygen, but produce only 2 units of ATP. Then it starts with the oxygen-required reaction that produces 36 units of energy!!! Amazing right?? 

Cellular Respiration:

The energy-producing powerhouse of your cells, the mitochondria, relies heavily on oxygen. During cellular respiration, which is when glucose is broken down in the presence of oxygen, releasing energy and providing the necessary fuel for cellular activities. Without oxygen, this process would be severely compromised, leading to a significant reduction in energy production and, consequently, impairing the proper functioning of your body.

Detoxification and Immune Support:

Oxygen also plays a crucial role in detoxification and immune support. White blood cells, a key component of your immune system, utilize oxygen to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) to neutralize and eliminate pathogens. Additionally, many toxins and waste products within your body are broken down and eliminated through oxidation processes that involve oxygen. This detoxification mechanism is essential for maintaining a healthy and functional immune system.

Brain Function:

The brain, being one of the most metabolically active organs in the body, is particularly dependent on a constant and adequate supply of oxygen. Oxygen supports various neurological functions, including cognitive processes, memory formation, and overall brain health. Even a brief interruption in oxygen supply to the brain can have severe consequences, emphasizing the critical importance of consistent oxygen intake.

How to get enough oxygen? 

• BREATHING:

by using your nose to breath. By the way When you breathe through your nose, you can increase the amount of oxygen in your cells by about 20%.

• EXERCISING:

especially HIIT exercises. This exercise forces you to take more oxygen into your body.

Both increase longevity.  Moreover, both help in fat burning… Read more in 5 reliable ways to lose fat 

Conclusion:

In essence, oxygen is the lifeblood of your body, sustaining the intricate dance of biochemical reactions that keep you alive and thriving. From energy production to immune support and brain function, the importance of oxygen cannot be overstated. As you take a deep breath and contemplate the invisible force that fills your lungs, remember that every inhalation is a reminder of the profound symbiosis between your body and the element that keeps the flame of life burning bright.

References: 

• Trayhurn P. (2019). Oxygen-A Critical, but Overlooked, Nutrient. Frontiers in nutrition, 6, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2019.00010 
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8p8-Mrbnm8