Inadequate oxygen levels in the body manifest itself in many ways. People with low levels of oxygen in their blood may experience changes in skin color, coughing, a faster heart rate, confusion, shortness of breath and fast breathing, as well as sneezing and wheezing. A condition you have low levels of oxygen in your blood or tissues is known as hypoxia. There are various factors that contribute to the condition. One of these is an asthma attack, where your airwaves can get narrow, which makes it difficult for blood to get to your lungs. The condition is worsened by coughing because coughing uses up even more oxygen.
Other causes of hypoxia include lung damage caused by trauma and lung diseases such as COPD, bronchitis, and emphysema. Low blood oxygen levels can also be a result of strong pain medicines that restrict breathing, heart problems, and poisoning from cyanide; the chemical used to make plastic products. If you have asthma, you can prevent hypoxia by eating right, staying active, and sticking to your medication.
How to increase oxygen levels
If you notice that your loved ones suffer from low oxygen levels, the first step is to see a doctor who will determine if the condition is critical enough to warrant oxygen therapy. Below are some tips on how you can increase the levels of oxygen in your body.
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Keep your windows and other air passages around you open
Fresh air allows fresh oxygen into your home and that oxygen will be drawn into your body when you talk or breath. If you live in a neighborhood where the air is smoggy and toxic, invest in an air-filtration system to ensure you are breathing in fresh, unadulterated air.
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Plants naturally 'clean' the air in your home
Green plants use up carbon dioxide to make food and therefore release more oxygen in the air for you to breathe. There are certain plants that release oxygen at night and absorb toxins, helping you sleep better. These include Aloe Vera, areca palm, and Chinese evergreen.
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Exercise
Exercising, even for a few minutes, helps increase your blood levels by improving your respiratory ability. When you work out, your breathing rate increases, which causes your lungs to deepen and accommodate more oxygen.
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Drink more water
Water is a compound that is made up of two elements-hydrogen and oxygen. Drinking water supplies your body which extra amounts of oxygen.
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Eat green vegetables and food rich in iron
Raw and fresh green vegetables are rich in minerals and vitamins which help the body increase the uptake of oxygen. These include foods such as kale, celery, and broccoli. Foods rich in iron such as fish, legumes, meat, green veggies, fish, and poultry improve iron deficiency and in turn, increase the level of oxygen in your blood.
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Go easy on the salt
Your kidneys can get damaged by excessive intake of salt, which in turn affects your heart and blood pressure. More than 120 quarts of blood pass through your kidneys each day. The kidney eliminates toxins and unwanted fluids from cells and sends them to the bladder. Eating a lot of salt overworks your kidney which causes your system to build up and result in high blood pressure. High blood pressure results in lower levels of oxygen reaching your brain which could lead to syncope. Healthy blood pressure is essential for supplying adequate oxygen to your brain.
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Yoga and meditation
As you meditate and perform yoga exercises, you practice inhaling deep breaths for minutes, which reduces stress and increases your level of oxygen uptake.
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Use natural aromas in your house
Keep off from candles and other incense products which usually produce carcinogens when they burn. These toxins make your breathing more problematic. Ensure you use natural products such as beeswax candles which are fresh so that you can breathe in fresh oxygen.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial to have the right levels of oxygen in your blood. Keeping your cholesterol levels low, exercising, eating food rich in healthy nutrients and reducing the intake of salt are some of the ways to prevent and control low oxygen levels in the body.