How to Increase Oxygen in Blood

We all know that we need adequate amount of oxygen in the body in order to live a healthy life. The oxygen that we inhale from the air is then mixed with the blood which carries it to each and every cell and tissue in the body. However, if there are low levels of oxygen in the blood, then it can lead to many health issues. Did you know that lack of oxygen in the body is one of the leading causes of persistent fatigue in humans, and can lead to conditions like depression and mental fogginess! You would be surprised to know that more than 15 million people in the United States alone visit a healthcare specialist every year with complaints of low oxygen saturation levels. The normal blood oxygen saturation level in the human body is between 95% to 100%. However, if the level is less than 90%, then the levels are considered to be pretty low. For this, one must be aware of the possible ways of how to increase oxygen in blood so that there is adequate supply of oxygen in the entire body. It is necessary as the brain itself consumes about 12% of the total oxygen consumed by the body. What can be done about the same is explained as under.

Different Ways to Increase Oxygen in Blood

In case the oxygen levels are too low, the condition is known as Hypoxia. As mentioned earlier, if the level is as low as 90%, it is known as hypoxia, although many a times the levels go as low as 80% resulting into severe hypoxia which can actually be life threatening. 



There can be various reasons for low oxygen levels in the blood which include breathing in high altitudes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (which is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States of America), sleep apnea, pneumonia and so on.
The medical treatment depends upon the causes of low oxygen levels in the blood. But there are ways of increasing oxygen in the blood through some lifestyle changes. These are discussed as follows.

Breathe Fresh Air
I know, I know... how can you breathe 'fresh air' with so much of pollution around? Well, I agree to it, but then one must take the necessary precautions to keep the quality of air as good as possible. Avoid accompanying friends for smoke even if you have quit smoking yourself. Try to wear a mask when passing through extremely polluted areas. Make sure your space at home and/or office is well ventilated. Keeping plants around your living area is also a good option as they produce oxygen and consume carbon dioxide. Bottom line is to make sure you don't expose your nostrils to a 'more polluted' environment. 

Exercise Regularly
Exercising regularly is not only good for shedding those extra pounds and increasing stamina, but it also contributes towards increasing the levels of oxygen in the blood. Of course by exercising I don't mean you run 4 to 5 laps daily! Even a normal brisk walking daily for about 30-45 minutes, can help increase oxygen levels in the blood. This is so because exercise makes the brain and body demand more oxygen, as a result of which the body increases the blood flow in the body supplying more oxygen to the cells. Even breathing exercises early in the morning can prove to be of help by opening the abdomen and lungs to inhale enough oxygen. Practicing Yoga in this case would be a good idea. Therefore, following a healthy and active lifestyle is a good and natural way to deal with hypoxia. 

Improve Your Posture
The only natural way to increase the oxygen levels in the body is through breathing adequate amounts of oxygen. You can breathe better through improving your posture while breathing. An example for the same would be to avoid crouching! Always sit and stand straight with your shoulders at the back to be able to take the maximum amount of oxygen rich air into your body. Check if you are stooping right now while reading this article... if you are, then stop it from this point itself!

Lose Weight
This is applicable to people who are overweight or obese. Mostly, people who have weight issues are more prone to suffer from low levels of oxygen in the blood. However, if you take the necessary precautions and exercise daily, you can easily come under the normal weight range and thereby increase the levels of oxygen in the body. 

Eat Foods that Increase Oxygen in the Body
Yes, there are ways to increase oxygen in the blood by eating certain foods. First of all you need to cut down on all the fatty and junk foods that you have been consuming. Experts believe that a diet which involves fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains and other forms of complex carbohydrates helps in better circulation of blood in the body thereby transporting oxygen enriched cells in each and every part. There are also various supplements available for the same purpose. However, you must always check with your healthcare specialist before consuming these supplements.

Though all the aforementioned ways of increasing oxygenation in the blood are useful, it is very important to get regular medical checkups done. Even if you are taking the aforementioned measures, you must confirm with your doctor before implementing them. As mentioned earlier, there are different reasons that can cause low oxygen levels in your blood and only a thorough check up can determine the proper treatment in your individual case. So don't delay taking the doctor's appointment. After all, consulting early is better than repenting later. Have a safe tomorrow.