Blood oxygen; more than a COVID-19 concern
Anyone who’s alive knows how important oxygen is to the brain. If our blood oxygen level is low (below 94), our brain and organs are functioning in survival mode.
We may be feeling just fine, but our cells are stressing out, gasping for air and doing the best they can under the circumstances. When the blood oxygen level reaches 80, all cellular function becomes too difficult to continue.
As blood oxygen level drops, it becomes more difficult for the brain to think, focus, make decisions, or be calm and loving. Blood pressure rises in this situation. Inflammation can create a slow spiral of brain degeneration toward diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia.
The most common contributor to low blood oxygen is stress; a fight-orflight response. Blood and oxygen are served to the muscles first. The brain must function on what’s left. Situations that add to this stress include poor lung function, abnormal blood pressure (either high or low), diabetes, smoking, air pollution and poor cardiovascular function.
Nitric Oxide (NO; also written as ENOS) is an essential molecule for a normal functioning brain, immune system and circulatory system. NO in the blood stream helps dissolve plaque on the arterial walls, improves glucose uptake, and brings balance to blood pressure and blood thickness. Nitric Oxide works in the immune system like the bullets in your soldier’s guns. The “bullets” kill viruses, bad bacteria and pathogens the immune system is fighting. Many medications are given to help bring critical balance back to cellular function when NO is missing. There’s more to the health equation than just Nitric Oxide, but if this important molecule is overlooked, we may end up taking medications for years without fixing the root cause of our health problems.
NO is produced from the amino acid L-arginine. This amino acid comes from protein sources or supplements. Good sources include Turkey breast, pumpkin seeds, spirulina, chickpeas, nuts, seeds, seaweed, chickpeas and dairy.
One of the parameters doctors monitor in their COVID-19 patients is blood oxygen level. A score of 92 or less is concerning. An optimum oxygen level is desirable, because every cell needs plenty of oxygen to function and heal. The symptoms of COVID-19, compromised lung activity, lack of circulation and nutrients that come along with feeling sick, all contribute to low blood oxygen.
The worst thing we could do for low blood oxygen is re-breathe the air we exhale. We’re supposed to breathe fresh, clean air. When we breathe back in the air we just breathed out, we are greatly reducing the amount of oxygen the lungs can pass onto the blood. If the lungs are already compromised, we’re in double trouble.
When doctors and nurses are in the operating room, they wear masks to protect the patient. When they step out of the room, they pull their mask down under their chin and breathe fresh air again. Saturating their brain with oxygen again helps them focus during surgery.
In his book, “Why Isn’t My Brain Working?” Dr. Datis Kaharrazian recommends ways to increase blood oxygen and the production of Nitric Oxide. On page 116 and 117, he says, “For my patients with high or low blood pressure, poor circulation, or lack of brain oxygen, I recommend they do high-intensity exercise for five to 10 minutes after waking up in the morning. You must really increase your heart rate to create the best environment for ENOS release. The harder and longer you push yourself, the greater the ENOS response. But, please do not exceed your exercise limits.”
How much Nitric Oxide do you have in your body right now? The answer is on the “tip of your tongue” where it can be measured. The test is available at Family HELM Health Center. You can watch the test performed on the Family HELM, Health Education for Lifestyle Management Facebook page. The live video dated May 19 shows the demonstration near the end.
Until then …TAKE CHARGE! … Sylvia