AIR
The most vital element on earth is oxygen. Without it, human life simply could not exist. Humans can live for weeks without water, and go without food for months. But without oxygen, life could only carry on for a matter of moments. No other element in the composition of the human body needs to be replaced on a second-by-second, minute-by-minute basis in order to keep the body functioning – except oxygen.
That's because about 90% of the body's "life energy" is created by oxygen. In fact, all functions of the body are regulated by oxygen. Our brains process billions of bits of information each second, thanks largely to oxygen. Our eliminative processes work to rid our bodies of waste and toxins, thanks largely to oxygen. Even our most basic abilities to think, feel and act are intimately involved with the process of oxygen-related energy production.
Four basic components which have to do with the generation and maintenance of the life process are proteins, carbohydrates, water and energy. When looked at from the standpoint of their chemical makeup, the importance of oxygen becomes readily apparent –
nitrogen + carbon + hydrogen + oxygen = protein
carbon + hydrogen + oxygen = carbohydrates
hydrogen + oxygen = water
oxygen + carbohydrates = energy
As you can clearly see, all four of these vital elements of life have at least this one thing in common – OXYGEN! It almost goes without saying then, that the makeup of the human body is largely composed of the element oxygen.
How the Body Becomes Oxygenated
The process of oxygenating the human body works like this: When a person breathes, there is an exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen. The oxygen, which is taken in by the body from the atmosphere around us, is picked up by the hemoglobin in the blood and distributed to all of the body's seven trillion cells where, among other things, it is then used for another vital process called oxidation.
Oxidation occurs at the cellular level of the body. It is part of that vital and complex process by which the body chemically converts nutrients into energy, and by which the body rids itself of toxins and other harmful materials. Without sufficiently high levels of oxygen (i.e., via oxygenation), oxidation cannot take place. And without oxidation, metabolic function – and therefore life itself – ceases.
Nicotine and various medications robs oxygen from the body – whether prescription or over-the-counter. Since they provide no oxygen content to the body, the oxygen needed to oxidize them must be diverted from the body's primary metabolic functions, causing more and more strain on an already strained metabolism.
Also important for air health is making sure you reduce the amount of chemicals used in your home and workshop and maintain adequate ventilation whenever chemicals are used. Open your home to the outside air whenever possible, especially in the bedroom when you sleep. Invest in a high-quality air purifier, and if the air is dry in your area, a humidifier would also be recommended.
Practice breathing exercises. In a relaxing environment, preferably in fresh outside air, take several breaths, inspiring as deeply as possible. Hold for a few seconds then slowly release. Think about your posture. Breathing power should come from your diaphragm and abdominal muscles. Poor posture contributes to less effective muscle contractions and the lungs cannot reach their optimum capacity.
Pure air is necessary to life and must be pursued for optimal health. Think about your environment and how you can improve your chances of breathing pure, clean air and energize your body and mind.