OXYGEN BOOSTS PERFORMANCE
Excerpts from Canadian Journal of Health #195 1999
When oxygen levels increase, red blood cells become energized. Waste gases and toxins are removed efficiently and the body’s chemical reactions are fired up. We feel better, have increased energy, think more clearly and function at peak performance.Â
One way to increase oxygen in the body is to eat fewer acid-forming foods such as processed grains and breads, meat and junk foods. Many individuals get tired after eating junk food because the body uses more of its oxygen reserves to oxidize the preservatives and metabolize the few available nutrients.
Oxygen-robbing foods include caffeine, processed sugar, white flour and alcohol. The best way to get a good long-term supply of oxygen to the brain is to eat a diet of unrefined complex carbohydrates and fresh fruits and vegetables.
Another way to increase available oxygen is by supplementing with a good antioxidant formula consisting of beta carotene, vitamins A, C, E and the B-vitamins along with the minerals selenium and zinc.
There are several other natural nutritional supplements that enhance oxygen utilization.
An oil supplement of black currant, flax or pumpkin seed oil will make oxygen moreavailable to the body.
Dimethylglycine (DMG) enhances oxygen use by the body, lowers oxygen debt and maintains high energy levels.
Glutathione protects cells from free radicals and detoxifies many harmful substances. A precursor to glutathione, called Acetyl-l-Cysteine, is an effective and bioavailable supplement.
Stress robs the body of huge amounts of oxygen. Powerful natural herbs like Siberian ginseng help reduce body stress, eliminate brain fatigue and improve oxygen use. Stress also causes improper breathing and leads to lower productivity; practicing deep breathing will increase energy and endurance levels. Because so many of us spend our time indoors we can use an indoor ozone air purifier that adds oxygen to the air. (*1)
Other safe and easy ways to introduce more oxygen into the body include using supplemental stabilized oxygen in a non-toxic liquid form or taking hydrogen peroxide baths (using 35 per cent food grade solution), both available from health food stores. Drink lots of purified, oxygenated water. (*2)
-David R. Keith