Download The importance of oxygen

Oxygen
The eighth element on the Periodic Table, oxygen, exists as a gas at room temperature. In this state, it is a
molecule consisting of two atoms of oxygen, a diatomic molecule.
Without oxygen we can not survive. It is oxygen that feeds the body, supporting the immune function,
destroying toxic substances, and promoting new cell growth.
In order to survive, we need almost 6 pounds of oxygen per day. That equates to the combined total of
what the average adult consumes in food and water each day.
What Does Oxygen Do for Us?
Oxygen is Our Greatest Energy Source
Oxygen Increases Stamina and Endurance
A vital ingredient to health, vitality, physical stamina, and endurance is maintaining proper oxygen levels
in the body. Oxygen is our primary source of energy. It is the fuel required for the proper operation of all
body systems. Oxygen is our Life Force. We can only live a few precious moments without oxygen.
Ninety percent of our energy is produced using oxygen… only 10% comes from food alone.
What benefits may I receive from oxygen?
Oxygen deficiency is easy to see and feel and so are the benefits. When the body is not
struggling to receive what it needs, the benefits are many. Some of the benefits of oxygen have
been reported to be:
 Peak training output
 Increase energy
 Shortened repair time
 Increase endurance
 Improved concentration
 Improved detoxification
 Increase in ATP
 Decrease in further injury
 Decrease in lactic acid
 Maximized organ function
Additionally
Oxygen Gives the Body the Ability to Rebuild Itself,
Detoxifies the Blood, and Strengthens the Immune System
Oxygen displaces deadly, harmful free radicals, neutralizes environmental toxins, and destroys anaerobic
(the ability to live with little oxygen) infectious bacteria, parasites, microbes, and viruses. Oxygen greatly
enhances the body’s absorption of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, proteins, and other important
nutrients.
Oxygen Affects the Brain,
Memory and Learning Ability
One of oxygen’s most important functions is that it allows the brain to process billions of pieces of
information every second. Even our ability to think, feel, and act are all dependent on oxygen. It also
calms the mind and stabilizes the nervous system. Oxygen heightens concentration and alertness. Without
oxygen, brain cells die quickly... and unlike our liver cells, brain cells cannot regenerate, which results in
memory loss. More severe loss of oxygen in the brain can result in speech impairment and loss of motor
skills. As we age, and oxygen deficiency increases, it takes longer to learn, and retention span is
decreased.
 Participation in regular, heavy exercise
 Live in cities with high pollution
 Participate regularly in sports activities
 Work in a sealed building
 Fly in airplanes frequently
 Frequently travel across time zones
 Work excessive hours
 Work in a high stress environment
 Smoking, Smoker
 Consume alcohol on a regular basis
Are you at risk for oxygen deficiency?
Oxygen is the most abundant and most important nutrient in the body and is the most needed nutrient for
cells to function. Oxygen is used by each cell to produce the energy molecule of every cell (ATP), which
then drives the normal processes or metabolism of cells. Without oxygen, a cell cannot make energy and
will die. Therefore, with decreased levels of oxygen, cells have decreased metabolism and poor function.
This decrease in oxygen or oxygen deficiency is a common problem plaguing much of today’s society.
It has been shown that people living in certain “high risk” environments and/or conditions are at
jeopardy for becoming oxygen deficient. These “high risk” environments and conditions include:
Oxygen deficiency is often overlooked, and therefore, it is not seen as a cause for many
symptoms. Some of the symptoms of oxygen deficiency are listed below but not limited to the
following.
 Premature aging
 Depression, anger, or sadness
 Memory loss and forgetfulness
 Sleeping disorders, drowsiness, or exhaustion
 Digestive disorders or acid stomach
 Excessive colds or infections
 Inflamed, swollen, or aching joints
 Muscle or tendon aches
 Headaches
 Fatigue
Oxygen deficiency can take many forms. If you believe that you may be suffering from oxygen
deficiency or any other disorder, contact a medical professional immediately.
HYPERBARIC Therapy is a Natural Adjunct to Surgery.
Hyperbaric Therapy is not experimental nor is it a new treatment for wounds and burns. It has
been used in hospitals as a treatment for wounds and thermal burns since 1965.
During surgery, skin and/or cartilage may be cut and repositioned. Around these cuts there is
compromised blood flow due to the damage to blood vessels and the interruption to oxygen
carrying red blood cells. Since blood carries life-giving oxygen, which is essential to the healing
process, it is critical that these compromised areas receive enough oxygen in order to heal
properly. The swelling and edema that accompany surgical wounds can also compress nearby
vessels, further compromising blood flow and oxygen delivery to the affected cells at the wound
site. Cells which are deprived of oxygen may lie dormant and eventually die.
Oxygen is very important to wound healing. Given the appropriate conditions and with the help
of hyperbaric therapy, viable cells from healthy areas migrate into wounds and start to reproduce.
Additionally, hyperbaric therapy can enhance the amount of oxygen present in the blood as well
as allow oxygen to reach the compromised area by forcing oxygen to dissolve into the plasma.
This additional oxygen can make up for some of the loss of blood and oxygen to the
compromised areas. The quicker oxygen restoration occurs results in a better recovery, since
early on, there are more viable cells to salvage. The patient heals significantly faster. Therefore,
the decreased healing time is likely to result in less scar tissue around the compromised area.
“Decreased edema [fluid] noted following hyperbaric treatment allows better diffusion of
oxygen and nutrients through tissues while also relieving pressure on surrounding vessels
and structures.”
Michael Neurmeister, MD, FRCSC, FACS
Although mild hyperbaric therapy has been reported to be beneficial for a wide range of
conditions, this treatment is not meant as a cure for any condition or disease, and no therapeutic
outcomes can be guaranteed.