Oxygen In, CO2 Out
One would think that taking a deep breath would increase our oxygen level, but we don’t need more air to get more oxygen. The air we breathe is over 1/5 oxygen, and we only absorb a quarter of that with each breath. When we are not exercising, we get plenty of oxygen in our lungs.
2 Lungs, Millions of Air Sacs
Our lungs capture oxygen into the blood and remove the CO2. Our right lung is divided into 10 segments. Our left lung only has 9 because the heart takes up more room on the left side. These lung segments have millions of tiny air sacs surrounded by tiny blood vessels. These air sacs are where the CO2 comes out of the blood like carbonation bubbles from a drink. And then, a protein in your blood attaches to oxygen molecules to carry them to organs and muscles.
CO2 Oxygen Balance
The paradox is we need CO2 in our blood for our body to use oxygen. CO2 makes the blood acidic. When our CO2 level is too low, the acid level gets too low, and our blood can’t release oxygen for use by muscle and organs. To increase the acidity, your body slows your breathing to increase the CO2 level in your blood. This balances the acidity, which allows your blood to release the oxygen your body needs.
Triple Control Systems
Your body has 3 systems for maintaining its acid level. First, some chemicals absorb changes in acid level (pH level). Second, the kidneys work to keep the acid levels in balance. The third is breathing. Breathing is one of the main ways that your body manages its acidity level.
Balance Failure
Acidity levels are also why very high or very low levels of CO2 can be deadly. When the CO2 concentration is over 100 times the normal air, or if we get too much oxygen, our bodies can’t compensate for the acidity. In this out-of-balance state, our bodies can’t access oxygen and organ failure results, starting with the brain.
CO2 Too Low
The problem with taking a deep breath when you don’t need it is that it lowers your CO2 levels too much. Your brain monitors your need for a breath based on CO2 levels. When your CO2 levels are low, you don’t feel the need for a breath. Instead of a deep breath, try a slow breath. Breathe in, hold for 3 seconds and slowly exhale. Don’t breathe in until you feel the urge.
Breathe from the Belly
And remember to use your diaphragm for breathing, not your shoulders. Using your belly to breathe sucks air into the bottom of your lungs.
Take a Slow Breath
Rather than taking a deep breath, take a slow breath. If you do take a deep breath, wait until you have the urge to breathe before taking another. Slow breathing improves the oxygen level in your body.
