Just Breathe

Air is important.

Clean, fresh air is vitally important.

Of course, we need oxygen to breathe but the quality of air makes a difference in how burdened our bodies will be by toxins in our environment. Burning candles, even organic candles, emit hazardous chemicals. Cleaning supplies and air fresheners do the same. Smoking, chemicals used in the workplace, emissions from vehicles, etc., the fight to breathe clean air is real.

There are things you can do that will help. Switch to natural products for cleaning and deodorizing, avoid smoke, wear protective gear in the workplace when you're able. Open windows to allow fresh air in. Use an air purifier. Set out air-purifying plants, like the Boston Fern or a Peace Lilly.

How to Breathe

Be sure you're breathing deeply throughout the day. Diaphragmatic breathing increases oxygenation in the body. Men have 30% more muscle mass than women so they have an even higher metabolic demand for oxygen. Here's what diaphragmatic breathing looks like:

To maintain proper breathing and lung function, you must be hydrated. Drinking the proper amount of water ensures the mucous membranes are moist.

The inside of the lungs as well as other areas of the respiratory system is made of epithelial tissue. This is a connective tissue that can be maintained through proper diet and hydration. Bone broth is one of the best ways to keep connective tissue healthy.

Besides supplying oxygen to our organs, our lungs also detoxify our bodies. If you wake up often between 3 am-5 am (subtract an hour for daylight savings time), that is when the lungs are most active. If you cough a lot during those hours, that is a sign the lungs are detoxifying the body.

Breathe deeply!

Ameling, L. (n.d.). Women's Health. Retrieved May 9, 2020, from https://trinityschool.instructure.com/courses/578/pages/week-1-lecture-womens-health

Ameling, J., DC, BCND. (n.d.). Respiratory System. Retrieved September 07, 2020, from https://trinityschool.instructure.com/courses/453/pages/week-2-lecture-2