Our blood is responsible for delivering oxygen throughout the body. Whenever we breathe, the red blood cells and oxygen bind together. The blood flowing in our body further carries blood to all parts of our body. An unhealthy lung will prevent the oxygen from flowing in our body accurately. Hence, it is necessary to know how to increase the blood oxygen level.
Table of Contents
What is the normal blood oxygen level?
The blood oxygen level helps to understand the functioning of the heart, lungs, and circulatory system. The normal blood oxygen level of the body varies from 95% to 100%. As a result, the red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen to tissues and cells. People living on higher altitudes are prone to have lower readings of oxygen levels.
The low oxygen levels are known as hypoxemia. If the oxygen level reading is low, it means that the condition is supplemental oxygen. Nonetheless, if the blood oxygen level isn’t accurate, there may be some problems with your lung functioning as well. If the oxygen level is lower than 90%, it is advisable to reach out for medical help.
Why is oxygen important?
Oxygen is highly crucial to providing nutrition to our cells. According to experts, all our body’s functioning is dependent on oxygen itself. It is used for powering our muscles and body.
Breathing through the lungs is responsible for providing oxygen to our cells. Furthermore, it also plays a vital role in the healthy functioning of the heart and brain. It is necessary to understand how to increase the oxygen level in the body at home to proceed with the exercises.
How to increase blood oxygen level?
Being familiar with your blood oxygen level will help you determine whether it is effective for you or not. There are several ways through which you can easily increase blood oxygen level. Following a healthy lifestyle is the key to increasing your blood oxygen level.
Here’s how to increase blood oxygen level in body at home:
Have more antioxidants in your diet
It is necessary to include more antioxidants in your diet. Antioxidants will play an important role in helping your body utilize oxygen accurately. It will help to maintain the oxygen saturation level in the body.
Some of the major sources of antioxidants that can be helpful for your diet include blackberries, kidney beans, strawberries, blueberries, and plums. These further play an important role in increasing the SpO2 level in your body. It is also beneficial for your immune system.
If you notice any SpO2 level drop in your body, you can also consider having vegetables, fish, poultry, and legumes. These are healthy foods that can play an essential role in strengthening red blood cells.
Proning position
In the prone position, the patients need to lie from the back onto the abdomen. It is helpful for the ones who are suffering from COVID-19 or have recently recovered from one. It is a medical posture that further helps to bring comfort while breathing.
Proning position plays a vital role in enhancing your breathing levels. Furthermore, it is also crucial for improving ventilation and SpO2 level in your body. If the SpO2 level goes below 94, you need to opt for proning. You should keep a check on other aspects like temperature, blood pressure, and blood sugar. People suffering from COVID-19 can practice proning to improve ventilation in their bodies.
If you’re practicing proning, it is necessary to consider the basics. You need to change your regular lifestyle, such as quitting smoking, doing laugh yoga, and avoiding consuming sweet, salty, or oily food.
Exercise
Regularly exercising can be of great help. It is not necessary to indulge in excessive strenuous exercise, but it is important to indulge in basic exercise. Going for regular runs, walks, and swimming can play an important role in enhancing your blood oxygen level. This allows you to live a healthier and longer life.
It will also play an important role in maintaining the blood flow around the lungs and muscles. Regular exercising can also play an important role in opening the small blood vessels, allowing you to deliver oxygen and eventually release endorphins.
Stay hydrated
According to professionals, it is extremely crucial to stay hydrated. If you are hydrated, it will have a huge impact on your breathing capacity.
According to research, staying dehydrated for a long time can negatively impact the respiratory system. Doctors recommend staying hydrated so that it can help to thin the mucus lining of the lungs and airways. You should consume around 3.7 liters of water every day to stay hydrated for a long time.
Practices slow and deep breathing
Slow and deep breathing can also have an impact on your saturation level. If you bring some changes in your breathing style, you will be able to enhance the SpO2 level in your body. Many of us tend to practice the wrong breathing methods in today’s time.
According to experts, one should breathe using the diaphragm and not the chest. This will play a crucial role in inhaling a significant amount of air. When you correct your breathing methods, the oxygen of your body can eventually improve. Furthermore, avoid using your mouth to breathe because it can negatively impact your body.
Consume iron-rich foods
Certain iron-rich foods can play an essential role in increasing the oxygen levels in your body. Iron is a major requirement for our red blood cells. The cells will help to transport blood all around the body. For this reason, we often feel tired and exhausted due to the lack of iron in our bodies.
It would help if you considered consuming iron-rich foods such as apples, legumes, and broccoli. At the same time, it is also crucial to consume eggs, poultry, protein, and fish. Kale and broccoli can be of great help for providing iron to the body.
Final Thoughts
If you’re facing breathing issues, you should consider understanding how to increase blood oxygen level. Doctors may recommend exercise to prevent any cardiac disease. Depending on the seriousness of the condition, they may provide a long-term or short-term solution. The sooner you visit the doctor, the better it is for you.
