You must have heard from your doctor that you can do without food and water for 3 days but, you cannot go without oxygen or breathing even for 3 minutes. Oxygen is life!!
We cannot see it but, we can feel it. Oxygen performs several functions in our body but, yet taken for granted by all of us.
Oxygen energizes our body and detoxifies the blood by neutralizing the free radicals that enter our body through pollution. It further strengthens the immune system, alleviates migraine/headaches, improves our endurance and performance, and relieves us of stress.
These are no doubt some amazing benefits of Oxygen but, the major benefit that draws attention is the connection of Oxygen with weight loss. Well, that’s a new one you have heard?
We all know that the first requisite for weight loss is burning more calories than we consume. Surprisingly, we can burn more calories just by breathing!
Let’s understand how-
Oxygen is needed for every metabolic process, in fact, the fat combustion occurs more efficiently in the presence of adequate Oxygen. Thus, the optimum oxygen level is as important as the exercise itself if we are aiming to burn fat and lose those stubborn pounds. With less oxygen, our metabolic processes slow down and thus fat storage takes charge and we gain weight.
Moreover, Oxygen is the “food” for our body cells. If our cells are surrounded by a good amount of oxygen, then our tissues and organs have their “fuel” in abundance and most likely will function efficiently. On the contrary, if our cells are not properly fuelled up, the message to our brain is “feed us.” This simply means that we overeat or eat without any reason/hunger if we do not oxygenate our cells well. If most of our energy is derived from oxygen, and the rest is derived from food and water, wouldn’t it lead to a lesser caloric intake and thus aid in weight loss?
Research shows that, over the past 10,000 years, the oxygen level on the earth has reduced by approximately 50%. We humans have got adapted to a climate less rich in oxygen. This has made us inefficient breathers and our bodies have had no other choice but to get used to it.
We can definitely get better at breathing oxygen and actually take in more, thus firing up our metabolic processes and burning fat effectively.
*Firstly, we should do some outdoor exercising. Any open environment (your terrace/garden, etc) will do rather than doing it between the 4 walls of your house. Even if we live in a cramped city, the oxygen levels outside are way better than inside.
*Exercise at such an intensity that you feel the need to breathe more. As your heart rate shoots up and you start sweating profusely, your breathing rate will also increase in order to match up. Take deeper breaths throughout.
*We need to ensure that our back and neck are straight. This would let in more oxygen.
*More you breathe oxygen, better the energy and endurance, allowing you to work out longer-thus paving the way for effective weight loss. Simple logic, isn’t it?
*We have one more opportunity to take in more oxygen and burn fat in a better way. It’s the time before or after eating or during eating. Take in 5 deep breaths before you start the meal or after you are done with the meal or you can do it while eating if you find it comfortable. Believe me; this has worked wonders for many! The fat break down occurs excellently.
Make the most out of this freely available resource and surprise your body with its wonderful effects!
Breathe more and feel the difference!
