How to Improve Circulation of Oxygen to Brain
The brain uses more than its share of oxygen in the body. The brain, at about 3 lb., usually constitutes only 2 percent of the body's mass, but it uses 20 percent of the output from the heart. The gray matter of the brain uses more oxygen than the white matter. Without sufficient oxygen, there are devastating effects.
The brain is powered by oxygen and glucose. It uses these two ingredients to create adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the real energy source for the brain. The brain cannot store energy, so it needs a constant supply.
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Instructions
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Breathe deeply. Go ahead, take a deep breath. A lot of people get into the habit of breathing shallowly. This can result from being sedentary or even from trauma. Also, because of deforestation, there might be less oxygen in the air than ever in history, so we may have to breathe more deeply to get it.
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Exercise. Move it. Exercising increases blood flow in general. It is critical to getting enough oxygen. Among other benefits, it will build alveoli in the lungs, so more oxygen can be absorbed.
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Get your iron. Iron has a role in oxidative metabolism---it carries oxygen in the blood. Excess iron is excreted, but having enough iron is critical to getting oxygen to the brain.
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Consider taking supplements. Some believe taking vitamin B6 will help increase oxygen to the brain because it is involved in hemoglobin synthesis. Studies at Hebei Medical University and the Indiana University Medical Center have found that Ginkgo biloba increases blood flow and thus oxygen levels to the brain.
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Tips & Warnings
What Not to Do.
Don't run out and breathe pure oxygen. While it is vital in an emergency situation, it can cause damage to a healthy body. Don't invest your money in hyperbaric treatment; a study by the U.S. Department of Health and Human services was unable to confirm that it is beneficial to a healthy person. Don't smoke. Among other detriments, smoke covers your lungs so less oxygen can be taken in.
