Oxygen 101

What is oxygen? Oxygen is a colorless, tasteless, odorless gas that is absolutely necessary and essential for life.

What does oxygen do? When we take a breath, we draw air containing 21% oxygen into our lungs. The oxygen passes from our lungs into our bloodstream, where it is carried in the red blood cells to all the organs and tissues of our body. Oxygen is needed by our organs and tissues to convert the food we eat into energy and to maintain life. 90% of the body's energy comes from oxygen, and only 10% is from food and water consumption.

What is in the air that I am breathing now? The average worldwide oxygen content of atmospheric air is primarily made up of nitrogen (78.09%) and oxygen (20.95%). The remaining 1% is made up of argon (0.93%), carbon dioxide (0.03%) and other trace gases (0.003%). Water vapor is also present in the air, in varying amounts. Studies reveal that increased environmental pollution has reduced the amount of oxygen by as much 50% in our atmosphere over the last 200 years.

I have heard that breathing pure oxygen can be harmful, is that true? Oxygen at very high levels and over a very long period of time is not optimal. If one was to receive high levels of oxygen on a daily basis, one's lungs will adjust to the higher oxygen content and one can find themselves short of breath when breathing air with lower oxygen content. This is similar to traveling to a higher elevation where a normal person will easily get winded until their lungs adjust to the lower oxygen levels. For this reason we do not recommend daily use of recreational oxygen greater than 20 minutes a day. 

On the other hand, however, during a given space mission, Astronauts breath in 100% oxygen for weeks, sometimes even months with no problem. Astronauts say that their brains seem to work considerably faster in space, because inhaling 100% pure oxygen activates brain cells more than usual.

How much oxygen do we need? In a 24 hour day, the adult man uses (approx) 8 pounds of oxygen. The average man consumes 6-8 pounds of oxygen, 4 pounds of food, and 2 pounds of water. More oxygen goes into our bodies than the other two elements combined.

Can I become addicted to recreational oxygen? No! Oxygen is a natural element with no side effects and no addictive tendencies.

Will oxygen really help my hangover? Increasing your oxygen intake can curb and eventually reverse the rising blood alcohol level from drinking. Many Japanese doctors conclude that inhaling oxygen is the best (and fastest) way to overcome a hangover.

Is my blood oxygen level low? Unfortunately, if you’re like most everyone, your blood oxygen content is probably not ideal. Why? First there is less available oxygen due to rampant tree destruction as well as many other environmental issues. In ancient times, when your ancestors breathed fresh air, it contained more than 30% oxygen. Today, oxygen molecules are becoming “bound up” by pollution. In humid areas or high altitudes, it’s worse. The same goes for the continuously re-circulated stale air from your home or office air conditioning and heating systems. Add all of these together and you may be getting less than 21% available oxygen, depending on your environment.

What factors in today's world reduce my oxygen levels? Environmental Toxins Emotional Stress Physical Trauma & Infections Reduction in Atmospheric Oxygen Bad Eating Habits Lack of Exercise

How do I know if I need extra oxygen? If you have a decreased ability to exercise, have periods of disorientation or loss of memory, fatigue easily, have difficulty breathing, or get hangovers, then taking supplemental oxygen may be a good thing to do. According to the American Lung Association, supplemental oxygen can improve your sleep and mood, increase your mental alertness and stamina, and allow your body to carry out its normal functions.

Can recreational oxygen help prevent diseases? No. Recreational oxygen is NOT FOR MEDICINAL USE, and is not intended to treat, cure or prevent any diseases. It is purely for recreational purposes only.

Can oxygen help relieve stress? A striking fact of oxygen and health is that oxygen is very effective in relieving stress. Even at night, stress often continues and makes people sleepless. If oxygen is provided at this time, it may help the mind to relax and the body to sleep.