Oxygen: the Essential Element

Put some spark into your life with our most vital nutrient. Oxygen brings life into every cell of our body. Breathe it, eat it, drink it and feel it for more energy, better health, and a higher quality of life.


Oxygen is the most vital element for life and of course, health and energy. Oxygen makes life possible. We can survive weeks without food, but only 7 minutes without oxygen. Few of us however, give much thought to this vital element’s role and may be surprised at some of its sources. Plants produce oxygen, animals use it Oxygen is produced by green plants in a process called photosynthesis. The pigment chlorophyll uses the energy of the sun in transforming water and carbon dioxide into carbohydrates (chemical energy), with oxygen as an end product. Animals, including humans, then use this oxygen and energy, producing carbon dioxide and water as wastes. A major component of our environment Oxygen surrounds us. The earth’s atmosphere, our oceans, lakes, rivers, and the earth’s crust all contain significant amounts of oxygen, largely the result of green plants and water-borne algae. The foundation of life Every cell, tissue and function in our body is the result of oxygen, from our lungs and heart, to our bones and immune system. Our body has evolved to enable the delivery and usage of oxygen in all its tissues. This reflects its role as our most vital nutrient. Every cell in our body needs oxygen to function, repair and restore. Oxygen depletion Our diet, lifestyle and environment all play a role in the availability of oxygen. Pollution in our air and water, use of industrial chemicals, poor food choices and lack of exercise all reduce the availability of oxygen for our health, energy and life. Depletion equals disease When insufficient oxygen is available to our cells they turn to an emergency form of energy production called fermentation. Also known as anaerobic respiration, this process creates waste acids which upset healthy cell function. This occurs in all of us if insufficient oxygen is available for our needs. Our diet, lifestyle and environment play a role in the availability of oxygen. When oxygen levels are reduced, conditions associated with immune depletion and the foundations of disease begin to occur. Reverse illness A healthy level of tissue oxygenation boosts our immunity, enhances cellular detoxification and directly fights bacteria and other disease-causing organisms. The combination of these factors not only helps prevent illness, but can also reverse it by establishing an environment in which disease cannot thrive. Breath The most recognized source of oxygen is our air. Clean, unpolluted air contains around 20% oxygen. Complete, rhythmic breathing delivers oxygen from our lungs into our blood stream and cells for optimal metabolism. Water Pure water is a mixture of oxygen and hydrogen. An optimal daily water intake provides significant oxygen to our cells for health. A healthy adult’s body is comprised of 75% water, so regular drinking of purified water is a major source of oxygen for our body. Food Raw vegetables are rich in oxygen due to their water and chlorophyll contents. Animals burn this oxygen in the process of digestion, and thus meats and animal products contain no residual oxygen for our benefit. Processing and cooking of foods also depletes them of oxygen. We should try and stick to a 75% raw diet, with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. Exercise The most obvious method of increasing oxygen intake is through aerobic exercise. The greater demand for oxygen from our working muscles stimulates greater inhalation and enhances lung function, enabling greater efficiency of oxygen utilization. Therapy Therapies are available which enhance the level of oxygen in the body. Ozone therapy and hyperbaric chambers increase the concentration of pressure at which oxygen is introduced to the body which encourages a higher delivery to our cells. Oxygen bars are gaining in popularity and deliver concentrated oxygen via nasal tubes or masks. Clean air Air in natural environments is rich in negative ions which purify and neutralize acidic toxins from pollution. This enhances the amount of oxygen absorbed by the body. Maximize your oxygen intake by doing some simple deep breathing exercises outdoor or airing out enclosed spaces. Using an air ionizer is a great way to improve air quality at home or work. Ionizers provide the energizing effects of a natural environment and restore the health-giving, oxygenating qualities to the air indoors. Take your oxygen from every source for a greater feeling of well-being and vitality. Breathe, eat and drink life into every aspect of your health! Related articles: A Breath of Fresh Air, Water: The Vital Fluid, 10 Reasons to Exercise