Quote of the week for you this week comes from Datis Kharrazian when he was launching the new respiratory course. I’ve learned something new just from this intro!
Chronic respiratory conditions lead to functional hypoxia
It’s crucial to understand that respiratory conditions like chronic asthma or chronic sinusitis can lead to functional hypoxia.
Functional hypoxia can result in:
Fatigue
Inability to recover effectively
Increased pain sensitivity
Mood dysregulation
Adrenal dysregulation
Neurodegeneration
Dysbiosis
Leaky gut
As a result, people with chronic respiratory conditions often suffer chronic adrenal disorders due to these patterns.
Numerous studies have demonstrated links between depression, anxiety, and low oxygen levels.
Hmm, so best make sure there is no respiratory illness, then, or anaemias. Hypoxia is a big deal actually as it causes slow healing and will affect how you are able to get rid of any acute or chronic illness.
Hypoxia is all about a lack of oxygenation or circulation of oxygen around the body. People always think of poor circulation in terms of the peripheral limbs, especially cold hands and feet, but we have to remember that the brain is also peripheral, so if those are cold, it’s very likely that the brain has poor circulation too. Then you’re looking at hair loss, poor memory and cognition, neurons close to threshold and hypersensitivity, anxiety and more,
Note that smokers are often hypoxic so that’s the first place to start if you’re on the ciggies and need to increase oxygenation.
You can test hypoxia levels using a pulse oximeter – remember those during Covid? The oxygen level should be between 60-100bpm and O2 saturation should be 98-100%. 95% is OK brain-wise, anything less than that the brain is likely in trouble. This might occur from eg. COPD, lung, asthma issues.
Advanced oximeters will measure tissue perfusion and total haemoglobin. Perfusion should be 2-20%. If below 1%, the body can’t push oxygen into the brain effectively. Total haemoglobin should be >15.
Your GP can actually loan you an oximeter so you can track your oxygenation, or you can buy them. I’d try and go for an NHS approved type like this as everyone and his dog seems to have one on Amazon etc!
For more info, see this Covid-based explanation of using oximeters from the NHS.