Step 2 of the Essential Breath™ Program – Retain Vital Breathing Gases

3 minute read

Summary:

• During Step 2 of the Essential Breath™ program we work to retain vital body gases that are essential to life.
  
• Carbon dioxide is the primary gas we need to retain and the one most likely blown off when we exhale.
  
• The medulla oblongata, the breathing center of the brain, determines how much carbon dioxide stays in the body or is blown off when we exhale.
  

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uring Step 2 of the Essential Breath™ program we work to retain vital body gases that are essential to life and are required in order for four body processes to work properly. Our goal is to teach the breathing center in our brain, the medulla oblongata, to allow more of these gases to stay in the body and not blow them off when we exhale.


Carbon Dioxide
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the primary gas we need and the one most likely blown off when we exhale. The medulla is highly sensitive to CO2 levels in the body. There are chemical receptors in the body that detect and send information to the medulla about carbon dioxide levels, The medulla is programmed to force a breath when carbon dioxide levels get too high. The exhale moves excess carbon dioxide out of the body.

The Medulla Oblongata and Carbon Dioxide
The medulla can become corrupted and think lower than optimal CO2 levels OK, even if it impairs the four body functions requiring CO2. If higher than expected carbon dioxide levels occur, the medulla starts bigger and more frequent breathing cycles; more exhales to get rid of the carbon dioxide.

Factors Impacting the Medulla Oblongata
There are many factors which influence the medulla's decision about good and bad levels of CO2. By far, the biggest one is stress. Second is a poor diet, featuring processed and sugary, starchy foods.

The medulla is programmed with a protective mechanism called "fight or flight.” When we come under stress of any sort, the medulla makes changes in the body to deal with the stress. One of those changes is to increase breathing, both the volume of each breath and frequency.

The good news is that the medulla can be reprogrammed to breathe less air, retaining more carbon dioxide in the body. Step 2 of the Essential Breath™ program is all about getting the medulla to allow increased CO2 levels.

The Close
Step 2 of the Essential Breath™ program focuses on the retention of vital breathing gases, especially carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is required for four important body functions. Levels of carbon dioxide in the body are determine by the breathing center of our brain. How we breath really matters, especially in retaining vital breathing gases.

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