Have you already tried the breathing exercises we suggested last time? I know, the beginning is always difficult….But DO IT TODAY if you still haven’t done it!
Let me get you some mind-blowing facts to enlighten you a bit today – Your health and longevity is not solely determined by your heart heart, and your lung capacity may matter more!
Your lungs are the number one predictor of lifespan
Most of us believe that our heart health determines our overall well being and longevity, yet, studies have shown that our lungs play a much more significant role in keeping us alive and healthy. Scientists are showing how our lung’s capacity to take in and process enough oxygen is directly related to how our organs will perform and how long we will live. This study from the Mayo Clinic shows that “pulmonary function impairment is a significant risk factor for short- and long-term morbidity and mortality, despite adjustment for potential confounding factors such as age, gender, and smoking status.”[1] This Framingham study also revealed that the determining factor in our longevity is our lung volume[2]. In other words, the higher lung capacity you have, the longer you live.
Decreased lung capacity risks
Our maximum lung capacity is about six liters, yet we can’t preserve this lung volume throughout our entire life. It decreases with age. By the time we are 25 years old, our lung capacity reaches maturity, and it starts declining as soon as we turn 35, making it more and more challenging to supply our organs with enough oxygen. As we get older, our nervous system lung tissue, muscles and bones experience changes which harm the air exchange process. Unfortunately, most people only use 10-20% of their breathing capacity even when their lung capacity is at its fullest. By not getting enough oxygen, our overall health suffers tremendously. Health risks related to decreased lung capacity include:
- heart failure risk
- less energy and more fatigue
- reduced metabolic and digestive functions
- higher risk of inflammation
- decreased focus, concentration and memory
- stamina and endurance decline during activity
Fortunately there are certain methods to increase our lung capacity and avoid health risks associated with low lung volume. Deep breathing exercises are safe, easy and effective ways to detoxify our bodies, relieve anxiety and stress, increase our lung capacity, and improve our overall health.
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