In this, the second of our tech talks following “Take a Trip With Oxygen” we learn that, rather than being a gas with a bad PR problem (a waste gas that harms the ozone layer and contributes to global warming), carbon dioxide, CO2 plays a vital role in respiration, and therefore energy production – as the ‘limiting factor’ in respiration. 

In this episode you will learn that: 

Whilst getting oxygen, O2, to our cells is vital for energy production and survival, without CO2 in our system we would never get the oxygen to the cells in the first place. 

The role CO2 plays in ‘The Bohr Effect’ that describes biochemically how oxygen gets from the air we inhale into our lungs, through our bloodstream via our heart and then arterial blood supply, and ultimately to our cells for energy production. CO2 is the central player in this process. 

We only use one quarter of the oxygen we inhale at rest – the rest is exhaled. 

There is only 0.03% of CO2 in atmospheric air so we must store CO2 in our blood stream, and our lungs at the end of exhalation (known as end tidal CO2).  

When we breathe as we should (according to medical diagnostic norms) this whole delicate balance of The Bohr Effect works beautifully and we produce plenty of energy, and we thrive. This involves, breathing: 

Through our nose rather than our mouth. 

Using our diaphragm 

Silently 

Gentle wave pattern 

8-10 breaths per minute 

The question we ask is this: Do you breathe this way – as you should??   

This will be the discussion of our next tech talk!!