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Science & The Spirit
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BREATH OF LIFE
Health Helps Part 9
By Dane and Vicki Griffin
What is more vital to life
than breath? When God formed man out of the dust of the earth,
He “breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man
became a living soul” (Genesis 2:7). When God breathed into
man, he awoke to health, strength, and life.
What could be more important to keeping life and health than the
quality of the air we breathe?
The brain weighs only about three pounds, but it needs enormous
quantities of oxygen and glucose, compared to the rest of the
body. Although the brain makes up only about 2% of the body’s
weight, it uses 20% of the body’s oxygen and 25% of the
body’s glucose! The brain never rests, even during deep sleep.
In fact, much repair and rejuvenation takes place during sleep.
While sleeping, we need more oxygen than ever—and that’s
when we close the windows the tightest!
The great brain robbery
Have you ever noticed that when you sit in a stuffy room, you
tend to feel groggy, listless, and even a little confused? This
is because your brain is being deprived of oxygen, and proper
nerve conduction and transmission cannot take place. Other
factors, such as alcohol, caffeine, tobacco, and a high fat diet
can also deprive the brain of the oxygen it needs. If your
“thinking place” seems a little sluggish, perhaps you should
take a personal inventory of your lifestyle habits—next to an
open window, of course!
Systemic superhighway
The brain isn’t the only part of the body that needs oxygen.
In fact, every organ of the body must have fresh air in order to
function at its best. Your blood stream is an oxygen-transporting
superhighway, taking oxygen wherever it is needed. When we
breathe deeply of fresh, pure air, the red blood cells rush
their precious store of oxygen and nutrients to the body
tissues. Without oxygen, cells quickly begin to die. And cells
that get only part of the oxygen they need are more likely to
develop cancer!
The pollution problem
Nearly everyone knows that air pollution increases the
likelihood of asthma and lung damage. But did you know that
breathing poor air can also increase your chances of dying from
cardiovascular disease?
Air pollution comes in many forms, and they are all a threat to
your health, from smog to insect sprays to cigarette smoke. In
fact, scientists estimate that passive cigarette
smoke—that’s where you breathe someone else’s
smoke—causes 5,000 lung cancer deaths each year! You say you
don’t smoke, use insecticides, or live in a smoggy area? That
wood stove in your living room or the kerosene heater in your
shop can rob you of the pure air your body needs. If you are
using these forms of heat, fresh air ventilation is absolutely
essential. Even in winter, keep your windows cracked open—and
notice the difference in how well you sleep and how alert you
feel when you wake up!
Of course, if you are living in an area where you are surrounded
by pollution, you may need to do more than open the window.
Perhaps you and your family should consider moving to an area
where you can get the fresh, pure air your bodies require. If
you need to beat a path to a new environment, remember this
promise: “In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct
thy paths” (Proverbs 3:6). And start really breathing!
Part 1
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4
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Copyright © LifeStyle Matters, Inc.
“Air, air, the precious boon of heaven, which all may have,
will bless you with its invigorating influence, if you will not
refuse it entrance. Welcome it, cultivate a love for it, and it
will prove a precious soother of the nerves. Air must be in
constant circulation to be kept pure. The influence of pure,
fresh air is to cause the blood to circulate healthfully through
the system. It refreshes the body and tends to render it strong
and healthy, while at the same time its influence is decidedly
felt upon the mind, imparting a degree of composure and
serenity. It excites the appetite, and renders the digestion of
food more perfect, and induces sound and sweet sleep”
(Counsels on Health, page 60).
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