Technical Summary of How Overbreathing & the Subsequent Loss of Carbon
Dioxide Can Influence Our Health*
 | Oxygenation: Carbon
dioxide plays a large role in oxygen transport from the blood to the cells
of the brain and body. A reduction in carbon dioxide levels brings with it
reduced oxygenation of tissue and vital organs (Verigo-Bohr Effect). This
can lead to many health problems. |
| Acid/Alkaline Balance and the Immune System: Carbon
dioxide, through its conversion to carbonic acid, is a primary regulator of
the acid/alkaline balance of the body. A
reduction in carbon dioxide shifts the body's pH toward alkalinity, which
alters the rate of activity of other biochemical processes. An
alkaline system weakens the immune system, thus making the body more
susceptible to viruses and allergies. |
| Vessels: Carbon
dioxide helps dilate smooth muscle tissue. Insufficient carbon dioxide
can cause spasms throughout the body, including the brain, the bronchi, and
other smooth muscle tissues. Good examples are the spasms that take place
during asthma attacks and migraines. |
|
The Nervous System: Carbon
dioxide is one of the regulators of the nervous system. A reduction of
carbon dioxide in the nerve cells heightens their excitability, alerting all
the branches of the nervous system and making it more sensitive to outside
stimuli. This can lead to sleeping
problems, irritability, excessive stress/anxiety, and allergic reactions.
Simultaneously, this reduction stimulates the breathing center of the
brain and brings about an increase in the rate of breathing. As a result,
even more carbon dioxide is lost. |
| The Cardiovascular System: Carbon
dioxide helps regulate the cardiovascular system. Too
little carbon dioxide can result in
many problems, including angina, high blood pressure, chest pain, myocardial
infarcts, strokes, and so on.
|
| The Digestive System: A
direct relationship exists between the level of carbon dioxide in the body
and the functioning of the digestive glands—especially between the level
of carbon dioxide and the intensity of gastric secretion. Too
little carbon dioxide can eventually lead to poor digestion and eventually
to ulcers.
|
Special Note for Medical
Professionals: This summary of the effects of overbreathing and the subsequent loss of
carbon dioxide does not discuss the exact form of the carbon dioxide--for
example, dissolved carbon dioxide gas, carbonic acid, bicarbonates, carbonates,
etc. It also does not discuss the
obvious paradoxes that may result from the various shunts between defensive and
compensatory mechanisms. Examples of such paradoxes include high levels of
carbon dioxide in the blood of asthmatics, and compensating shifts between
respiratory alkalosis and metabolic acidosis.
*This summary is
based on information that can be found on the Buteyko
Breathing Centre website. Though we do not endorse Buteyko's emphasis on
"shallow breathing," we do agree with what he says about the vital
relationship of carbon dioxide to health.
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