Foods To Increase The Oxygen In The Blood

The human body requires constant amounts of oxygen in its blood for proper functioning. However, low oxygen levels, also called hypoxemia, may occur due to a variety of conditions including asthma, lung disease and iron-deficiency anemia. Shortness of breath, anxiety, disorientation, headaches, high blood pressure and bluish skin are the common symptoms of hypoxemia. Apart from oxygen therapy and blood transfusion, exercise and certain foods may help improve oxygen levels in the blood naturally.

Iron

Iron-deficient anemia occurs due to the intake of diets low in iron and leads to reduced levels of hemoglobin, the oxygen carrier in the blood. This can lead to hypoxemia. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends iron-rich foods including meats, poultry, fish, legumes, green leafy vegetables, whole wheat breads and iron-enriched pastas to treat iron-deficiency anemia, and thereby improve oxygen levels in the blood.

Low-Fat Diet

Several animal studies, such as the one published in June 2007 edition of the "Obesity," have revealed that a high-fat diet can lead to insulin resistance and sleep apnea in rats. Sleep apnea and the associated rest are common risk factors for hypoxemia. Hence, eating a high-fiber, low-fat diet with high amounts of fruits and vegetables may help improve blood oxygen levels.

Fruits and Vegetables

An article published in Cancer Active states that acidic environment in the blood can lead to reduced levels of oxygen and increase the risk of certain cancers. The intake of alkaline water, along with fruits and vegetables rich in potassium and magnesium such as bananas, potatoes, tomatoes and green leafy vegetables, can help reduce acidity and treat hypoxemia. Fruits and vegetables, according to MayoClinic.com, are also rich sources of antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E that protect the oxygen carrying blood cells against the harmful effects of free radicals.

Low-Sodium Diet

According to a study published in the March 2010 edition of the "Hypertension," a diet low in sodium can lead to increased oxygenation of the kidney via blood. The low-sodium diet aims to reduce the sodium intake to less than 2,000 mg per day and includes fresh fruits and vegetables, beans, peas, legumes, and whole grains.

Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean diet can help maintain healthy lung function by halving the risk of lung disease, says an article published by Science Daily in May 2007. It can thus promote sufficient oxygenation of the blood and prevent hypoxemia. The Mediterranean diet is also high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and nuts and low in refined sugars, meats and whole-fat dairy products.