Your Brain Needs Oxygen

Your family doctor wants you to be safe and healthy, and here in Colorado, that means paying attention to the unique climate and altitude that contribute to conditions for local residents.

Ever feel like you're having a "fuzzy brain" day? That could be caused by your brain's struggle to get enough oxygen here in the Rocky Mountain West.

People who climb mountains and skydive have long known that the effects of oxygen deprivation on your brain can mean impaired cognitive ability if allowed to persist.

But folks who live at our mile-high altitude—even if they never (or rarely) venture out to enjoy the beauty of the high country—can experience adverse effects of the presence of less oxygen at home.

You Wouldn't Fly in a Cabin that Wasn't "Pressurized"

… Because you know, of course, that your brain needs oxygen.

People who live at sea level and who frequently travel by air sometimes experience the same kind of low-oxygen complaints as those endured by people visiting the high country.

That’s because airlines typically pressurize (and oxygenate) their airplane cabins to a level equivalent to about 6,000 feet of altitude. That’s a life-saver, since airliners typically operate at altitudes of more than 20,000 feet.

The good news for those of us who live at altitude is that we don’t experience much of a difference when we’re on an airplane. The bad news, of course, is that living in Colorado is a bit like living on an airplane would be for a person who lives at sea level!

An article in Science News reported that about 30 million people live in, or visit, elevations of 5,000 feet or more in the western United States alone. No big deal for those of us who live here, maybe, but if you’re planning on visiting Telluride this summer, think about hitting the oxygen bar while you’re there.

That’s because, according to Frank Powell, a physiologist at the University of California (San Diego), when you’re at 12,000 feet or higher, the oxygen shortage would be enough to suggest “your HMO or Medicare insurance would pay for you to have supplemental oxygen.”

So inhaling extra oxygen is a good idea when visiting those extreme altitudes… but for everyday Colorado living, there are other things you can do to help your brain get more oxygen.

Three Brain Friendly Tips for High Altitude Dwellers

To increase your brain’s oxygen uptake, it’s important to increase your body’s overall circulation. And here are some great ways to increase circulation in a way that maximizes your brain’s ability to receive and process oxygen.

• Exercise. It’s true: exercise improves your circulation, and the positive effects of regular exercise continue even after the workout’s over. Exercise expands your blood vessels and can help promote the growth of new vessels. And it improves your general level of cognitive function.

• Walk more. Even if you can’t find the time or opportunity for a consistent exercise program, a brisk walk can give your brain a quick, instant dose of oxygen. In fact, while more intense exercise improves circulation and oxygen uptake throughout your body, low-intensity exercise like walking focuses that oxygen on the brain.

• Stand up. If you’re experiencing a sedentary lifestyle, simply changing from a sitting to a standing position can help your brain “breathe.” An Oxford University study showed that simply standing up enhances cerebral circulation.

Doing what you can to help your brain take up oxygen is smart.

In fact, when your brain gets more oxygen, you literally get smarter! If you feel you're experiencing more acute adverse affects of the lower oxygen levels here in Colorado, talk to your family doctor. They want you to feel—and think—as well as possible.

Author Bio:

This article is written by Anthony Cerullo. He is working at Founders Family Medicine and Urgent Care in Castle Rock as one of the urgent care providers.