7 Days to Functional Breathing
Day 4 / 7
The Carbon Dioxide Paradox
More air isn't the same as more oxygen. Here's why carbon dioxide matters.
Today's practice
A few times today, check whether your breathing is quiet, light and effortless. Notice frequent sighing or yawning.
Key points
- Carbon dioxide helps regulate your breathing and helps release oxygen from your blood into your tissues.
- At rest, breathing more than your body needs lowers carbon dioxide and doesn't add oxygen.
- During exercise your body needs more air, and breathing more is right. The goal is breathing that matches what your body needs.
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