In previous articles, we have discussed the importance of alkalinity and how low-grade acidosis can negatively impact physical and emotional health. One key factor to remain alkaline is oxygen. Being more acidic means having less oxygen in the tissues. In today’s article, we explain how pH affects the oxygen saturation of hemoglobin (red blood cells). Discover what is the Bohr effect and how does it work.
What is the Bohr effect and how does it work
The Bohr effect is a phenomenon that occurs in the tissues and promotes the release of oxygen by hemoglobin. This effect is triggered by protons (H+) released from the dissociation of carbonic acid and the formation of “carbamino” compounds.
As the pH increases, hemoglobin loses hydrogen ions from specific amino acids at key sites in its structure, improving its ability to bind to oxygen. Conversely, when pH decreases, the opposite occurs: hemoglobin captures hydrogen ions, and its affinity for oxygen decreases.
Therefore, if the pH of the blood or tissues decreases, the immune system weakens, blood vessels tend to calcify, bone and muscle mass are lost, and chronic fatigue occurs.
Lower pH means less oxygen and less ATP energy in the mitochondria.
If carbon dioxide increases in arterial blood, the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) rises, leading to low-grade acidosis or metabolic acidosis (if the condition is severe).
In summary, the Bohr curve indicates that higher alkalinity equals more oxygen and vice versa.
At a relatively low pH, hemoglobin has a lower affinity for oxygen than when the pH is higher.
How to Maintain pH in an Alkaline State
Alkaline Diet
Diet has a decisive impact on our health and alkalinity. It is important to have a good proportion of vegetables, leafy greens, and other colorful vegetables, fruits, and quality proteins. Dark green leafy vegetables contain vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and lots of chlorophyll.
Hydration
All the cells and organs in our body need enough water to function optimally. Alkaline water is the most powerful solvent, and among its numerous benefits, it acts like soap, helping cleanse organs and the blood of toxins and undesirable acidic elements. Alkaline water contributes to maintaining the body’s optimal alkaline design, and therefore indirectly helps oxygenate the body.
Exercise
This is another crucial factor to oxygenate and maintain alkalinity. Any sport or exercise you practice will benefit you and contribute positively to your health and alkaline state. Additionally, being more alkaline also enhances our sports performance
Take Liquid Chlorophyll
Chlorophyll is an unparalleled alkalizing agent.
The qualities of chlorophyll are numerous, as it helps oxygenate, regenerate, and improve the quality of the blood, with a significant detoxifying effect on the body.
Its benefits include:
- Helps oxygenate, regenerate, and improve blood quality.
- Optimizes oxygen transport through the circulatory system.
- Enhances the performance of various organs in the body.
- Helps balance blood pressure.
- Improves women’s health issues, including menstrual syndrome and menopause.
- Ideal for detox processes and weight control diets.
- Aids in the elimination of heavy metals.
- Helps eliminate toxins and fat from the liver.
- Prevents bad breath and flatulence.
- Increases athletic endurance and boosts red blood cell production.
- Supports heart health, strengthens the heart muscle, improves circulation, and lowers blood pressure.
- Activates essential enzymes for proper nutrient absorption due to its high carotenoid content.
- Deodorizes stool and urine, promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in the colon, and stimulates the gut, liver, and kidneys thanks to its enzymes (lipase, amylase, protease).
- Has a wound-healing and tissue-regenerating effect.
- Strengthens the immune system.
By simply taking a few drops of chlorophyll daily, you can improve hemoglobin quality, thereby enhancing cellular oxygenation.
Start by taking 15 to 20 drops of chlorophyll diluted in a large glass of alkaline water for better absorption, and you will soon see the results.
