Oxygen has an important function for the human body. It nourishes the organs, provides them with the necessary energy, and ensures the normal functioning of even the smallest cells. Oxygen is vital for the brain to function properly. After all, without such a substance the organ will not live even half an hour. In the living conditions of modern people in industrial cities, large cities, where there is a lot of exhaust from cars, etc., for many, the issue of additionally feeding themselves with oxygen becomes relevant. And oxygen cocktails and cylinders, which are quite widespread in pharmacy chains, begin to be used.
Just how harmless is such amateur activity? After all, an excess of oxygen can be no less harmful than its lack. Lyudmila Shimuk, head of the physiotherapy department of the clinical diagnostic department, a physiotherapist of the highest category , told AiF.ru about what oxygen-based cocktails are, as well as who needs to use cylinders and what to consider in this regard .
What is an oxygen cocktail
An oxygen cocktail is a drink saturated with oxygen. It looks like a thick airy foam with thousands of bubbles filled with O2 molecules. The cocktail is difficult to drink; it is more convenient to eat it with a spoon. Just one drink replaces an hour-long walk in a pine forest.
Taking an oxygen cocktail is not a new method of prevention and treatment, which is scientifically called “enteral oxygen therapy.” The drink comes from the USSR. They first started talking about it in 1963 thanks to the efforts of the Soviet pathophysiologist Nikolai Sirotin. Conducting numerous studies on the respiratory function of the stomach, the academician came to the conclusion that oxygen can also be absorbed through this organ. Not as good as the traditional route - through the lungs, but oral consumption of O2 is also one of the possible ways to deliver this element to the body.
Initially, the oxygen drink was positioned as a healing agent that was used only in medical and health institutions - sanatoriums and hospitals. Now many people prepare it at home, having purchased special devices.
Distinctive features of a cocktail with active oxygen: what is it good for and when should you drink it?
The peculiarity of such drinks is their low liquid content and active foam with a large number of gas bubbles. The basis for preparation is such ingredients as milk, various syrups, fruit nectars, infusions of medicinal plants, etc. Initially, oxygen cocktails were used only in health camps and sanatoriums, and their use was strictly controlled by a doctor. Now everyone can afford such drinks, but doctors describe several restrictions for consumption.
Composition of oxygen drink
The cocktail contains not only oxygen in the most accessible form, but also certain additional components. The gas enhances their beneficial effect on the body, and they, in turn, turn the drink into a delicacy. The concentration of the beneficial substance in the oxygen cocktail is determined by the doctor. It should not exceed the physiological norm. It is the additional components that give the cocktail its taste, since oxygen itself does not have it.
Such ingredients usually include:
- special ready-made spum mixtures;
- juices;
- syrups;
- milk;
- herbal infusions and decoctions.
The basis can be any liquid, including ordinary still water, but it is more useful to prepare a cocktail using herbal decoctions and infusions.
The most delicious oxygen drinks are made from fruit juices and syrups. The main thing is that they do not contain pulp, as it prevents the formation of foam.
Classic foaming agents in an oxygen cocktail are dried egg white and licorice root extract. The latter is preferable because it has medicinal properties, minimizes the occurrence of allergies and eliminates the risk of salmonellosis. However, licorice root has a bitter taste, so powdered sugar is always added to a cocktail based on it.
The essence of the remedy
Oxygen cocktails are oxygen-enriched mixtures of various herbal preparations, natural juices without pulp, fruit drinks, which are used for the purpose of general health improvement and prevention of gastrointestinal diseases.
Question answer
What are the benefits of an oxygen cocktail? The composition of an oxygen cocktail includes oxygen (90–95%), a flavor base (from juices to herbal decoctions), as well as a component that forms foam (food foaming agent, gelatin, licorice root or powdered egg white). If you are allergic to various flavoring components, water can be used.
Oxygen has a healing effect on the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract, promotes better regeneration - this is due to its therapeutic and prophylactic effect and use in mild forms of chronic gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers. Oxygen is absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract much less than through the lungs, however, its entry through the gastric mucosa improves overall well-being, improves immunity and performance, metabolism and sleep, relieves fatigue, and stimulates the respiratory and circulatory systems.
It is worth noting that there is no scientific evidence of the benefits of oxygen cocktails, oxygen is not used for treatment purposes, so before use you must consult a therapist or gastroenterologist.
It is also worth considering another important point: currently, not only medical oxygen is used to prepare oxygen cocktails, but also air oxygen, which contains harmful impurities. Therefore, you should be careful about the cocktails and oxygen sources you purchase.
Experts often recommend the use of oxygen cocktails for pregnant women in order to prevent fetal hypoxia, as well as to increase immunity, improve sleep and vitality. But these drinks should be treated with extreme caution; consult a doctor before use and avoid drinking if you are allergic to certain components of the cocktail, have asthma, have signs of gallstones, urolithiasis or stomach ulcers.
Oxygen treatment: who benefits from oxygen cocktails and aerotherapy Read more
Unlike oxygen cocktails, oxygen cylinders are produced in an aerosol and contain a concentrated breathing mixture of oxygen and nitrogen. This mixture can be used as a cocktail base.
Why does the body need oxygen?
Thanks to this element, a person breathes and also receives energy from the nutrients entering the body, ensuring the flow of fundamental physiological processes, including cell reproduction and the organization of immune defense.
The main consumer of oxygen is the brain, which accounts for a third of the total volume. When its entry into the body becomes difficult, hypoxia develops. It leads to destructive changes in tissues. A two-minute cessation of O2 supply leads to irreversible death of brain cells.
Without oxygen, metabolism does not occur. Nature has assigned the main functions of cleansing the body to this element.
With age and with certain diseases, the body's oxygen supply decreases. Lethargy, fatigue, sleep disorders are some of the signs of a lack of this element.
Where is fiber found?
There are two types of fiber - soluble and insoluble. Both species are found naturally in plant foods - fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds and legumes.
Soluble fiber includes complex non-starch carbohydrates that can absorb water and form a gel in the intestines, which determines their beneficial properties - lowering cholesterol and blood sugar levels. In their natural form, food products contain the following types of soluble fiber: inulin, pectin, gums, mucus, alginates.
Inulin is found mainly in root vegetables and tubers. Most of it is found in chicory, Jerusalem artichoke, burdock roots and ninesila; in lower concentrations it is found in onions and garlic.
Pectins are substances capable of forming jelly in the presence of organic acids and sugar. They are found in greater quantities in fruits (plums, black currants, apples) and vegetables (beets, carrots, peppers, pumpkin, eggplants).
Gums are part of the sticky sap of plants, released when trunks and stems are damaged, as well as in the seeds and fruits of some plants.
Products with the highest gum content:
- oatmeal, barley, walnuts, legumes
- pears, apples, oranges, blueberries, dried fruits;
- celery, zucchini, carrots, pumpkin, beets.
mucus from oatmeal, pearl barley and rice. There are also a lot of them in flax and plantain seeds.
Alginates are found naturally only in brown algae.
Insoluble fiber is represented mainly by complex non-starch carbohydrates - cellulose and lignin, which is not a carbohydrate. Insoluble fiber helps move intestinal contents and increases stool bulk by absorbing water. Therefore, it may be useful for those who are concerned about stool retention. Read about what else can help get rid of constipation in the article from our blog.
Cellulose is the most common complex carbohydrate and is found in whole grains, nuts, legumes and vegetables such as cauliflower, green beans and potatoes.
Lignin is an organic substance found in the woody walls of plant cells. The most lignin is in bran. Gut bacteria are not able to break down lignin, and therefore they do not use bran for nutrition.
The healing properties and benefits of an oxygen cocktail
Taking an oxygen cocktail helps:
- increasing the body's resistance to viruses and infections;
- increased performance;
- normalization of sleep and blood pressure;
- eliminating chronic fatigue syndrome;
- reducing the harmful effects of the environment on the body;
- activation of cellular metabolism;
- detoxification of the body;
- increase in hemoglobin level.
Oxygen cocktails are especially useful for children. After all, their need for O2 is many times higher than that of adults. Admission can begin at three years of age. Some kindergartens and schools offer children an oxygen drink throughout the year. It is usually consumed for 10 days, with a break of the same duration.
The cocktail is also useful during pregnancy, when the volume of blood flow in the body increases. For this reason, the chances of developing O2 deficiency are high. An oxygen drink quickly solves the problem of intrauterine fetal hypoxia, which can lead to serious disruption of its development.
A pregnant woman should take the cocktail only on the recommendation of a doctor.
What benefits do dietary fiber bring to our body?
Despite the fact that the human body is not able to use dietary fiber as food, they are a “food base” for beneficial bacteria of the intestinal microflora and, as ballast substances, help improve the functioning of the liver, gallbladder, pancreas and intestines, as well as the removal of metabolic products and toxins.
Benefits of a high fiber diet:
- normalizes bowel movements and helps maintain bowel health;
- lowers cholesterol and sugar (glucose) levels in the blood and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
- promotes weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight; (increasing the feeling of satiety, inhibiting gastric emptying, stimulating bile removal processes).
- reduces the risk of death from cardiovascular disease and bowel cancer.
- Improves the functioning of the biliary system and bile outflow.
- Food rich in pectin and alginates prevents the accumulation of cesium and strontium radionuclides. Due to its ion-exchange properties, dietary fiber removes heavy metal ions (lead, strontium). In addition, they increase the synthesis of vitamins B1, B2, B6, PP, and folic acid by intestinal bacteria.
How to use an oxygen cocktail correctly
In order for the drink to bring maximum benefits, it must be taken according to certain rules.
- The effect will be noticeable only after the course, usually it lasts 10-15 days. There is no point in expecting results from one serving of cocktail.
- Only a freshly prepared drink is healthy. It cannot be stored for more than 10-15 minutes, since oxygen quickly oxidizes in air.
- Oxygen is well absorbed when the cocktail is eaten for several minutes, but no more than five.
- The drink should not be consumed on a full stomach. The optimal time of administration is 1.5 hours before or after meals.
- The daily norm for an adult is no more than two servings of cocktail, and for children - no more than one.
- Be sure to take breaks of at least 10-15 days.
Simple ways to add fiber to your diet
To obtain maximum health benefits, it is necessary to include a variety of natural foods in your diet that are high in a variety of dietary fibers, both soluble and insoluble. Among the record-breaking products for fiber content:
- fresh fruits and vegetables with skin;
- nuts and seeds;
- whole grain products.
The British Nutrition Association recommends using the rainbow principle - eating 5 servings of vegetables and 2 fruits each day, each of which should correspond to the color of the rainbow.
Nutritionists also advise:
- eat raw vegetables and fruits if you tolerate them well;
- replace white bread, pasta and rice with whole grain counterparts;
- bake and eat potatoes with skin on;
- prepare porridge from whole grain cereals;
- add chickpeas, beans or lentils to salads or sauces;
- snack on fruit or nuts.
It is also possible to use fiber supplements and fiber-fortified foods. To preserve fiber when cooking, do not cook vegetables for too long or make them too soft.
How to make an oxygen cocktail at home
To prepare the drink yourself, special equipment is used. It is more advisable to purchase kits that can be found at the pharmacy. These usually include:
- oxygen canister;
- foaming agent;
- automatic cocktail machine.
Pay attention to the composition of the gas mixture in the can. Ideally there should be 90% oxygen and 10% nitrogen.
Pure 100% oxygen can cause burns to the respiratory tract.
Invigorating cocktail recipe
It is necessary to mix 30 ml of cherry and 50 ml of apple juice, add 2 g of foaming composition and pour the mixture into a cocktail bottle, supplying oxygen from a can until a fluffy foam is obtained.
Healing cocktail recipe
Mix 50 ml of rosehip decoction, 1 tsp. honey and foaming agent. Pour the mix into a cocktail glass and enrich it with oxygen. This drink improves immunity and normalizes blood pressure.
Security measures
- If you decide to use an oxygen concentrator or air cans when preparing your favorite delicacy, it is useful to ensure that the entire process is carried out as far as possible from open flames or heating panels.
- When creating an airy masterpiece, you cannot use gas-containing drinks or alcohol as a liquid base.
- The oxygen cocktail should be consumed immediately after preparation; it cannot be stored or frozen.
- There is no need to drink the product in one gulp or in too frequent sips - this will not allow the product to be properly absorbed and will harm digestion. For the same reason, avoid consuming oxygen composition on an empty stomach or while eating.
- If you have a food allergy, protein intolerance or other substance, you must make sure that there are no dangerous components among the ingredients of the oxygen treat. You should carefully study the composition if you purchased a standard set in a store or pharmacy, the ingredients of which were not selected individually.
Harm of an oxygen cocktail
Oxygen is an ambiguous element for the human body. On the one hand, it is vital for the normal functioning of organs and systems, and on the other, it has a strong damaging effect, since it is capable of oxidizing DNA and other cell components.
In large doses, the “elixir of life” is toxic to the body. When there is excess oxygen, the body synthesizes free radicals, which cause aging. However, the same thing happens with its deficiency. Oxygen is beneficial only if its dosage in the drink is chosen correctly. That is why cocktail preparation should be done by a person with a medical education who has undergone special training.
The slightest deviation from the recipe or cooking technology is fraught with serious consequences. Along with life-giving oxygen, harmful impurities can get into the drink. Buying a cocktail in cinemas, shopping centers or on the street is not the smartest decision.
Many fitness clubs and beauty salons have herbal bars where they prepare oxygen cocktails on a “tasty” basis. The main ingredients in them are vanilla, blueberries, cherries and even chocolate. You can easily get carried away with cocktails on a similar basis and exceed the daily norm, causing harm to the body.
Contraindications
It should also be taken into account that the oxygen cocktail has contraindications and is not suitable for everyone. People who have been diagnosed with the following diseases should avoid using it:
- Stomach ulcer
- Hypertension
- Adhesive gastrointestinal disease
- Inflammatory bowel diseases
- Diabetes
- Bronchial asthma
- Stones in the bladder or kidneys
- Allergy to any component of the cocktail
Beneficial effect of oxygen inhalation
- Increases the tone and activity of the body mentally, sexually and physically.
- Maintains health in environmentally unfavorable living conditions.
- Stimulates metabolic processes.
- Accelerates the replenishment of energy reserves.
- Recovery from injuries and operations is faster.
- Strengthens and tempers the immune system.
- Eliminates symptoms of motion sickness in transport.
- Normalizes night sleep and rest, helps cope with insomnia.
- Increases stress resistance.
- Improves the functioning of internal organs, blood vessels and systems.
- Improves the quality of life and has a beneficial effect on the psycho-emotional state.
