What is meant by oxygen saturation level?
 

Oxygen saturation or SpO2 or blood oxygen level is the amount of oxygen circulating in your blood. For a healthy adult, the normal range of oxygen saturation level is 95% to 100%. It may vary and be slightly lower for people living at higher altitudes, subject to adaptation. 
 

What happens when the oxygen saturation level drops below the normal range?
 

If it drops below the normal range and the oxygen deficiency becomes high, a person may have trouble breathing, experience dizziness, lack of focus and headache. It may lead to extreme conditions like hypoxia with rapid heart rate, restlessness and bluish skin. It can be life threatening, requiring medical assistance.
 

Some easy to do suggestions that can help increase your SpO2 levels at home
 

• Take it slow

  Breathing is a necessary action for survival which takes place on auto mode. But because of various reasons like stress, tension and anxiety, a consequence of a fast paced, imbalanced lifestyle, people often forget to breathe slowly and deeply using their full lung capacity. 

  So, focus on taking a slow and deep breath.
   

• H2O for SpO2

  Something as simple as drinking sufficient water during the course of the day not only quenches your thirst, does wonders for your skin but can also aid in increasing your oxygen saturation levels. 

  Water is essential for the functioning of your internal body organs, one of which is lungs and also for proper blood, oxygen circulation throughout the body.
   

• Say NO to smoking

  Smoking adversely affects lung health and can also lead to respiratory diseases. Quitting smoking can increase SpO2 levels in the body and improve overall health as well.
   

• Make a move

  Take care of your fitness and health by taking just half an hour out daily from your busy schedules for some exercise. Being physically active, indulging in aerobic exercises like walking, running, cycling, swimming builds strength, stamina and increases lung capacity leading to our oxygen saturation levels to improve.
   

• Be an iron man/woman

  Having a balanced healthy meal is important. One of the minerals, iron, is an important component that helps in carrying oxygen in blood circulated to every body part. Consumption of iron rich foods like spinach, soybean, lentils, tofu can increase body’s oxygen carrying capacity. 
   

• Antioxidants are not anti-oxygen

  Include a lot of antioxidants like carrots, garlic, beans, berries, banana in your diet as they help use oxygen efficiently and maintain healthy SpO2 levels in the body.
   

• Avoid alcohol consumption

  Alcohol consumption adversely affects the oxygen levels in the blood, resulting in the body tissues and organs being negatively impacted in the process. Alcohol disrupts the absorption of oxygen by haemoglobin in the bloodstream, due to which, the vital tissues and organs responsible for our body to function properly, do not receive adequate oxygen.  
   

• Plants to the rescue

  Air quality can be improved at home by keeping indoor plants. Plants convert carbon dioxide into oxygen through the process of photosynthesis. Keep plants like snake plant, spider lily, bamboo, jade, aloe vera, chinese evergreens among others. 
   

How can blood oxygen level be measured?
 

Following are some ways to measure the blood oxygen level in our bodies,
 

• Pulse oximetry: It is a non-invasive method, where no blood sample is taken. In this test, a small electronic device called pulse oximeter is clipped on to a finger, making use of a sensor to read wavelengths reflected from the blood to know the percentage of oxygen saturation in the arterial blood. This test gives a quicker result.

  Note, oximeter readings can be affected by the habit of smoking or tobacco consumption, wearing fake accessories like artificial nails, application of fingernail polish, skin temperature and thickness. 
   

• Arterial blood gas test/ABG test: In this test, a blood sample is taken from an artery to be tested in the medical lab for finding the level of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood. 
   

What conditions can affect the SpO2 level?
 

Respiratory problems like asthma, chronic lung diseases, cardiovascular diseases, sleep apnea and anaemia can reduce the SpO2 levels in the body. 

Note, the SpO2 level may drop for people who contract Covid-19 virus. Hence, one needs to take all the precautionary measures to avoid any discomfort.

 

It is said that precaution is better than cure. Hence, prioritise your health and take all the necessary precautions to stay fit and healthy. Smart Health Shield Insurance Plan | Tata AIA Life Insurance is one such plan that takes care of your family’s overall health. Support your loved ones by ensuring their future security against unforeseen illness or financial strains. 

 

Conclusion
 

Maintaining a healthy percentage of oxygen saturation level is vital for functioning well. A drop in the same, below the normal range, can be fatal, requiring medical help. Hence, incorporating these easy suggestions for maintaining a healthy level of blood oxygen level is essential for our well-being.