CO2 gas, when dissolved in blood, is the second largest group of negative ions of blood plasma. Hence, breathing directly affects blood pH. In its turn, blood pH is tightly monitored within a very narrow range (from about 7.3 to 7.5) in order to have normal body biochemistry. Therefore, breathing influences concentrations of other ions, including calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium, in the blood and other areas of the body.
CO2 participates in chemical reactions involving various vitamins, minerals, amino acids, essential fatty acids and many other substances.
Apart from these effects, the metabolism of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, efficiency of the immune system, regulation of hormones, blood sugar level, and many other chemicals, are all connected to breathing. As a general physiological observation, it has been known for decades that the respiratory system is closely connected with other physiological systems and organs of the organism.
Indeed, all living cells, tissues and organs consume O2 and generate CO2. They breathe - and this process is called the “inner respiration”. The outer respiration is the process of breathing. It should make common sense to assume that the way we breathe should influence our inner respiration or cellular gas exchange.
The detailed mechanics of all these interactions are still unknown and here we are considering only the most generalized pictures and mechanisms. Moreover, CO2 deficiency is only the most obvious and simple effect of hyperventilation. Abnormal breathing disrupts, to certain extent, all other systems and fundamental processes in the human body. This CO2-based model, therefore, is only the initial step on the way to understanding human respiration and its role in health and disease.
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