The human body is an amazing machine. It is endowed with the innate ability to care for itself and maintain its overall wellness. Because of the millions of harmful substances we are exposed to everyday, the body’s defence systems act immediately to protect us from disease and injury. One of the natural detoxification systems in our body is the respiratory system.

This system consists of the nasal passage, trachea, and lungs. As we breathe in, our nose acts as our first line of defence by filtering out bacteria and dirt from the air. One way we rid ourselves of these substances is by sneezing and coughing, which is a natural reflex action of the respiratory system. As the air goes down our air pipe, it is moistened and warmed to facilitate exchange of gases within the body.

Ever wonder why you can’t hold your breath indefinitely? It’s because your respiratory system, or breathing system, wants to keep you alive. Since we as humans need oxygen to live, holding our breath deprives the body of this essential element. When the respiratory system detects the lack of oxygen coming in, an instant defence reaction is sent to the breathing organs, and whoosh! Out comes the breath you’ve been holding, and then you resume your normal breathing process.

Respiration is basically defined as inhaling and exhaling. These two processes keep us alive by supplying our bodies with oxygen, and by releasing the toxic by-product, carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is considered as waste or exhaust material which our cells give off when they’re done with their processes. We basically don’t need it inside us. An excessive amount of carbon dioxide within the body causes changes in the internal pH or acidity of the body. When this happens, many system functions are compromised.

So we should get inspiration from respiration. Because this system wants us to keep on living, we should do something to maintain our live state. How is that possible, you may ask? The number one advice would probably be to stop smoking, or not to start the bad habit at all. We can opt to use unleaded fuel for our vehicles, or opt for alternative fuel sources that emit less carbon monoxide. Around the house, we can avoid using harmful chemicals such as paint and aerosols that contain toxic substances. Aside from that, we should avoid exposure to polluted or unsanitary surroundings, as micro organisms such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses can enter our bodies via the respiratory system.

The natural detoxification tasks of the respiratory system may not be able to cope with the carcinogenic substances from cigarette smoke, nor the germs from dirty air. When this overload of unwanted substances occurs, one may get lung cancer, pneumonia, tuberculosis, emphysema, and many other terminal illnesses.

It is true that a breath of fresh air will do the body good. Much care should be done to help the respiratory system with detoxing the body. Aside from avoiding harmful substances and surroundings, you can help your body cope with the toxins around it by taking herbal supplements, and observing a healthy diet and exercise routine.