You know that invigorating sensation when you inhale the crisp, fresh air in a serene natural setting? Recent research suggests that this experience transcends beyond just the absence of pollution and encompasses actual health benefits.
While most of us associate nutrients primarily with the foods we consume, a closer examination of scientific literature uncovers compelling evidence that humans can also absorb certain nutrients directly from the air around us.
We propose that the act of breathing serves to complement our regular dietary intake by delivering essential nutrients, including iodine, zinc, manganese, and a variety of vitamins. This hypothesis is strongly supported by a body of published research. So, why is this intriguing concept not more widely recognized until now?
Breathing is constant
On average, we inhale approximately 9,000 litres of air each day, accumulating around 438 million litres over a lifetime. Unlike our eating habits, which are intermittent, breathing is a continuous necessity. The cumulative effect of exposure to air components, even in minute concentrations, is significant over time.
Historically, research regarding the health implications of air quality has predominantly focused on pollution, aiming to filter out harmful substances while often overlooking potential health benefits. Because a single breath contains such tiny amounts of various nutrients, their significance has been underestimated.
For centuries, diverse cultures have recognized nature’s essence and the health benefits of fresh air. Our notion of aeronutrients lends scientific credence to these age-old beliefs. Interestingly, oxygen is classified as a nutrient—a vital chemical substance necessary for the body to perform essential functions.
How do aeronutrients work, then?
Aeronutrients infiltrate our systems via absorption through a network of tiny blood vessels located in the nose, lungs, and olfactory epithelium (the region responsible for detecting smells), as well as the oropharynx (the area at the back of the throat).
The lungs demonstrate the capacity to absorb considerably larger molecules than the gut—specifically, molecules that are up to 260 times larger. These molecules can enter the bloodstream and even reach the brain intact.
Drugs administered via inhalation—such as cocaine, nicotine, and various anesthetics—prove effective within mere seconds and require significantly lower concentrations compared to ingestion methods.
By contrast, the digestive system breaks down substances into their most basic components using enzymes and acids, leading to metabolic processing and detoxification by the liver once absorbed into the bloodstream.
The evidence has been around for decades
An inspection of scientific data reveals that many ideas considered common knowledge today were identified long ago. For instance, research from the 1960s indicated that laundry workers exposed to airborne iodine exhibited elevated iodine levels in their blood and urine.
Recent investigations in Ireland evaluated schoolchildren residing near coastal areas rich in seaweed. These areas also exhibited higher atmospheric iodine gas concentrations. The findings revealed that these children had significantly increased iodine levels in their urine, indicating a lesser likelihood of iodine deficiency compared to their counterparts living in regions with reduced seaweed presence or in rural settings. Notably, dietary iodine intake was consistent across these groups.
This evidence posits that airborne iodine, especially in seaweed-abundant locales, may augment dietary iodine intake, presenting it as an aeronutrient our bodies can acquire through inhalation.
Moreover, manganese and zinc can permeate the brain directly through olfactory neurons. Manganese, an essential nutrient, can prove harmful at excessive levels, as evidenced by welder’s syndrome, which results from elevated manganese exposure and detrimental accumulation in the brain.
Special receptors on cilia (tiny hair-like structures) within the olfactory and respiratory systems are capable of binding to a diverse array of potential aeronutrients. These include essential nutrients like choline, vitamin C, and even iron.
Notably, research from over 70 years ago demonstrated that aerosolized vitamin B12 effectively treats vitamin B12 deficiency. This finding is crucial, particularly for individuals at high risk of deficiency, including vegans, older adults, and individuals with diabetes or excessive alcohol consumption.
If we accept aeronutrients, what next?
There remains a wealth of unknowns in this emerging research area. We need to explore what components of air prove beneficial to health in natural environments such as parks, forests, coastal areas, and mountainous terrains. To date, the emphasis of research has largely remained on identifying toxins, particulate matter, and allergens like pollen.
Further down the line, we must classify which airborne elements can legitimately be categorized as aeronutrients.
Given that aerosolized vitamin B12 has already been substantiated as safe and effective, subsequent research could investigate the possibility of converting additional micronutrients, such as vitamin D, into aerosolized forms to address global nutrient deficiencies.
It’s imperative to conduct further studies involving these prospective aeronutrients in controlled environments to ascertain their dosage, safety, and nutritional contribution. This is particularly relevant in settings where the air is highly filtered, including airplanes, hospitals, submarines, and even space stations.
There exists the potential to discover that aeronutrients might play a role in preventing some of the modern ailments prevalent in urbanized societies. One day, health recommendations may well advocate for inhaling nutrients in conjunction with maintaining a healthy, balanced diet while spending sufficient time immersed in nature.
Aeronutrients: Breathing Your Way to Better Health?
Ah, the great outdoors! You pop outside, take a deep breath, and think, “Mmm, fresh air!” Well, it turns out that the only thing fresher than that first breath is the concept that we might be absorbing nutrients straight from the air. Yes, you read that right! Forget those awful, tasteless vitamins that sit in the back of your cupboard; it seems like all we need to do is breathe!
Are You Breathing in Nutrients?
When you think of nutrients, your mind probably wanders to kale smoothies and quinoa salads, right? But lo and behold, science claims we can snag some essential nutrients like iodine and zinc right from the air. So, the next time you’re out for a jog, remember to take a deep breath—turns out you could be snacking on air. Remarkable, isn’t it? And here I was thinking that was just a myth, like gluten-free pizza!
Breathing: The Underrated Nutritional Powerhouse
We breathe approximately 9,000 litres of air a day. That’s a staggering amount! But instead of using air to enter our nutrient cornucopia, we’ve been primarily focused on filtering out the bad stuff—pollution and allergens. How utterly pedestrian of us! Who knew that air was more than just a delivery service for pollen and the occasional mosquito?
Now, How Do Aeronutrients Work?
Welcome to the magical world of aeronutrients! These little gems enter our bloodstream through tiny networks of blood vessels in our lungs and nose. Apparently, our lungs are like overly eager bouncers at a nightclub, ready to let in much larger molecules than our good ol’ gut could ever consider. You know, like that one friend who always drinks too much and ends up dancing on tables. But with nutrients instead. Now that’s a party!
The Science Has Been Under Our Noses
Research dating back to the 1960s has shown that folks exposed to airborne iodine had higher iodine levels in their blood. A recent Irish study suggests that kids living near seaweed-rich areas had more iodine than those in less fancy neighborhoods, proving that being close to nature could literally be a “breathing-healthy” investment.
And speaking of impressive feats, manganese and zinc are also up for grabs through the air, crossing the blood-brain barrier like they own the place. It makes you wonder if the real reason plants filter air is because they were tired of being surrounded by us humans and our nutrient-needy shenanigans.
If We Accept Aeronutrients, What Next?
Now, onto the exciting part: what do we do with this knowledge? If moist air can deliver nutrients, can we start ordering vitamin D in a dreamy aerosol form, like we’re at a fancy café? Because if there’s one thing we’ve learned recently, it’s that anything is possible with a bit of science and a dash of hope. Will nutrition labels soon include inhalation instructions? “How to Breach Health: Take three deep breaths and call us in the morning!”
Of course, we still have lots of questions. If you find yourself in a hospital where the air’s filtered cleaner than your ex’s excuses, will that help or hinder? Can we take our nutrient intake to new heights on an aeroplane with just a deep inhale? One day, we might find ourselves in a nutrition class focusing on boosting our intake with deep breathing techniques. “And for today’s exercise, we’ll be doing the deep-breathing dolphin!”
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, folks! Fresh air might just be the hidden health hack we didn’t know we were missing. Next time you’re outside, take a moment to soak it all in—you could be getting more than just pollen in your lungs!
Photo Credits: Larisa Birta/Unsplash
So, it seems the next health trend could be: “Don’t just eat your greens—breathe them in!” Now that’s a diet I can campaign for. Watch out, kale! Your crunchy days are numbered!
What are the specific airborne components that qualify as aeronutrients and how do they impact our health?
E? With aeronutrients gaining traction in scientific circles, the next logical step is to explore the specific airborne components that enhance our health. We could consider conducting further research to identify which natural environments—like serene parks, lush forests, or breezy coastal areas—provide a wealth of these nutrients.
Instead of just focusing on the pollutants in our air, isn’t it time we also investigate what beneficial substances are floating around? With so many questions left unanswered, it’s crucial to delineate which airborne components can genuinely be dubbed aeronutrients.
Moreover, the idea of aerosolized micronutrients isn’t merely a whimsical dream. Since we’ve already established that aerosolized vitamin B12 is an effective remedy, how wonderful would it be to discover ways to aerosolize vitamin D or other essential nutrients? Imagine the potential impact on tackling global nutrient deficiencies without having to resort to pills!
We must initiate controlled studies involving these potential aeronutrients, defining their proper usage, safety, and nutritional benefits, especially in controlled environments like airplanes or hospitals where the air is heavily filtered. Envision the possibility that aeronutrients could hold the key to combating modern health issues often linked to urban living.
One day, we might find ourselves receiving health tips that encourage not just eating well but also absorbing nutrients through the air while enjoying time outdoors. So next time you’re outside, take a moment to inhale deeply; you might just be doing more than refreshing your lungs—you could be giving your body a nutrient boost!
