Oxygen and water are essential elements for the proper functioning of the body. Water usually contains anywhere between 1 to 10 ppm (parts per million) of dissolved oxygen. Ponds usually contain the lowest amount. Streams and rivers usually have the highest amount. Tap water in most large cities is usually around 5-7 ppm of dissolved oxygen. Oxygenated water contains approximately 200,000 ppm.

The air you breathe is 15% to 20% oxygen. In some major cities, the oxygen content can be as low as 9%. An inadequate supply of oxygen is called "hypoxia" and may cause symptoms such as:

• lack of energy
• shortness of breath
• reduced mental clarity
• suppressed immune system
• joint and muscle aches and pains

Failure to breathe with the whole lung (shallow breathing) can reduce the volume of air and oxygen we take in.

Pollution and lack of vegetation can reduce the oxygen content of the air we breathe. Emotional stress and physical trauma can also deplete your body of oxygen.

Chester Ku-Lea is a health nutrition consultant and is the owner of www.AstroNutrition.com - a provider of premium health nutrition and sports supplements.

chester@astronutrition.com