Respiration
244 sourcesRespiration in Ray Peat's framework refers not just to breathing but to the entire process of cellular oxygen utilization — the mitochondrial electron transport chain that converts food energy into ATP. He followed the lineage of Albert Szent-Györgyi and Otto Warburg in viewing respiratory efficiency as the fundamental measure of biological health. When cells respire efficiently, they produce CO2 and water; when respiration fails, they shift to glycolysis, producing lactic acid.
Peat emphasized that breathing patterns matter — hyperventilation reduces CO2 levels, paradoxically reducing oxygen delivery to tissues (Bohr effect). He recommended calm, relaxed breathing and addressing the metabolic factors that drive hyperventilation (low CO2, anxiety, metabolic acidosis).
Key Positions
- Cellular respiration (mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation) is the foundation of health
- Efficient respiration produces CO2 and water; impaired respiration produces lactic acid
- Hyperventilation reduces CO2, paradoxically reducing tissue oxygenation
- Thyroid hormone is the primary driver of respiratory enzyme activity
- PUFAs damage the respiratory chain by incorporating into cardiolipin
- The respiratory quotient (CO2 produced / O2 consumed) indicates fuel source and efficiency
- Breathing exercises should focus on retaining CO2, not just deep breathing
Sources
244 items-
Mitochondria and mortality
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Multiple Sclerosis and other hormone related brain syndromes
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Multiple Sclerosis and other hormone-related brain syndromes
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Multiple sclerosis, protein, fats, and progesterone
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Oils in Context.
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Osteoporosis, aging, tissue renewal, and product science
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Osteoporosis, harmful calcification, and nerve/muscle malfunctions.
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Peatarian Email Depository
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Phosphate, activation, and aging
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Physiology texts and the real world
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Preventing and treating cancer with progesterone.
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Progesterone
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Progesterone Deceptions
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Progesterone Pregnenolone & DHEA - Three Youth-Associated Hormones.
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Progesterone Summaries
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Progesterone, not estrogen, is the coronary protection factor of women.
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Protective CO2 and aging
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Protective CO2 and aging
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Pure Energy Wellness - Allison Pelot
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Rosacea, inflammation, and aging: The inefficiency of stress
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Salt, energy, metabolic rate, and longevity
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Serotonin, depression, and aggression: The problem of brain energy
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Serotonin: Effects in disease, aging and inflammation
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Slim birdy
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Stem cells, cell culture, and culture: Issues in regeneration