Buzz
No matter how healthy you are, you might be defeated by this 'peculiar' thing!
Have you heard of the title 'World's Healthiest Man' Tom Stoltman? He's a giant from Scotland, standing over 2 meters tall, weighing 180 kg, holding the record for lifting a 286 kg Atlas stone and tossing it over a chest-high bar. But even with such extraordinary strength, Tom Stoltman would surely throw in the towel, unable to hold on to 'this' for more than 24 minutes. Can you guess what it is?
The question seems a bit... mysterious, but the answer is very familiar. It's none other than... BREATH. Breath is a prerequisite for sustaining life. From the cry of a newborn to the final breath of a dying person, life is a continuous chain of breaths.
So why say the 'strongest' man in the world can't hold it for more than 24 minutes? Strength here doesn't refer to Tom Stoltman or physical health but rather the record of holding one's breath the longest in the world.
According to Oddity Central (English), 54-year-old diver Budimir Buda Šobat from Croatia achieved an astonishing feat, holding his breath underwater for an incredible 24 minutes and 33 seconds. The record was documented under the supervision of many doctors, journalists, and supporters.
After spending a few minutes increasing the oxygen supply in a tank of pure oxygen to boost the body's oxygen levels, Mr. Sobat spent nearly half an hour diving into the pool without coming up for air. This may seem an unattainable feat for an average person, but for an adventurous soul like Sobat, it's a pinnacle achievement after years of strenuous training and conditioning.
A few years ago, Mr. Sobat gave up his passion for bodybuilding to pursue the discipline of static apnea. He quickly became one of the top 10 free divers in the world. Sobat made efforts to break the 24-minute record many years ago. Now, he has shattered his own Guinness World Record, holding his breath underwater for 24 minutes and 33 seconds.
Apnea, or intentionally holding one's breath temporarily, occurs in activities like underwater diving, dealing with smoke inhalation, or entering toxic air areas. A healthy person can typically hold their breath for 3-5 minutes. In reality, the ability to hold one's breath can increase in exceptional cases. For instance, regular exercisers may use oxygen more efficiently, allowing their brains to endure oxygen deprivation for a longer time. Professional divers and athletes in training often have extended breath-holding capabilities.
However, it's advisable to avoid breath-holding, as it can lead to dangerous situations. For instance, oxygen levels drop. When you hold your breath, no oxygen enters your body, causing a decrease in the saturation of oxygen in your blood. This means your brain and organs won't receive the necessary oxygen for proper functioning. As your brain starts to lack sufficient oxygen, the initial symptoms include feeling confused, altered decision-making, and a loss of coordination.
Simultaneously, the carbon dioxide concentration also increases when holding one's breath. As you hold your breath, oxygen levels in the blood start to decline, and carbon dioxide levels rise. Your body naturally expels carbon dioxide when you exhale, so when you hold your breath, it accumulates, prompting you to feel the urge to exhale and inhale air containing oxygen.
