7 Unexpected Advantages of Breathing through the Nose

Wellness trends often promise a healthier, happier life, and the latest trend of deliberately taping mouths shut might catch your attention.

Despite its unconventional nature, this practice aims to promote the fundamental act of breathing through the nose. It’s gaining popularity among a wide range of individuals, from celebrities to fitness enthusiasts.

The shift to nasal breathing is backed by emerging research highlighting its advantages over mouth breathing. From improving overall health and quality of sleep to enhancing cognitive abilities, the reasons to opt for nasal breathing are compelling and suggest it could be more than just a passing trend.

The Science of Breathing: Understanding the Basics

Breathing is a vital function often taken for granted. The choice between nasal and mouth breathing significantly impacts our health by influencing our body’s oxygenation and respiratory health.

“Your nose is designed for breathing,” explained Stuart Sandeman, a renowned breathing expert and founder of Breathpod.

Our bodies are naturally designed to breathe through the nose, offering numerous health benefits from birth. However, factors like stress and habits have shifted many towards mouth breathing. Reverting to nasal breathing restores the body’s natural functions, optimizing overall health.

7 Reasons to Breathe Through the Nose

1. Shield Against Illness

Our noses act as a barrier against germs and pollutants in the air, filtering out harmful particles and preventing respiratory infections.

Nasal breathing is highlighted for its ability to filter fine particles efficiently, offering better lung protection against environmental pollutants.

Additionally, nasal breathing promotes a healthy nasal microbiome, protecting against colds and flu.

2. Enhance Oxygen Absorption

Nasal breathing helps regulate oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the bloodstream. It boosts blood flow and oxygen delivery to vital organs, ensuring efficient oxygen exchange and cardiovascular health.

Research indicates that nasal breathing can increase oxygen levels in the blood by up to 10%, showcasing its effectiveness in oxygen delivery.

3. Maintain a Healthy Smile

Nasal breathing supports oral health by preventing dry mouth, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. It keeps saliva flowing, protecting against oral acidity and promoting better oral health.

4. Improve Sleep

Nasal breathing contributes to better sleep quality by preventing dry throat and disruptions during sleep. It ensures optimal oxygen and carbon dioxide levels for restful sleep.

5. Calm the Nervous System

Nasal breathing regulates the nervous system, reducing stress and promoting relaxation. It activates the parasympathetic nervous system, leading to a calmer state.

Recent studies emphasize the stress-reducing benefits of controlled nasal breathing on mental health.

6. Protect Your Brain

Nasal breathing supports brain health by maintaining proper carbon dioxide levels crucial for cognitive functions like memory and focus. Brain imaging research indicates that nasal breathing enhances brain function during memory tasks.

7. Improve Appearance

Nasal breathing from a young age plays a role in shaping facial structure for a more balanced appearance, compared to mouth breathing which can impact facial development.

Adapting to Change: Techniques to Encourage Nasal Breathing

Transitioning to nasal breathing may be challenging, especially for chronic mouth breathers. Here are some practical techniques to help make this shift:

• Mouth taping at night: Encourage nasal breathing during sleep by taping your mouth shut with breathable tape.
• Breathing exercises: Practice exercises like alternate nostril breathing and diaphragmatic breathing to strengthen the respiratory system.
• Allergy management: Seek strategies to manage allergies that hinder nasal breathing.
• Conscious practice: Make a conscious effort to breathe through your nose throughout the day.
• Physical exercises for the jaw and tongue: Engage in exercises to strengthen the jaw and tongue to support nasal breathing.

While nasal breathing offers numerous benefits, there are times when mouth breathing is necessary, especially during intense physical activity or certain medical conditions. Understanding when to use mouth breathing and how to mitigate its effects is crucial for overall health.