WhyNasal breathingis better than mouth breathing?
The most immediate impact of deep nasal breathing is relaxation; with every deep breath, you not only boost your mind but also improve your memory.
There are many reasons to breathe through the nose. Additionally, mouth breathing can lead to numerous problems for individuals. Therefore, in this section ofSelMagzwe will introduce you to these issues.
Problems of mouth breathing
- Mouth breathing significantly increases the likelihood ofcoughingand sleep apnea.
- Mouth breathing can lead to bad breath due to increased bacterial buildup in the mouth.
- Mouth breathing causes dryness in the tongue, teeth, and gums, which can lead to increased acid levels and cause tooth decay and gum problems.
- Another surprising outcome of mouth breathing, especially during sleep, is dehydration. Have you ever woken up with a dry mouth after breathing through your mouth while sleeping? Some studies suggest that mouth breathing may be linked to asthma.
- Athletes also suffer from mouth breathing. When inhaling and exhaling through the mouth, the oxygen level in the lungs decreases.
- Some research indicates that attention deficit disorder andhyperactivitycan worsen with mouth breathing.
- Children who breathe through their mouths are more likely to face abnormal facial structure, head positioning, and breathing issues.
Other significant benefits of nasal breathing
Nasal breathing, especially with the resistance of airflow involved in exhaling through the nose, allows air to stay in the lungs longer, increasing the amount of oxygen entering the bloodstream by about 20% with each breath.
The nasal passages are better designed than the mouth and throat for warming and humidifying the air we inhale. The temperature of inhaled air can reach over 40 degrees Fahrenheit when breathed through the nose. This is particularly critical in cold weather.
Nasal breathing helps eliminate sediments, allergens, and bacteria.
Breathing regularly through the nose makes inhaling and exhaling easier.
A deep breath through the nose enhances brain function and speeds up memory. Studies show that individuals who breathe through their noses and take deep breaths have a better ability to quickly recognize faces since brain activity in the amygdala and hippocampus is significantly increased during nasal inhalation compared to exhalation.
As air enters the lungs, nerves in the olfactory regions, amygdala, and hippocampus within the limbic system are stimulated. When faced with a dangerous situation, breathing increases which significantly affects decision-making, memory recall, and faster brain performance.
Nitric oxide plays a crucial role in the immune response, released through the nose and entering the lungs with the airflow.
Deep nasal breathing significantly contributes tobrain enhancementand memory improvement.
Deep nasal breathing leads to better focus and mental relaxation, making your mind more at ease with every deep breath.
Deep nasal breathing offers physical benefits as well. Deep exhalations help the body relax and expand.
Individuals who take shallow breaths with no deep inhalations or exhalations often have a shorter average lifespan. In contrast, those who practice deep breathing, with fewer breaths taken in a minute, tend to live longer.
A deep breath through the nose can have a significant impact on your body. So, when you’re feeling nervous or anxious, such as fear, anxiety, anger, resentment, revenge, jealousy, or severe illness, take a deep breath to calm yourself andreduceyour anxiety.
Some respiratory issues from mouth breathing may simply be habits, while others are due to nasal obstructions that require treatment.
If you feel that your airway is blocked, definitely discuss your concerns with a healthcare professional. They can provide appropriate treatment options.
Each health issue should be addressed individually, as everyone has unique features and problems. A doctor can offer tailored advice regarding nutrition, medication, and treatment.
