02/08/2023
Nasal breathing performs at least 30 functions on behalf of the body and its importance cannot be overstated. In fact, it is much more important to the body than mouth breathing. Even ‘in through the nose and out through the mouth’ is not true. Breathing this way means you are 200% more likely to experience a stuffy nose (Strohl, et al. 1992).
Here are FIVE reasons why you should breathe through your nose instead of your mouth:
1. With nasal breathing, the lungs can take oxygen from the air on both the inhale AND the exhale. This does not occur with the mouth.
2. Nasal exhalation is slower. The slower rate of breathing gives the lungs more time to extract oxygen from the air. When optimal blood/gas exchange occurs, CO2 is processed properly and blood pH remains balanced.
3. Air inhaled through the nose passes through the nasal mucosa which stimulates the reflex nerves that control regular breathing. Bypassing this nasal mucosa is one of the reasons mouth breathing leads to things like snoring, sleep apnea and irregular breathing patterns.
4. The olfactory bulbs found in the nose are connected to the brain’s hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is linked to many automatic functions in the body such as heartbeat, blood pressure, appetite, thirst and homeostasis.
5. Nasal nitric oxide (NO) is produced in sinuses of the nose. Nitric oxide is necessary for regulating inflammation in the airways and in the boy’s defense against airborne pathogens, viruses and bacteria.
For more information, visit the Buteyko Clinic website.
