As a naturopath, I want to emphasise the significant health benefits of nasal breathing. The human nose is uniquely structured for the processes of breathing and smelling, unlike the mouth, which is primarily for eating and speaking. Unfortunately, many individuals unconsciously adopt mouth breathing habits, particularly those with nasal obstructions or stress-related breathing styles. This has led to the alarming statistic that 30-50% of adults might be chronic mouth breathers, especially during sleep.

Importance of Nitric Oxide (NO)

Nasal breathing is vital for the enhanced production of nitric oxide (NO), a naturally occurring gas that plays numerous roles in our body. While often viewed as a pollutant, nitric oxide was recognised for its importance in cardiovascular health, earning three scientists a Nobel Prize for its discovery as a signalling molecule.

Key Functions of Nitric Oxide:

  1. Bronchodilation and Vasodilation: NO helps relax blood vessels and air passages in the lungs.
  1. Antimicrobial Properties: It has strong antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial characteristics, providing a defence against pathogens.
  1. Pulmonary Oxygen Uptake: Inhaled NO improves oxygen absorption in the lungs, benefiting overall oxygen circulation throughout the body.
  1. With age, our production of nitric oxide declines, which can contribute to various age-related conditions. Increasing NO levels through nasal breathing not only supports cardiovascular health but may also contribute to anti-aging by helping maintain vascular health and preventing chronic diseases.

Advantages of Nasal Breathing

  1. Enhanced Lung Function: Nasal breathing filters and humidifies incoming air, reducing irritants that could damage lung tissue. The resistance offered by nasal passages optimizes lung elastic capacity, improving overall pulmonary function and increasing oxygen uptake compared to mouth breathing.
  1. Stimulation of the Diaphragm: Breathing through the nose engages the diaphragm more effectively than chest breathing. This activation encourages deeper, more efficient breaths and expands lung capacity. Utilising the diaphragm not only aids in proper breathing mechanics but also promotes better oxygenation of tissues, supporting metabolic functions.
  1. Improved Nitric Oxide Levels: As mentioned, nasal breathing increases nitric oxide levels significantly compared to mouth breathing, enhancing the immune response and promoting a healthier internal environment. Techniques such as humming or breath-holding further boost NO production, providing therapeutic benefits, especially for sinus health.
  1. Stronger Immune Defence: The nose acts as a barrier against airborne pathogens, and with increased nitric oxide production during nasal breathing, the body maintains a more effective frontline defence against infections.
  1. Mental and Physical Health Benefits: Proper breathing regulates carbon dioxide levels, essential for oxygen delivery to tissues. This balance is crucial for mental clarity and focus, as well as physical stamina.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

In conclusion, as a naturopath, I encourage everyone to consider the profound implications of nasal breathing on their overall health. It’s crucial to understand that the ways we breathe significantly impact our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Promoting nasal breathing habits can yield myriad health benefits, mitigate chronic health issues, and foster a healthier future. Through conscious effort and breath retraining methods such as the Buteyko or Papworth techniques, individuals can relearn effective breathing practices and enhance their quality of life.

Sanskrit Proverb: “For breath is life, and if you breathe well you will live long on earth.” Hence, let us prioritize our breath for a healthier and more vibrant life.

 

By making nasal breathing a priority, we can harness the powers of nitric oxide, improve our diaphragm function, and promote overall health and vitality. Thank you for taking the time to explore these important concepts with me.

 

In humility

Charmaine D

The Unsung Hero of Health: Unveiling the Benefits of Nitric Oxide

In recent years, nitric oxide (NO) has gained recognition for its crucial role in various physiological processes. While often associated with athletic performance and cardiovascular health, its benefits extend far beyond. In this blog, we’ll delve into what nitric oxide is, how it functions within the body, and the numerous health advantages it provides. As Charmaine D, a naturopath and experienced herbalist, I understand the importance of maintaining healthy nitric oxide production and have various natural strategies and medicinal herbal solutions to support your overall wellness journey