17 Reasons You should breathe through your nose all the time
Breathing through your nose is something our bodies are designed to do, yet more than half of us habitually breathe through our mouths. This subtle difference in breathing methods has a significant impact on your health. From sapping energy, to affecting dental hygiene, to increasing breathlessness, the way you breathe affects your body in more ways than you know. Here are 17 scientific reasons why you should prioritize nasal breathing:
Immunity
1. Filters Airborne Particles
The nose acts as a natural filter, trapping dust, pollen, and other pollutants with its mucous membranes and tiny hair-like structures called cilia. When mouth breathing, these particles pass through the throat and make their way to the lungs. If they contain any type of virus or germs, your chances of catching cold or sickness increase substantially.
2. Humidifies Incoming Air
When you breathe through your nose, the air is moistened, preventing dryness in the airways and reducing irritation in the lungs.
3. Regulates Air Temperature
The nasal passages warm or cool the air to match your body’s internal temperature, making breathing more comfortable and safe for the lungs.
4. Improves Oxygen Absorption
Nasal breathing slows down the breath, allowing more time for oxygen exchange in the lungs, leading to better oxygenation (20% more) of the blood. This increases blood flow to the brain which helps decrease brain fog and mid-day lulls.
5. Reduces Respiratory Infections
The air filtration provided by the nose can reduce the likelihood of respiratory infections like colds and the flu.
Erectile Dysfunction
6. Promotes Nitric Oxide Production
The sinuses produce nitric oxide (NO), a chemical that helps dilate blood vessels and improve circulation. Breathing through your nose ensures you inhale this beneficial compound, which supports cardiovascular health and immune function.
NO also plays a role in the reduction of erectile dysfunction as it increases blood flow to all major body parts.
oral health
7. Reduces Snoring
Snoring is a silent killer that can zap your energy and dry out your skin. Breathing through your nose can help reduce snoring by keeping the airway open and clear, improving the quality of sleep for you and those around you.
There are various techniques to help you reduce snoring including mouth tape, changing your sleep position, and alternating the tilt of your bed.
8. Prevents Dry Mouth
Mouth breathing can lead to a dry mouth, which contributes to bad breath and dental issues. Nasal breathing keeps the mouth moist and healthy.
9. Supports Oral Health
By breathing through your nose, you reduce the risk of gum disease and cavities. Mouth breathing dries out saliva, which is essential for neutralizing acids and washing away bacteria. Mouth breathing also causes the tongue to drop to the floor of the mouth, pushing the bottom teeth forward. This causes many younger adults to get braces to correct this issue.
Athletic Performance
10. Improves Athletic Performance
Athletes who practice nasal breathing often find they can perform better because it optimizes oxygen intake, reduces the risk of hyperventilation, and decreases breathlessness. You can apply our exercises to help you improve your recovery and allow you to run, swim, or exercise for longer before getting out of breath.
11. Strengthens the Diaphragm
Nasal breathing encourages the use of the diaphragm, a key muscle in breathing. Strengthening the diaphragm improves overall lung capacity and respiratory function. But more importantly, when you breathe with this muscle, its downward movement massages the organs below, pushing out toxins that would otherwise build up and create diseases.
Cellular/brain function
12. Regulates Carbon Dioxide Levels
Nasal breathing helps maintain the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood, which is essential for cellular function and energy production. Mouth breathing causes the release of too much carbon dioxide. This can lead to poor circulation, low energy, and brain fog.
13. Enhances Focus and Cognitive Function
The increase in oxygenation from nasal breathing supports brain function, improving concentration, memory, and cognitive performance.
facial development
14. Affects Facial Development
Mouth breathing can cause blockages and inflammation in the tonsils and adenoids. This inflammation will create dark circles under the eyes, increase nose size, and even create a less defined jawline. Nasal breathing has been shown to correct these issues in just a few short months.
Sleep, smell, & Digestion
15. Improves Sleep Quality
Nasal breathing promotes deeper, more restorative sleep by reducing snoring and sleep apnea, common issues associated with mouth breathing. It also allows the body to switch into the parasympathetic (rest & digest) branch of the nervous system which allows for better sleep.
16. Enhances Sense of Smell
By regularly using your nose for breathing, you keep your sense of smell sharp, which is closely tied to your ability to taste food and detect environmental dangers.
17. Enhances Digestion
Nasal breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which supports rest and digestion. This means better digestion and nutrient absorption.
