Are you breathing correctly? It's a simple question, but one that most of us have never considered. And it turns out, the way we breathe can have a profound impact on our health and well-being. In this episode of Chasing Life, we explore the fascinating world of breathing and its connection to our overall health.
Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN's chief medical correspondent, sits down with journalist James Nestor to discuss his eye-opening book, Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art. Nestor argues that the way we breathe can affect everything from chronic diseases to brain function and even the shape of our faces. He claims that up to 90% of us are breathing incorrectly, and that simple changes can lead to significant improvements in our health.
Nestor's journey began when he struggled with respiratory issues, despite leading a healthy lifestyle. His doctor suggested a breathwork class, and the results were life-changing. Nestor's skepticism turned to curiosity as he delved into the scientific literature and spoke with experts in the field. He discovered that many of us breathe dysfunctionally, and that simple guidelines can restore our breathing and improve our health.
One of the key takeaways is the importance of nasal breathing. Nestor explains that breathing through the nose forces us to slow down our breath, allowing our lungs to absorb more oxygen efficiently. Nasal breathing also produces nitric oxide, a powerful vasodilator that helps open up our blood vessels. It's a natural defense against bacteria and viruses, and can even improve athletic performance.
But why do we often resort to mouth breathing, especially during intense physical activity? Nestor reveals that it's not physiologically beneficial. Mouth breathing doesn't allow for proper oxygen uptake and can actually deprive us of oxygen. By training our bodies to tolerate more carbon dioxide, we can breathe less and use oxygen more efficiently.
The impact of breathing extends beyond physical health. Nestor discusses the connection between breathing and mental health, particularly ADHD. He highlights the work of researchers who argue that sleep-disordered breathing, such as snoring or sleep apnea, is a major driver behind ADHD. When children don't get proper sleep due to breathing issues, their brains can't develop properly, leading to cognitive and behavioral challenges.
So, what can we do to improve our breathing? Nestor emphasizes the importance of diagnosis and addressing the root cause of breathing issues. He suggests experimenting with mouth taping, a practice that has gained attention for its potential to improve nasal breathing. However, he cautions against jumping straight into it, recommending a gradual acclimation process.
Nestor also shares breathing techniques for specific scenarios. For example, to calm pre-date jitters, he suggests a simple breathing exercise: relax your shoulders, inhale, pause, and repeat. For chronic pain flare-ups, he recommends vigorous breathwork techniques like the Wim Hof method or holotropic breathing, which can help regulate the nervous system and reduce stress.
Breathing is a fundamental aspect of life, yet it's often overlooked. This episode of Chasing Life with Dr. Sanjay Gupta and James Nestor sheds light on the importance of breathing correctly and the potential benefits it can bring to our health and well-being. So, take a deep breath, and consider the power of your breath!
