5 Benefits of Nasal Breathing

I wanted to share with you one of the biggest and easiest changes I’ve made to my health in the past year: nasal breathing. 

You’re probably thinking, why would I need to think about breathing any other way than I currently do now? 

Here’s why: You breathe anywhere from 20,000-25,000 times a day. This means you’re doing 20,000-25,000 suboptimal reps if you’re breathing through the mouth.

 

5 Key Differences Between Nasal and Mouth Breathing

1. You get 20% more oxygen when breathing through the nose.

When you breathe in through the nasal cavity, it slows down, pressurizes, and moistens the air, making your body’s oxygen intake more efficient.

2. Inflammation and Stress are improved through nasal breathing.

In a time of crazy stress and uncontrollable factors, control your breathing. Practice 5-6 second inhales, 6-8 second exhales - anywhere from 1-5 minutes.

3. You expel 42% more water when breathing through the mouth.

Ever wake up with an extremely dry mouth in the morning or seem to need water on your 2-mile runs? Try closing your mouth!

4. Nasal breathing promotes increased fat-burning potential.

Your body needs oxygen to burn fat - better breathing, better fat oxidation, all things equal.

5. Nasal breathing can help promote strength in the diaphragm and increase lung capacity.

It’s simple, easy, and free. Start nasal breathing.

Try it when you are working out and throughout your day.

I first started practicing nasal breathing during light runs and cardio. At first, you may feel like you are not getting enough oxygen, so start off slow. In just a few months after I started focusing on nasal breathing, I noticed my nasal airway open up, and I was less congested. My recovery is better, my heart rate is lower, and my ability to perform is at an elevated level, due to my control and efficiency in breathing. I now breathe through the nose all day, and for 95% of my workouts.

During the day, try focusing on 5-6 second inhales, 6-8 second exhales, anywhere from 1-5 minutes. The goal is to practice breathing consciously so that your improved breathing becomes subconscious. 

Give it a try and let me know what you think! It has changed my life, I believe it will do the same for you.

-Cameron at Whealth