Gain more health by breathing through your nose
The correct way to breathe is through the nose. Breathing through the mouth and nose are two completely different physiological processes. When we breathe through the nose, we activate mechanisms that protect our body and which are not activated when we breathe through the mouth. Thus, mouth breathing is a high risk factor for several pathologies, including sleep disorders, and has been frequently correlated with attention deficit disorder.
Discover the importance of breathing properly.
innate immunity
The nose warms, moistens and purifies the air we breathe before it enters the lungs. This happens because the nasal cavity is lined with a mucous membrane full of blood vessels, which allow the nose to warm and humidify the air that passes through it. In addition, there are cells that produce mucus and some of them contain tiny hair strands (cilia). Generally, mucus traps particles of dirt entering the nose, to be removed by the eyelashes. This process, called mucociliary clearance, occurs due to ciliary movement and the production of mucus that can filter, capture and eliminate toxic substances. Among many functions, nasal breathing participates in our body’s innate immunity, which is a rapid response, essential to prevent infection in the initial stage. That’s where one of the main importance of nasal breathing lies. The sinonasal cavity, which includes the nose and all four sinuses, is at the forefront of immune defense against inhaled pathogens. The sinonasal epithelial lining uses mucociliary clearance as the primary physical defense mechanism to trap and eliminate inhaled debris and microbes. Additionally, the innate immune system secretes antimicrobial products into the mucus to prevent and neutralize infection. When sinus immune defenses are compromised, individuals can develop diseases such as chronic rhinosinusitis.
No viruses and bacteria
When inhaled oxygen passes through the sinuses, it diffuses through the nasal epithelium and can be used by cells to produce nitric oxide (NO), which is also generated throughout the body. It performs two important functions: killing viruses and pathogenic bacteria, as well as acting as a vasodilator of the airways, arteries and capillaries. When you breathe through your mouth, air enters your lungs without the proper warming, hydration, and filtering provided by your nose, and without the benefits of NO.
NO has several functions:
- Helps control blood flow;
- Thanks to its potent vasodilatory effect, NO increases oxygen absorption, reducing pulmonary vascular resistance and increasing the efficiency of arterial oxygenation;
- Increased aerobic capacity;
- Reduction of hypertension;
- Increased insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance;
- Capillarization and angiogenesis;
- Participates in the cellular processes of learning and memory;
- Participates in neurogenesis (the process by which new neurons are formed in the brain);
- Nitric oxide, through nasal respiration, regulates autonomic functions such as heart rate, respiration, blood pressure and digestion, along with mood, sleep cycle, fluid balance and reproduction.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
