Benefits of nasal breathing in comparison to mouth breathing
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Nasal breathing offers a variety of benefits compared to mouth breathing, and here are some aspects discussed by on the :
- Lung Health and Capacity: Nasal breathing inflates the lungs more efficiently due to the increased resistance it causes, as opposed to mouth breathing. This leads to better lung health as the air is also warmed and moisturized during nasal breathing 1.
- Nitric Oxide Production: Nasal passages produce nitric oxide, a gas that relaxes smooth muscles and aids in dilating blood vessels, thus improving blood flow throughout the body 1.
- Reduced Infections: Mouth breathing can increase the risk of upper respiratory tract infections. Focusing on nasal breathing can help combat colds and flus, as the nasal passages act as better filters for pathogens 2.
- Dental and Facial Structure: Nasal breathing can also lead to positive changes in dental health and facial structure, such as the positioning of the jaw and cheekbones, which can be aesthetically favorable 3.
Additional benefits include:
- Temperature Regulation: By heating the air more efficiently, nasal breathing can reduce the likelihood of cold or flu viruses embedding in the mucosal lining and, therefore, prevent them from infecting the underlying cells 2.
- Respiratory Pathway Health: Deliberate nasal breathing, both day and night, strengthens the respiratory pathways' resistance to viruses 4.
- Improved Memory: Studies suggest that memory recall can be better when information is learned while nasal breathing as opposed to mouth breathing, possibly due to the stronger olfactory signals sent to the brain 5.
Overall, whenever possible, using the nose for breathing is the healthful default recommended by , which can lead to various systemic health benefits, cosmetic improvements, and enhanced cognitive functions.
