• Why is breathing through nose important?

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    Breathing through the nose is important for several reasons, primarily related to health and physiological benefits. Here are some key points discussed by :

    1. Immune Defense: The nasal passages act as a powerful defense against infections. The nasal microbiome, which includes specific bacteria, helps filter out harmful viruses and bacteria more effectively than the mouth. This reduces the likelihood of upper respiratory infections, such as colds and flus 1 2.

    2. Air Quality and Lung Health: Nasal breathing warms and moistens the air before it reaches the lungs, which is beneficial for respiratory health. It also improves oxygen delivery throughout the body by producing nitric oxide, which helps relax blood vessels 3.

    3. Structural and Aesthetic Benefits: Habitual nasal breathing can positively affect facial structure by promoting proper jaw alignment and preventing cosmetic changes often associated with mouth breathing, such as the lengthening of the face 4.

    4. Cognitive Performance: Nasal breathing may support memory and recall by activating the brain's olfactory pathways, as evidenced by research indicating better memory performance during nasal breathing compared to mouth breathing 5.

    5. Hormonal Impact and Sleep: Proper nasal breathing can improve sleep quality by reducing apnea, which in turn supports the balance of hormones like testosterone and estrogen by facilitating better sleep patterns 4.

    Overall, recommends focusing on nasal breathing whenever possible, except during intense exercise or activities like eating and speaking, to maximize these health benefits 6.

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