Forbes magazine publishes a article which summarizes very well what we have been telling you all this time about the importance of breathing.
You might be thinking: why is it so important?
1_ Breathing calms your brain.
The neural circuit in the brainstem appears to play a key role in the brain-breathing control connection. Slow, controlled breathing decreases activity in this connection; rapid, erratic breathing increases activity and influences emotional states.
2_ Breathing regulates your blood pressure.
Breathing through the nose and slowing the breathing rate increases baroreflex sensitivity, the mechanism that regulates blood pressure through heart rate. Over time, this can decrease the risk of stroke and brain aneurysm, and generally reduces stress on blood vessels (a major benefit for cardiovascular health).
3_Breathing influences the emotional control regions of the brain.
A recent study showed that proper, controlled nasal breathing influences "neuronal oscillations throughout the brain," particularly in brain regions related to emotion.
4_Your breathing affects your memory.
A study of A 2016 study demonstrated for the first time that the rhythm of our breathing generates electrical activity in the brain that influences what we remember. The biggest differences were related to whether the study participants were inhaling or exhaling, and whether they were breathing through their nose or mouth. Inhalation was associated with greater recall, but only when breathing through the nose. Participants were also able to recall certain objects better when inhaling through their nose. Researchers believe that nasal inhalation triggers greater activity in the amygdala, the brain's emotional center, which enhances the recall of stimuli. Inhalation also appears to be linked to increased activity in the hippocampus, the seat of memory.
5. Nasal breathing stimulates the immune system and improves energy metabolism
Nasal breathing triggers a parasympathetic response and can improve immune system resilience, resulting in health benefits such as improved energy metabolism and more efficient insulin secretion, leading to better blood sugar control. Nasal breathing is valuable for overall health.
If you want to learn about the importance of breathing and all the benefits it brings, read our posts and how we can help you regulate your breathing and have a better quality of life.
