Forbes magazine publishes a article which sums up very well what we have been telling you all this time about the importance of breathing.
You might think: why is it so important?
1_ Breathing calms your brain.
The neural circuitry in the brainstem that appears to play the key role in the brain-breathing control connection. Slow, controlled breathing decreases activity in the connection; rapid, erratic activity increases activity and influences emotional states.
2_ Breathing regulates your blood pressure.
Breathing through the nose and slowing breathing speed increases "baroreflex sensitivity", the mechanism that regulates blood pressure via the heart rate. Over time, it can decrease the risk of stroke and brain aneurysm, and generally decreases stress on the blood vessels (a great benefit for cardiovascular health).
3_Breathing influences the emotional control regions of the brain.
A recent study showed that correct, controlled, nasal breathing influences "neural oscillations throughout the brain", particularly in the emotion-related regions of the brain.
4_Your breathing affects your memory.
A study of 2016 showed 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 study participants were inhaling or exhaling, and whether they were breathing through their nose or mouth. Inhaling was associated with greater recall, but only when breathing through the nose. Participants were also able to remember certain objects better when inhaling through the nose. The researchers believe that nasal inhalation triggers increased activity in the amygdala, the emotional epicentre of the brain, which improves recall of stimuli. Inhaling 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 resistance as a health benefit by improving energy metabolism and more efficient insulin secretion, resulting in better blood sugar control. Nasal breathing is valuable for improving overall health.
If you want to learn more about the importance of breathing and all the benefits it brings, read our posts and how we can help you to regulate your respiratory function and have a better quality of life.
