Nasal Breathing: The Superior Way to Breathe

Nasal Breathing: Your Body's Built-in Air Filter

While we can breathe through our mouths, our noses are specifically designed for the task of respiration. Breathing through your nose filters, warms, and humidifies the air before it reaches your lungs. This is crucial for respiratory health. Furthermore, the nasal passages produce nitric oxide (NO), a powerful vasodilator. When you breathe through your nose, you carry this NO into your lungs, where it helps to improve oxygen circulation and can lower blood pressure. In contrast, chronic mouth breathing bypasses these benefits and can lead to a state of over-breathing and sympathetic (stress) nervous system activation. Making a conscious effort to breathe through your nose, especially during sleep and light exercise, is a foundational health practice.