Why is nasal breathing important?

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Did you know one way to help prevent getting colds is by breathing through your nose?  Most people don’t think about HOW we breathe, whether we breathe through the nose or through the mouth or even both.  

We breathe to survive as it provides necessary oxygen throughout the body.  Studies have shown that nasal breathing is much more efficient, effective, and beneficial than mouth breathing.  Nasal breathing purifies and warms the air as it passes through the nasal cavity before going through the throat.  As air moves through the nasal cavity, it flows through small hair-like fibers called cilia.  Cilia filters and protects our body against approximately 20 billion particles of free radicals by removing toxins, pollutants and allergens.  Mouth breathings skips this initial important step, therefore, the harmful particles are not filtered before entering the adenoids and tonsils and eventually into the lungs. 

Nasal breathing also produces Nitric Oxide through enzymes found in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses.  This gas has many benefits for overall health as it boosts the immune system and combats the harmful bacteria and viruses that make us sick.  Nitric Oxide also dilates blood vessels which decreases blood pressure and acts as an anti-inflammatory in the arteries.  

Breathing through your nose is one of the most important and valuable things you can do for your overall health and well-being.  Remember our noses are for breathing and our mouths are for eating!