You might think breathing comes naturally and there's no way to do it wrong. But science journalist James Nestor reveals a startling truth: modern life has altered our breathing for the worse. Evolution and our lifestyles have shifted our primary breathing from the nose to the mouth – a change with serious consequences. Fortunately, there's a simple solution with incredible benefits. Optimising your breathing can lead to better sleep, increased energy, lower blood pressure, reduced anxiety, and even help with issues like snoring, sleep apnea, and ADHD.
Modern diets filled with soft foods have had a surprising impact on our facial structure: smaller jaws, receding faces, and constricted airways. This makes mouth breathing more common, but as James Nestor's research reveals, nasal breathing is essential. It filters the air, improves oxygenation, and delivers numerous health benefits. The good news is, we can quick easily retrain ourselves to breathe through our noses for optimal health.
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Andrew Huberman is an American neuroscientist and podcaster. He is an associate professor of neurobiology and ophthalmology at Stanford University School of Medicine.
"Don’t be a mouth breather. Your immune system (and facial structure, sinuses & teeth) will thank you."
"Mouth breathing during sleep is not just undesirable; it is actually dangerous—as it is associated with sleep apnea (which puts people at risk for numerous cardiovascular issues, impaired craniofacial development in kids, and aesthetics and tooth and gut health in adults, and more.
The solution is to become a nasal breather as much of the time as possible and especially during sleep. Some people opt to tape their mouth shut before sleep, but another solution that is additionally beneficial is to restrict yourself to nasal breathing during low to moderate intensity cardiovascular exercise.
Patrick is a respected figure in the realms of health, performance, and breathing techniques. With over two decades of experience, he has become a prominent voice in the field, collaborating with Olympic athletes, professional sports teams, and individuals worldwide.
"Nasal breathing is the gold standard for optimal respiration."
Nasal breathing, unlike mouth breathing, is a fundamental aspect of healthy respiration. By breathing through the nose, we properly filter, warm, and moisten the air we inhale, which is crucial for maintaining the ideal balance in our respiratory system.
What sets McKeown apart is his holistic perspective on breathing, which encompasses not only physical health but also mental and emotional well-being. He emphasises breathing as a multifaceted tool for managing stress, enhancing cognitive function, and optimising athletic performance.
Our breath plays a vital role in shaping our mental and emotional health. In times of stress or anxiety, our breath often becomes shallow and quick, intensifying these emotions. Yet, through intentional focus on deep, deliberate breaths, we can trigger the body's relaxation mechanism and stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting a sense of tranquility in both mind and body.