Breathe Better, Live Stronger: How Nasal Breathing Fights Cardiac Fibrosis and Boosts Performance

Dr. George Dallam holds the rank of Distinguished Professor in the School of Health Science and Human Movement at Colorado State University – Pueblo (CSUP). He has taught a wide variety of classes in exercise physiology, research and statistics, behaviour facilitation, sport psychology, kinesiology, biomechanics, management, exercise assessment and prescription, swimming, running and triathlon. He is past chair and an ongoing member of the CSUP Institutional Review Board, as well as being the longtime chair of the CSUP Faculty Compensation Committee.    He is also the former inaugural National Teams Coach for USA Triathlon and continued to work for many years with elite U.S. triathletes as a coach, advisor and consultant while at CSUP. Athletes coached directly by Dr. Dallam have included National Elite and Age Group Champions, Olympians, Pan American Games Medalists, World Age Group Champions and the top ranked male triathlete in the world in 2005-2006, Hunter Kemper.

Dr. Dallam has been involved in numerous research studies and the publication of their results at both CSUP and the USOC examining various aspects of triathlon performance and training, diabetes risk factor modification, and the effects of functional movement improvement on running . His primary research interest recently is focused on the capability of human beings to adapt to nasal only breathing during exercise as a way to improve both health and performance.

In this fascinating episode, George Dallam takes us on a journey that began in 2005, when frequent health issues pushed him to explore the unexpected benefits of nasal breathing. Over the course of six months, George transitioned to nasal breathing during exercise, resulting in remarkable improvements in his cycling and running performance, as well as a significant reduction in sinus infections.

Join us as George shares insights from groundbreaking studies that reveal how nasal breathing can reduce VO2 max by 10%, yet increase efficiency by helping athletes achieve 85% of their VO2 max at a lower ventilation rate. He also dives deep into the physiological benefits, from improved blood flow and cognitive function to reducing cardiac fibrosis.

But the path isn’t always smooth—George discusses the challenges athletes face when making the switch from mouth breathing to nasal breathing, and why gradual adaptation is key to avoiding hypoxia.

Whether you're an athlete or just curious about how breathing affects your health, this episode will leave you inspired to try nasal breathing for yourself. Plus, George shares practical tips like using nasal dilators and taping for better adherence.

Tune in to discover how something as simple as breathing through your nose could transform your performance and well-being!

Be sure to check out George's new book, Nasal Breathing Paradox During Exercise, at the link below: https://www.amazon.com/Nasal-Breathing-Paradox-During-Exercise/dp/B0D9LJVRVH