Learn about the surprising benefits of nose breathing during sleep and exercise, including increased oxygen to tissues and acting as a humidifier and immune barrier. Explore the importance of CO2 in releasing oxygen into cells and the connection between low CO2 levels and various health conditions.
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Quick takeaways
Nose breathing delivers more oxygen to tissues, acts as an immune barrier, and filters out particles that can irritate the lungs.
Maintaining the balance of CO2 and oxygen through nose breathing is crucial for optimal breathing and overall health, preventing imbalances that can cause health issues.
Deep dives
Benefits of Nose Breathing
Nose breathing, despite reducing airflow by 50% compared to mouth breathing, actually delivers more oxygen to the tissues. The nose acts as a humidifier and filters out particles that can irritate the lungs. It also acts as an immune barrier, protecting the lungs against pathogens. The Bohr effect states that for oxygen to be effectively delivered to cells, it requires the presence of CO2, a crucial gas. Maintaining a balance of CO2 and oxygen is essential for optimal breathing and overall health.
Effects of CO2 Imbalance
Low CO2 levels, known as hypocapnea, can result in alkalosis, causing symptoms such as cramping abdominal pain, laryngeal spasm, chronic cough, and tingling in the lips and extremities. Hypocapnea is linked to respiratory conditions like asthma, COPD, panic attacks, anxiety, lung infections, anemia, and glycated hemoglobin. Conversely, hypocalcemia, a condition of low calcium levels, can lead to neurological symptoms, muscle cramps, tetany, and difficulty breathing. Nose breathing helps maintain the right balance of CO2, ensuring optimal oxygen delivery to cells and preventing imbalances that can cause health issues.
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The Surprising Benefits of Nose Breathing During Sleep and Exercise