#81 Dr Nick Heath - The Shocking Truth About Breathing & Diabetes!
Sep 25, 2023
01:35:31
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Dr Nick Heath, a.k.a 'The Breathing Diabetic', with a Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science and a transformative journey through type 1 diabetes, discusses the relationship between breathing and diabetes, exploring breathing techniques and their benefits for diabetes. They also delve into body awareness, movement, and breathing for stress reduction, share personal experiences with different breathing techniques, and explore the connection between breathing, diabetes, and oxygen saturation. The podcast touches on complications of diabetes, understanding scientific papers, the power of the mind in endurance events, and various breathing techniques and recommendations.
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Quick takeaways
Nasal breathing can enhance oxygen uptake and blood flow, benefiting people with diabetes.
Engaging in slow breathing techniques can reduce stress levels for individuals with diabetes.
Optimizing nitric oxide levels through nasal breathing can improve blood flow and potentially support immune health in individuals with diabetes.
Certain breathing practices, such as breath-holding, may temporarily relieve nasal congestion in individuals with diabetes.
Deep dives
Nasal Breathing and Diabetes
Nasal breathing can be highly beneficial for people with diabetes. It has been shown to increase oxygen uptake and blood flow, which can help counteract the negative effects of diabetes on the cardiovascular system. Nasal breathing also promotes nitric oxide production, which opens up blood vessels and improves oxygen delivery to tissues. This can help counteract the lower oxygen levels often seen in individuals with diabetes. Making the switch to nasal breathing as much as possible can be a simple yet powerful way to support overall health for people with diabetes.
Slow Breathing as a Stress Management Tool
Engaging in slow breathing techniques can have a positive impact on stress levels for individuals with diabetes. Breathing slowly activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps counterbalance the chronic sympathetic (fight-or-flight) state commonly experienced by people with diabetes. By reducing stress and improving heart rate variability, slow breathing can support better blood sugar control, reduce blood pressure, and improve overall well-being. Incorporating slow breathing exercises into daily life can provide a simple yet effective stress management tool for individuals with diabetes.
The Role of Nitric Oxide in Breathing and Diabetes
Nitric oxide (NO) plays a significant role in breathing and its effects on diabetes. Nasal breathing increases the uptake of NO, which helps open up blood vessels and improve blood flow. For individuals with diabetes, who often experience reduced blood flow and lower oxygen levels, optimizing NO levels through nasal breathing can be particularly beneficial. Moreover, NO is known to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties, which could help support immune health. Incorporating breathing techniques that promote NO production, such as nasal breathing, can help improve oxygenation, blood flow, and potentially offer protection against respiratory infections in individuals with diabetes.
Exploring the Relationship Between Breath-Holding and Nasal Nitric Oxide
Experiments involving breath-holding and shaking the head to unblock a stuffy nose suggest that certain breathing practices can enhance nitric oxide release in the nasal cavity. Breathing in through the nose and exhaling through the mouth may increase nitric oxide levels, facilitating improved oxygenation in the lungs. The sympathetic response triggered by breath-holding and related techniques may also contribute to the opening of airways and the release of nitric oxide. While further research is needed, such practices could potentially offer temporary relief for nasal congestion in individuals with diabetes.
The Healing Power of the Breath: A Book Recommendation
One of the recommended books on breathing is 'The Healing Power of the Breath' by Richard Brownand Patricia Gerbarg. It offers practical insights and guidance on harnessing the power of breath for various health benefits and overall well-being. The book explores different breathing techniques and their potential to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve mental focus.
The Importance of Mindful Breathing
Mindful breathing involves observing and being aware of the breath without any judgment or attempts to change it. This practice cultivates a sense of presence and helps to anchor one's attention to the present moment. By practicing slow, mindful breathing, individuals can tap into the calming effects of the parasympathetic nervous system, which can lead to reduced stress, improved focus, and an overall sense of well-being.
The Fascinating Interplay between Nasal Breathing, Brainwaves, and the Vagus Nerve
Recent studies have shown that nasal breathing not only increases heart rate variability, an indicator of vagus nerve activity, but also leads to significant changes in brainwave patterns, creating a sense of relaxation, heightened focus, and altered states of consciousness. By regularly engaging in slow nasal breathing, individuals can benefit from the combined effects on the vagus nerve and brainwave activity, promoting a state of calm and overall well-being.
Today's guest is Nick Heath, a.k.a 'The Breathing Diabetic'. With a Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science and a transformative journey through type 1 diabetes, Nick dives deep into the science and wonder of breath. Join us for a riveting conversation filled with diabetes insights and breath geek goodness!
Follow Nick on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebreathingdiabetic/ Check out Nicks Website for amazing info here: https://www.thebreathingdiabetic.com/
Welcome To TAKE A DEEP BREATH
Greetings! I'm Mike Maher, your guide on this breathwork journey and the host of this YouTube channel. As a new father to a beautiful baby boy, I left my corporate career behind to pursue my passion - helping people harness the transformative power of breathwork. I firmly believe in the life-changing potential of the breath, and it's my mission to help the world breathe better.
✅ Join the thousands of people who have already downloaded Mike's FREE 7 Essential Breathing Exercises Guide: https://www.takeadeepbreath.co.uk/download-my-breathwork-cheat-sheet
✅ Are You Ready to Increase Your Energy and Focus? Mike has a very limited about of of 1:1 Breath Coaching Slots available, you can learn more here; https://www.takeadeepbreath.co.uk/121-breath-coaching
Chapters:
0:00 Introduction 2:35 Nicks Backstory 8:33 Wim Hof & The Oxygen Advantage 12:42 Breathing & Diabetes Explained 18:33 How Do We Measure Stress? 23:15 Different Breathing Techniques 32:00 Breath Mechanics 35:00 Holotropic Breathing 37:00 How should Diabetics Breathe? 41:00 Breath Geeking! 45:00 Different Nitric Oxides 52:00 Nose Unblocking Protocols 55:00 Beetroot and Viagra 1:00:00 Biomechanics 1:04:00 Spinal Fluid 1:08:00 Breath Awareness 1:12:00 Vagus Nerve and HRV 1:23:00 Freediver Tips and Breath Holds
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