Say Yes to NO...

Nose vs. Mouth

So, I've found myself entering into slumber every evening with a rather fetching piece of pink physio tape stuck to my lips. Why would I do such a thing? Here's why.

In his 2020 book, James Nestor highlights the practice of taping up the kisser during sleep to avoid mouth breathing throughout the night. Mouth breathing can increase anxiety, blood pressure, cause respiratory distress, fatigue and increase the risk of infection.

Breathing through the nose, on the other hand, lowers blood pressure, tones the airways to operate more efficiently, and importantly, enhances nitric oxide (NO) production, ensuring it's directly transported to the lungs to enhance oxygenation and distribution around the body. I'll explain what NO is in a minute.

Getting an average of eight hours of mouth taped sleep per night (if you're one of the lucky ones), multiplied by 365 nights per year, equates to 2920 hours of superior NO production. You also won't wake up each morning feeling like you've been chewing a slipper. Winning.

So What on Earth is Nitric Oxide?

Not to be mistaken for nitrous oxide — a gas used for knocking people out in the dentist's chair, by boy racers for tuning their 1.2L Vauxhall Corsas, and also for recreational use — nitric oxide can play a key role in our health. It is produced naturally in the body from amino acids and is crucial for many physiological processes. Also originating within our nasal passages, this powerful molecule gives the body a real boost, offering anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial benefits. So, if you often find yourself feeling under the weather, you should definitely consider sporting some similar sleep paraphernalia.

Exploring Nitric Oxide

Nitric oxide is fundamental in processes like vasodilation — the widening of the blood vessels — which is critical for blood flow and pressure management. Its role extends to immune defence and neurotransmission, affecting everything from mental clarity to gut health. In the wellness sphere, nitric oxide is gaining attention for its cardiovascular benefits. NO way!

Eat Your Greens and Ease Up on the Mouthwash (Just Don't Breathe Near Me)

Everybody knows they should do it, but how many people actually do? Leafy greens contain nitrates, which the body converts into, you guessed it, nitric oxide. So, start gorging on those greens! Maintaining a balanced oral microbiome is key for the conversion of these dietary nitrates into NO. Mouthwash contains chlorhexidine, which is likely to kill NO-producing bacteria, so opting for a more natural solution could be a better option. If you have high blood pressure and are a daily mouthwash user, compromising your eye-wateringly minty fresh breath might be an easy way to lower it. Check out this paper.

Boosting Nitric Oxide Through Breathwork

Engaging in breathwork, especially techniques that focus on deep, controlled inhalations, can significantly improve oxygenation and, consequently, nitric oxide production. This not only aids in vascular health by promoting vasodilation but also increases immune and neurotransmitter efficiency. Simple techniques with massive gains!

From basic controlled breathing to structured practices like yoga's pranayama, or SOMA Breath, these techniques support cardiovascular health, reduce inflammation, and improve overall wellness.

Conclusion

Distinguishing between nose and mouth breathing, and by practicing breathwork, dramatically increases nitric oxide levels, giving a multitude of benefits. Basically, helping you stay in good nick!

At kosomatic, everything I'm building has breath at the foundation, using this to promote longevity and well-being. So, what are you waiting for? Book a free 15 minute SOMA Breath taster session with me.

For those who'd like to learn more about the breath's transformative potential, James Nestor's "Breath – The New Science of a Lost Art" is a fantastic read. Discover it for yourself here.