Ep 21. Mouth Breathing and It's Health Risks

Breathing is a fundamental part of life, yet how we breathe can significantly impact our overall well-being. In this episode of the Everyday Epigenetics podcast, I delve into the world of mouth taping and nasal health. Here, I'll summarize the key points to help you understand how proper breathing can improve your life.

The Downside of Mouth Breathing
Mouth breathing, particularly during sleep, is more common than many realize and can lead to several issues:

- Dry Mouth and Dental Problems: Nightly mouth breathing dries out your mouth, increasing the risk of bad breath and dental issues.
- Poor Sleep Quality: Disrupting natural breathing can lead to restless sleep and increased daytime tiredness.
- Children's Health: Consistent mouth breathing in children can result in behavioral issues and changes in facial structure.
- Exacerbation of Health Conditions: Mouth breathing can worsen conditions like asthma.

Chronic nasal congestion, deviated septum, enlarged tonsils, thumb sucking, and poor diets are some factors contributing to mouth breathing. Addressing these early is crucial, especially in children.

Discovering Mouth Taping

I share my experience with mouth taping, an easy technique that promotes nasal breathing during sleep. Sealing your mouth with tape encourages your body to breathe through the nose, offering numerous benefits.

Benefits of Nose Breathing

- Air Filtration and Warming: Nasal breathing filters, humidifies, and warms the air, preparing it for the lungs.
- Nitric Oxide Production: The nasal passages produce nitric oxide, aiding oxygen absorption and improving blood circulation.
- Stress Reduction: Nasal and diaphragmatic breathing can reduce stress by activating the parasympathetic nervous system.

Types of Mouth Tape I Tried

I’ve experimented with different types of mouth tapes:

- Azizar Mouth Micropore Tap*: Plastic X's that can feel strange and cause anxiety if not applied correctly.
- Surgical Tape: Not ideal for me but might be suitable for others, especially men with facial hair.
- Hostage Tape: Black and breathable but tugged too much for my liking, also smaller than I preferred.
- *Hush Strips: My top pick. Tan, soft, and thin, these strips stick well even with moisturizer!

Tips for Better Nasal Health

Here are some practical tips I shared for improving nasal breathing:

- Side Sleeping: Reduces the tendency to mouth breathe.
- Saline Flushes and Neti Pots: Helps clear nasal congestion.
- Nasal Strips: Keeps nasal passages open during sleep.
- Nitric Oxide Test Strips: Allows monitoring of nitric oxide levels to understand the impact of breathing habits.

Consult a Professional
Before making significant changes to your breathing habits, particularly if you suspect underlying issues like nasal congestion or a deviated septum, use a C-Pap machine, I advise consulting medical professionals. They can offer personalized advice and potential treatment options.

Breathing is more than just an automatic function. Proper nasal and diaphramatic breathing, encouraged by techniques like mouth taping, can significantly improve sleep quality and overall health. By becoming more aware of your breathing and seeking professional guidance when necessary, you can enhance your life quality.

I encourage you to share this podcast to raise awareness about the consequences of mouth breathing. Often, the journey to better health begins with the simplest of changes—like learning to breathe correctly.

RESOURCES:
HUMANN Nitrick Oxcide Test Strips (https://www.amazon.com/Micropore-Tape-120-Pack-Hypoallergenic/dp/B0D9WCXVBR/)

MY FAVORITE: Hush Strips (https://hushstrips.com/)

Hostage Tape (https://hostagetape.com/)

Oxygen Advantage: Patrick McKeown (https://www.amazon.com/Oxygen-Advantage-scientifically-breathing-revolutionise/dp/0349406693/)

Visit the website: healthyawakening.co/podcast
Find listening links here: https://healthyawakening.co/links
SHOW NOTES: healthyawakening.co/episode20

Connect with Susan:
Schedule a FREE consultation, send an email to susan@healthyawakening.co
Faceboook: https://www.facebook.com/susanrobbinshealthyawakening
Instagram: @susanrobbins_epigeneticcoach
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/healthyawakening

LISTEN NOW:
Apple
Spotify
Youtube