Nitric Oxide (NO) a Small but Powerful Molecule

It is understood that nasal breathing compared to mouth breathing has significant benefits. Breathing through your nose will filter out small particles such as dust. allergens and pollen. It also humidifies and warms the air entering your lungs, making it easier for your lungs to use the oxygen. Nasal breathing also produces nitric oxide.

Nitric Oxide (NO) is a gaseous molecule produced in the nasal cavity and absorbed into the bloodstream through the lungs. While NO is found throughout the body in areas such as the blood vessels, brain, and spinal cord, the most effective way to actively boost NO levels is through nasal breathing. NO plays a vital role in numerous physiological processes, including vasodilation, neurotransmission, inflammation, and even tumor growth. This small molecule also has antimicrobial properties, which help fight infections. Its diverse functions in circulation, immune response, and cellular signaling make it an essential molecule for overall health.

(Andrabi et al., 2023)

Due to its gaseous nature, Nitric Oxide (NO) has a short half-life. To maintain the ongoing benefits of NO absorption through nasal breathing, it's essential to practice this habit consistently. However, factors like nasal congestion, anatomical abnormalities, and habitual mouth breathing can interfere with the ability to breathe through the nose effectively.

Breathing exercises are a powerful tool for retraining the body to breathe effectively through the nose. Patrick McKeown, a leading expert in the field, specializes in the Buteyko breathing method, which I often incorporate into my practice. One technique I recommend to most of my patients—except for pregnant women and those with high blood pressure—is called "unblocking your nose." This method can help improve nasal breathing and overall respiratory health.

"Unblocking your Nose"

1. Exhale a natural breath out.

2. Pinch your nose and hold your breath until you feel a "hunger for air".

3. Release your nose and inhale without opening your mouth.

4. Even though it feels difficult, continue to breathe in and out through your nose, taking normal sized breaths (not large).

5. Once your breathing returns to normal, repeat this cycle 3-5 times.

Maintaining proper oral rest posture is essential for promoting nasal breathing. If you have trouble keeping your tongue elevated against the roof of your mouth or keeping your lips sealed, it could indicate that your facial and oral muscles aren't functioning as they should. As a myofunctional therapist at Myo Minded, my primary focus is on improving the airway. To achieve the goals of myofunctional therapy, it's crucial to be able to breathe through your nose both day and night. I can help you retrain the muscles of the orofacial complex to function and rest properly. Start your journey toward better breathing today!

Nunez, K. (2021, February 1). Nose breathing: Benefits, how to, exercises to try. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/nose-breathing

Andrabi, S. M., Sharma, N. S., Karan, A., Shahriar, S. M. Sh., Cordon, B., Ma, B., & Xie, J. (2023, August 26). Nitric oxide: Physiological functions, delivery, and ... Wiley Online Library. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/advs.202303259

McKeown, P. (2017, December 18). Nose Unblocking Exercises-How to Get Rid of A Blocked Nose. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cU4ls5ku4Rg