7 Benefits Of Deep Breathing According To Science

Deep breathing or slow breathing confers calm and well-being to the person who practices it on a regular basis.

This type of technique, where the person gets used to taking deep breaths of air, retaining that oxygen and exhaling it at the same time slowly, is very common in yoga or mindfulness.

However, it must be said that, beyond these practices that have that classic link with Buddhism and meditation, they are not very common in our daily lives.

Thus, there are very few times that we even stop to think “how we breathe”.

Now, as an interesting fact, it is important to know that scientists from Stanford University have developed an interesting study that shows how this type of breathing can benefit us.

Mark Krasnow, biochemist and director of this work, even explains that A small group of neurons have been identified that mediate between this type of respiration and relaxation, attention and even effectiveness in regulating emotions and reducing anxiety.

We are, without a doubt, before a simple and accessible strategy that we should all practice. Just open your mouth and breathe deeply, calmly and slowly.

You are already doing it?  Great! Here we explain how it can benefit you.

1. Deep breathing to regulate stress and anxiety

According to this study conducted by the University of Pisa (Italy), breathing can help calm and regulate anxiety attacks.

Breathing is an action that we carry out involuntarily. We inhale oxygen to obtain and create energy at the cellular level.

Then we exhale carbon dioxide, that by-product resulting from cellular respiration.

This almost magical process benefits us in a remarkable way as long as it is carried out slowly, rhythmically and deeply.

• However, something that most have experienced at some point is that, when we are scared or when we feel panic, our breathing becomes short and very fast: that process before mentioned is broken and altered causing the heart to “shoot up”
• Meanwhile, deep breathing is capable of reg ular the parasympathetic nervous system to stimulate a relaxed state: the heart enters calm, and mind.

By providing our body with oxygen in a more leisurely, constant and regular way, our muscles also stop being tense.

This is when the sympathetic system, for its part, stops sending its high peaks of cortisol and adrenaline to our body.

Our whole body and mind enters a very adequate state of calm.

2. We eliminate toxins

Here’s an interesting fact: our bodies are designed to release much of their toxins through breathing.

• Carbon dioxide is a natural toxic waste that comes from the metabolic processes of our body and that, therefore, must be expelled on a regular basis.
• However, when our lungs are used to taking rapid breaths, we fail to fully expel these waste elements.

It would be very convenient that we become aware of this, and that, at least 2 or 3 times a day, we dedicate at least 10 minutes to breathe deeply.

3. We reduce the sensation of pain

Something that we often do almost unconsciously when we feel pain is hold our breath.

It is a natural mechanism of our brain when we receive a blow, an impact, when we are injured …

However, and in case of chronic and regular pain due to arthritis, lupus or fibromyalgia, it will be very good for us to do the same.

Try holding your breath for a few seconds and breathing deeply and slowly.

In this way, we will release endorphins, those natural painkillers in the body. In the same way, this study carried out by the University of Regensburg (Germany) emphasizes the sedative effect of good breathing.

4. It will help us improve our posture

Something as easy as practicing deep breathing from today will allow us to improve our body scheme and, above all, the back-neck axis.

By filling our lungs with air, we are able to stimulate the spine to place it in a more harmonious, balanced and correct posture.

Feel free to try it.

5. We stimulate the lymphatic system

The lymphatic system is an essential part of the body’s immune system and is made up of a complex network of lymphatic vessels, tissues, organs and nodes that fulfill a large number of functions.

One of them, the one carried out by the lymphatic fluid, is to release the remains of dead cells and other waste from our body.

Deep breathing will help us achieve this, according to this research carried out by Flinders University (Australia).

6. Take care of our hearts

Something that is also interesting to know is that aerobic exercise (cardio) uses fat for energy, while anaerobic exercise (strength training) uses glucose for energy.

However, if every day we get used to practicing the “exercise” of deep breathing, we will be carrying out a fabulous cardio routine. This is stated in this study carried out by the Govt Medical College (India).

7. We improve digestion

Deep breathing improves our digestion. Guess which way?

• We provide our body with more oxygen and on a more regular basis, we also supply it to the digestive organs so that they work more efficiently.
• In addition, we increase blood flow and in turn stimulate intestinal action.
• It regulates the nervous system, in this way we feel calmer and digestion is carried out in a calm and efficient way.

We even absorb nutrients better!

Now tell us. Have you already convinced yourself of the incredible benefits of this simple breath? Start practicing it today, and you will feel much better every day.

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