Nasal Breathing and pH Balance
Nasal breathing is fundamental to optimizing our health. It provides many benefits to our bodies and is crucial to maintaining pH balance. The term pH balance refers to our body’s acidity or alkalinity level. Our bodies prefer a pH balance of 7.35-7.45. Our pH balance impacts nearly all of our physiological systems because it affects the chemical environment of our cells, enzymes, and organs.
When we breathe through our noses, we engage our natural filtration system that enhances oxygen intake and regulates carbon dioxide levels. Carbon dioxide, CO₂, is acidic in the body. The amount of CO₂ we retain or expel directly affects the pH balance in our blood.
Shifts in our pH balance can reduce the activity of our body’s enzymes. Enzymes are proteins, naturally produced in our bodies, that help speed up chemical reactions in our metabolism, digestive system, and elsewhere. Enzymes operate in a narrow pH range, so even a slight shift in the pH of our blood can disrupt or reduce enzyme activity, leading to problems with digestion, metabolic functions, cellular repair, muscle building, nerve functions, and ridding our bodies of toxins. Enzyme disruption can even reduce our breathing capabilities.
Blood pH plays a role in oxygen delivery because it affects our hemoglobin’s ability to release oxygen. In a lower pH environment, hemoglobin will release oxygen more easily to tissues, muscles, cells, and organs. In a high pH environment, our bodies may struggle to deliver oxygen where it is needed.
Shifts in our pH balance, either too high or too low, can disrupt sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium levels. The balance of these electrolyte components is necessary for transporting nutrients to cells, removing waste from our bodies, allowing nerves to send signals, and maintaining brain and heart functioning. When our electrolytes are out of balance, we can experience headaches, confusion, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, among other symptoms. Severe imbalances can cause seizures, cerebral edema, and heart arrhythmia.
Our nervous system is also directly affected by our blood’s pH balance. Low pH can suppress our central nervous system, resulting in fatigue and confusion. A high pH can induce over-excitability, tingling, or seizures.
The human body functions optimally within a narrow pH range. Mouth breathing can disrupt our body's natural pH balance, leading to harmful health problems. When we breathe through our mouths, we tend to over breathe, inhaling more air pollutants and allergens, which trigger inflammation and an increase in acidity. Mouth breathing also leads to dry mouth, diminishing saliva production, which is crucial in neutralizing acids and maintaining optimal pH levels. Over time, an imbalance in our pH can contribute to dental problems, respiratory issues, and poor digestive health.
By practicing nasal breathing, while awake and asleep, we can support our system’s ability to maintain a proper pH balance. An optimal pH level is essential for metabolic processes, immune function, and overall well-being. At BreatheWell, we designed a simple, effective mouth tape to encourage nasal breathing during sleep. It helps you achieve a balanced pH, improve sleep quality, and enhance overall health. Discover the benefits of nasal breathing with BreatheWell Mouth Tape today and step towards a healthier lifestyle.
top photo credit Christophe Gautier
lower photo credit: Casey Horner
That is my Breath. That is my Power.
May you find the power of your breath.
