You’ve been breathing wrong this whole time—here’s what it could be doing to your health
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In the bustling world of health and wellness, where every day seems to bring a new trend or health hack, it's easy to overlook the basics of our biology. But sometimes, it's the simplest habits that can have the most profound impact on our well-being.
Today, we're diving into a topic that might just take your breath away—literally.
It's about the way we breathe and the surprising health risks associated with mouth breathing, as explained by a neurologist who's made it his mission to breathe right.
Meet Dr. Baibing Chen, affectionately known to his 106,100 social media followers as Dr. Bing.
This Michigan-based neurologist isn't just a seasoned physician; he's a viral sensation for his health tips and tricks that cut through the noise with clear, actionable advice.
In a recent video that captivated over 282,400 viewers, Dr. Bing shared three common habits he avoids at all costs—and one of them is mouth breathing.
Why Nose Breathing Wins: A Neurologist's Perspective
Dr. Bing's first point of caution is about the route we take when inhaling and exhaling.
“I try to not breathe through my mouth,” he states emphatically. The reasons are compelling: mouth breathing isn't just a matter of poor form; it's a detriment to your teeth, face, lungs, and—most alarmingly—your brain.
Research has illuminated the dark side of chronic mouth breathing, revealing its potential to disrupt the rhythm of your brain and alter blood flow.
These changes can have a domino effect, impairing memory and everyday cognitive functions.
But the impact doesn't stop there. Mouth breathing during sleep can exacerbate obstructive sleep apnea, a condition that not only disrupts rest but also increases the risk of heart issues, stroke, and dementia.
If you find yourself breathing through your mouth regularly, Dr. Bing urges you to see a professional. It could be a sign of an underlying medical or structural issue that needs attention.
Supplement Smarts: Knowing When Enough Is Enough
The second habit Dr. Bing avoids is the overconsumption of supplements. While certain supplements can be beneficial—like magnesium for migraines or B12 for a deficiency—it's crucial to understand what you're taking and in what amounts.
“More is not always better,” Dr. Bing warns, citing cases where excessive vitamin B6 led to walking difficulties and too much vitamin A caused increased brain pressure. His advice? Don't use supplements as a replacement for a balanced diet.
Source: Teeth Talk Girl / Unsplash.
The Gut-Brain Connection: Monitoring Your Movements
Lastly, Dr. Bing highlights an often-overlooked aspect of health: bowel movements.
Keeping track of how often you “go” isn't just about comfort; it's about cognition. The gut-brain axis is a two-way street, and irregular bowel movements—fewer than every three days or more than twice a day—can signal an increased risk of cognitive decline.
The gut microbiome, which is influenced by your bowel movement patterns, plays a significant role in this connection.
To optimize your gut health, Dr. Bing recommends a diet rich in high-fiber foods, Greek yogurt with probiotics, fermented foods, and plenty of water.
So, how can you ensure you're breathing correctly? Here are some tips to help you make nose breathing a habit:
1. Be mindful: Pay attention to your breathing throughout the day. If you catch yourself mouth breathing, gently close your mouth and switch to nasal breathing.
2. Clear the airways: If nasal congestion is an issue, consider using a saline spray or discussing other options with your healthcare provider.
3. Practice makes perfect: Engage in breathing exercises that promote nasal breathing, such as diaphragmatic breathing or “pranayama” yoga techniques.
4. Sleep support: If you mouth breathe while sleeping, consider a humidifier in your bedroom or specialized strips to help keep nasal passages open.
Have you experienced the benefits of nose breathing, or do you struggle with mouth breathing? Do you have tips for maintaining a balanced diet or optimizing gut health? Share your insights and questions in the comments below!
Today, we're diving into a topic that might just take your breath away—literally.
It's about the way we breathe and the surprising health risks associated with mouth breathing, as explained by a neurologist who's made it his mission to breathe right.
Meet Dr. Baibing Chen, affectionately known to his 106,100 social media followers as Dr. Bing.
This Michigan-based neurologist isn't just a seasoned physician; he's a viral sensation for his health tips and tricks that cut through the noise with clear, actionable advice.
In a recent video that captivated over 282,400 viewers, Dr. Bing shared three common habits he avoids at all costs—and one of them is mouth breathing.
Dr. Baibing Chen, known as Dr. Bing on social media, shares health tips and cautions against breathing through the mouth, as it can have negative effects on teeth, face, lungs, and brain function. Image source: @doctorbing / Tiktok.
Why Nose Breathing Wins: A Neurologist's Perspective
Dr. Bing's first point of caution is about the route we take when inhaling and exhaling.
“I try to not breathe through my mouth,” he states emphatically. The reasons are compelling: mouth breathing isn't just a matter of poor form; it's a detriment to your teeth, face, lungs, and—most alarmingly—your brain.
Research has illuminated the dark side of chronic mouth breathing, revealing its potential to disrupt the rhythm of your brain and alter blood flow.
These changes can have a domino effect, impairing memory and everyday cognitive functions.
But the impact doesn't stop there. Mouth breathing during sleep can exacerbate obstructive sleep apnea, a condition that not only disrupts rest but also increases the risk of heart issues, stroke, and dementia.
If you find yourself breathing through your mouth regularly, Dr. Bing urges you to see a professional. It could be a sign of an underlying medical or structural issue that needs attention.
Supplement Smarts: Knowing When Enough Is Enough
The second habit Dr. Bing avoids is the overconsumption of supplements. While certain supplements can be beneficial—like magnesium for migraines or B12 for a deficiency—it's crucial to understand what you're taking and in what amounts.
“More is not always better,” Dr. Bing warns, citing cases where excessive vitamin B6 led to walking difficulties and too much vitamin A caused increased brain pressure. His advice? Don't use supplements as a replacement for a balanced diet.
Source: Teeth Talk Girl / Unsplash.
The Gut-Brain Connection: Monitoring Your Movements
Lastly, Dr. Bing highlights an often-overlooked aspect of health: bowel movements.
Keeping track of how often you “go” isn't just about comfort; it's about cognition. The gut-brain axis is a two-way street, and irregular bowel movements—fewer than every three days or more than twice a day—can signal an increased risk of cognitive decline.
The gut microbiome, which is influenced by your bowel movement patterns, plays a significant role in this connection.
To optimize your gut health, Dr. Bing recommends a diet rich in high-fiber foods, Greek yogurt with probiotics, fermented foods, and plenty of water.
So, how can you ensure you're breathing correctly? Here are some tips to help you make nose breathing a habit:
1. Be mindful: Pay attention to your breathing throughout the day. If you catch yourself mouth breathing, gently close your mouth and switch to nasal breathing.
2. Clear the airways: If nasal congestion is an issue, consider using a saline spray or discussing other options with your healthcare provider.
3. Practice makes perfect: Engage in breathing exercises that promote nasal breathing, such as diaphragmatic breathing or “pranayama” yoga techniques.
4. Sleep support: If you mouth breathe while sleeping, consider a humidifier in your bedroom or specialized strips to help keep nasal passages open.
Have you experienced the benefits of nose breathing, or do you struggle with mouth breathing? Do you have tips for maintaining a balanced diet or optimizing gut health? Share your insights and questions in the comments below!
