Why Should We Be Interested In Breathing? | Dr. Peter Litchfield

Mon June 03 2024

Breathing is an essential aspect of our lives that we often take for granted. At BreatheMatters, a center for respiratory wellness, we prioritize the significance of each breath. We are dedicated to the profound impact of conscious breathing, crafting innovative products to elevate your respiratory well-being. Join us on a transformative journey towards a healthier, balanced life, where every inhalation and exhalation contributes to your overall sense of wellness. Experience the freedom of unrestricted breathing and embrace life to the fullest with BreatheMatters.

Understanding why we should be interested in how we breathe can have a profound impact on our health. Breathing is something we do automatically, often without much thought. Yet, the way we breathe affects our body in many ways. Many people develop poor breathing habits, often due to stress, anxiety, or simply not being aware of their breathing patterns. These habits can lead to a range of symptoms and health issues that are often misattributed to other causes.

In the United States, a significant number of ambulance calls are related to symptoms arising from poor breathing habits. People often experience severe symptoms that prompt them to seek immediate medical help. When they get to the hospital, they might receive short-term treatments, such as breathing into a paper bag or being given a prescription. These treatments, however, do not address the root cause of their symptoms. Even those who don't call for an ambulance often seek help from various healthcare providers. They might receive prescriptions or try different remedies, but the underlying issue of dysfunctional breathing often remains unaddressed. This can lead to a cycle of ongoing symptoms and treatments without resolution.

One common issue is over-breathing, or hyperventilation. This happens when we breathe more than our bodies need, often triggered by stress or anxiety. Over-breathing causes us to lose too much carbon dioxide, which is crucial for maintaining the right balance of our blood’s pH levels. When this balance is disrupted, it can cause symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, and confusion. For example, consider someone who feels anxious about public speaking. They might start to take deeper breaths in an attempt to calm themselves, but this can lead to over-breathing. As a result, they might feel lightheaded, forget what they wanted to say, and become even more anxious. This creates a cycle that worsens the situation.

Many people live with these kinds of breathing issues without realizing it. They may attribute their symptoms to conditions like asthma or stress, not recognizing that their breathing habits are the root cause. It’s important to understand that our breathing can have a significant impact on our health and well-being.

Breathing well means maintaining a balance between oxygen and carbon dioxide in our bodies. This balance helps regulate our blood chemistry and overall bodily functions. By becoming more aware of how we breathe and making simple adjustments, we can improve our health and reduce many common symptoms.

In conclusion, paying attention to our breathing is not just about managing stress or anxiety. It’s about understanding how our breathing patterns affect our overall health and taking steps to improve these patterns. At BreatheMatters, we emphasize the importance of each breath in our journey towards respiratory wellness. We hope this insight helps you see the importance of breathing well and encourages you to pay more attention to this vital aspect of your life. Experience the freedom of unrestricted breathing and embrace life to the fullest with BreatheMatters.