Breathe Better, Live Better

Jack Frog

When was the last time you thought about how you breathe? Not if you’re breathing—we all do it about 23,000 times a day—but how? That simple, unconscious act can hold the key to more energy, better sleep, sharper focus, and even a healthier face. Sounds surprising? Let’s dig in.

Why Breathing Matters More Than You Think

We can last weeks without food, days without water, but just minutes without air. Despite its importance, most of us were never taught how to breathe properly. Yet your breath affects nearly every system in the body:

• Oxygen powers your cells and fuels your energy.

• Proper breathing helps regulate your pH levels, supports detox, and moves lymph fluid.

• It also calms your nervous system, easing stress and improving emotional balance.

The key? Slow, deep, and intentional breaths. Slower breathing lets you absorb more oxygen, and that helps your body function better and age more gracefully.

Why Nose Breathing Wins

If you’re breathing through your mouth all day (and night), it’s time to switch. Nasal breathing has major benefits:

• Filters and warms the air before it hits your lungs

• Boosts oxygen uptake by up to 20%

• Increases nitric oxide (great for circulation and immune function)

• Supports oral, respiratory, and even sexual health

Mouth breathing? Not so great. It’s linked to bad breath, fatigue, cavities, snoring, anxiety, and even relationship tension. (Fun fact: Snoring is the third leading cause of divorce!)

And kids aren’t immune. Mouth breathing in childhood can alter jaw development, cause crooked teeth, and lead to behavioral issues that mimic attention disorders. Encouraging kids to chew more whole foods, breathe through their nose, and rest their tongue on the roof of the mouth can help shape their facial structure and prevent future orthodontic woes.

Sleep, Snoring & Breath

Breathing doesn’t take a break while you sleep—and that’s where problems can sneak in. Snoring and sleep apnea, often triggered by mouth breathing or poor airway structure, can disrupt rest and raise the risk of:

• High morning blood sugar

• Chronic fatigue

• High blood pressure

• Strained relationships

If you or your partner suspects sleep apnea, talk to your doctor about getting tested. It’s more than snoring—it’s your health on the line.

Breath: Your Built-In Mood Regulator

Your breath doesn’t just fuel your body; it reflects (and shapes) your emotions. Think about it: we sigh in frustration, gasp in surprise. But with practice, you can flip the script.

Try this: breathe in for six seconds, breathe out for six. This technique, called coherence breathing, can lower anxiety, boost focus, and switch on your body’s “rest and digest” mode.

Here are Five Simple Tips for Better Breathing

• Breathe through your nose (yes, even while sleeping!)

• Keep your mouth closed unless eating or speaking

• Practice conscious, slow, rhythmic breathing daily

• Chew tough, natural foods

• Rest your tongue on the roof of your mouth

Your breath is always with you. Use it with intention—and feel the difference.

---

The author of Diet Slave No More!, Svetlana Kogan, MD, IFMCP is a Board-Certified Internal Medicine, Holistic & Functional Medical Doctor with 25 years of experience. CustomLongevity.com | 239.676.6883