How to Breathe Correctly for Optimal Health, Mood, Learning & Performance

In this episode, I explain the biology of breathing (respiration), how it delivers oxygen and carbon dioxide to the cells and tissues of the body and how is best to breathe—nose versus mouth, fast versus slow, deliberately versus reflexively, etc., depending on your health and performance needs. I discuss the positive benefits of breathing properly for mood, to reduce psychological and physiological stress, to halt sleep apnea, and improve facial aesthetics and immune system function. I also compare what is known about the effects and effectiveness of different breathing techniques, including physiological sighs, box breathing and cyclic hyperventilation, “Wim Hof Method,” Prānāyāma yogic breathing and more. I also describe how to breath to optimize learning, memory and reaction time and I explain breathing at high altitudes, why “overbreathing” is bad, and how to breathe specifically to relieve cramps and hiccups. Breathwork practices are zero-cost and require minimal time yet provide a unique and powerful avenue to improve overall quality of life that is grounded in clear physiology. Anyone interesting in improving their mental and physical health or performance in any endeavor ought to benefit from the information and tools in this episode.

#HubermanLab #Breathing #Science

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Articles

Concentration of carbon dioxide, interstitial pH and synaptic transmission in hippocampal formation of the rat

Effects of voluntary hyperventilation on cortical sensory responses Electroencephalographic and magnetoencephalographic studies

Brief structured respiration practices enhance mood and reduce physiological arousal

Breathing Rhythm and Pattern and Their Influence on Emotion

Nasal Respiration Entrains Human Limbic Oscillations and Modulates Cognitive Function

Effect of breathwork on stress and mental healthA metaanalysis of randomisedcontrolled trials

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JawsThe Story of a Hidden Epidemic

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Title Card Photo CreditMike Blabac

The Huberman Lab podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such conditions.