Many modern “Yoga gurus” encourage people to breathe deep and forcefully, and take in more air in their lungs. Many use deep breathing as a way to combat stress. But is deep breathing really good for you? In the past people thought the Sun revolved around the Earth until proven otherwise. So is deep breathing really beneficial? The answer may be a ‘No’. Take a look at the myths surrounding deep breathing and you will be surprised:
Myth 1: Deep breathing is highly beneficial
Shocked? Taking in large quantities of oxygen, holding it in and then expelling it out is actually not good for you. Carbon dioxide is a powerful bronchodilator which means it thickens blood vessels and actually promotes the absorption of oxygen into the lungs. When there is too much oxygen and too little carbon dioxide, blood vessels tend to constrict and the blood stream absorbs less oxygen leading to depleted levels of oxygen reaching tissues and muscles. That’s why you feel dizzy when you blow balloons or you force air to stay in your lungs during fitness classes.
Instead of holding in oxygen it’s better to breathe slower and take less breaths per minute.
Myth 2: More oxygen in lungs means better breathing
Wrong! Have you noticed how people in high altitudes don’t experience any problems breathing? That’s because their lungs absorbs oxygen more efficiently than people residing at lower altitudes. You must be aware that the air is much thinner at high altitudes and oxygen levels are significantly less. Yet, these people go on living their lives oblivious to “gurus” talking about deep breathing.
In actuality, normal breathing provides 97-99 % oxygen, which is more than adequate for your body. It is more important that lungs absorb air efficiently and the heart functions well in order for your body to absorb oxygen effectively.
Myth 3: Carbon Dioxide is bad for you
If carbon dioxide was so bad, then how do you explain the fact that while giving someone CPR, a person actually recovers the functioning of their lungs when someone blows air inside their mouth? Honestly, if it was that bad, why did the person’s lungs restore functioning?
The truth is some amount of carbon dioxide is as vital as oxygen. In fact, numerous studies have indicated that patients with cardiac arrest have low CO2 levels in their lungs.
Myth 4: You should breathe more
It isn’t prudent that you breathe more, it is essential that you breathe slower and more efficiently. Have you noticed how stressed people breathe more than relaxed and calm people? Several studies have pointed out that people today breathe more than before due to highly stressed lifestyles. What’s the normal breathing rate? You only need 3-5 breaths a minute. Going below 10 breaths a minute relaxes your body.
Remember to breathe slowly and normally. There’s a good reason why normal breathing feels light, effortless, is inaudible and almost invisible. Relax, breathe normally and experience better functioning of your lungs.
Author bio:
Carol is professional blogger and health enthusiast, who loves to share her knowledge about health and fitness through her blogs. Her love for trying out different diet plans and weight loss strategies reflects in her write-ups. She occasionally contributes her write-ups for Nutra Pure HCG, online portal dealing in homeopathic HCG drops for weight loss.