TGIM. Here are 4 thoughts, 1 quote, and 1 answer for this week. Enjoy!
4 THOUGHTS
1. The Breathing 4-Minute Mile
The Wim Hof endotoxin study is breathing’s equivalent to a "4-minute mile."
People have been using breathing to modulate their autonomic nervous and immune systems for thousands of years. But Wim brought it to the world.
He proved it was possible, scientifically. And similar to how people now run 4-minute miles without using Roger Bannister’s exact training, I believe science will show that many breathing techniques work in similar ways.
But what matters most is that it’s possible. And it’s possible through breathing.
2. Inhaled Nitric Oxide has Whole-Body Effects
To date, I believe this might be one of the most important findings in breathing.
We typically believe the benefits of inhaled nitric oxide (NO) end in the lungs. However, a paper I recently reviewed showed it has whole-body effects.
Here are the take-home points from the study:
Their measurements were consistent with systemic transport and delivery of bioactive inhaled NO.
Inhaled NO can improve blood flow in distant regions where endothelial NO is suppressed—it works "where needed."
These effects on blood flow might be most relevant in diseases that disrupt endothelial-derived NO, like diabetes & many others.
If you’re interested, see the full summary for more details. I will be expanding on this topic with more recently-published research in the coming weeks.
3. Why We Sigh - A Vice Article
"Breathing isn’t only the automatic exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide, afterall. The way we breathe is influenced by our emotions and environment, and vice versa."
This was a fantastic read; I couldn’t recommend it more. I especially enjoyed the short passage about sighing and breathing variability.
I hope you all like it as much as I did.
4. Three Steps to Breathe Better Right Now
Breathe through your nose.
Slow down your breathing.
Make each breath inaudible.
1 QUOTE
"How do you identify someone who needs encouragement. That person is breathing."
- Truett Cathy
1 ANSWER
Answer: In the atmosphere, nitric oxide is generated from this energetic process.
…
(Cue the Jeopardy! music.)
…
Question: What is lightning?
In good breath,
Nick
The Breathing 411 Newsletter
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