If breath is life, then optimal breathing is optimal living.
That's the premise of everything I do. My goal is to find ways to use the breath to help us live a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Photo Credit: James Duncan
Less is more.
I read journal articles and books so you don’t have to. I distill the most essential and practical information into actionable bite-sized chunks you can instantly use.
It’s timeless wisdom and modern science grounded in practicality.
You’ll reduce your stress, increase your energy, and live an overall better life.
Sign Up for The Breathing 411 Newsletter
This is my most popular work. Each Monday, I curate and synthesize various resources to share 4 thoughts, 1 quote, and 1 answer (like "Jeopardy!") related to breathing. It’s a fun way to learn something new each week.
I’ve been sending this email every week for almost 4 years. If you want to read previous issues before subscribing, you can do that here.
If You Have Diabetes or Work With People that Do:
The Breathing for Diabetes Online Course
Created for diabetics, by a diabetic.
If You're Interested in Breathing Science:
If You're Interested in Connecting Timeless Wisdom with Modern Science:
If You Don't Know Where to Begin:
Who is The Breathing Diabetic?
Hi, I’m Nick Heath, Ph.D.
I have been a type-1 diabetic for over 20 years. About 5 years ago, I made some simple changes to my breathing, and my blood sugars and quality of life improved immensely (it felt unbelievable for something so simple).
This put me on a journey to understand the science behind breathing, diabetes, and overall health, which snowballed into a passion/obsession for all things breathing.
I hope this site will help you breathe better and improve your overall health and well-being.
You can learn more about my story here.
Newest Blog Posts
Latest Science Summaries
How to Use This Website
1. Breathing Principles
Read the Three Breathing Principles. This is the foundation of my work. Each page provides the fundamental science behind each principle and gives practical exercises you can start today.
2. The Breathing 411
Each Monday, I combine information from scientific journals, books, articles, and podcasts to share 4 thoughts, 1 quote, and 1 answer (like "Jeopardy!") related to breathing. This is the best place to get all of the latest information from the site. View previous versions here.
3. Science Summaries
Get lost in the science summaries. I save you time by identifying need-to-know points from scientific articles and distilling them into plain-language summaries. “It’s kind of like the CliffsNotes for research in this area.” - Craig Kasper, The Bravest Life.
Breathing Principles for Optimal Health & Wellness
Principle 1
Breathe Through Your Nose
Principle 2
Breathe Slowly
Principle 3
Hold your breath.
You can start practicing these simple principles today. However, please click on each one to learn how to safely apply them and to learn how they work to promote optimal health.