Studies suggest that sinus and breathing health have a direct impact on cardiovascular health, and anyone looking to improve their cardiovascular health might want to include a new breathing technique.
It's a timely exercise during February's Cardiovascular Health Month.
According to Dr. Anthony Sanders of Indianapolis Sinus Center, the way that you breathe has a huge impact on your health.
"Mouth breathing is not good. It can affect sleep quality," Sanders said. "For instance, you're probably more likely to have sleep apnea, which is a major problem in its own right. But I think the major thing is that these symptoms, some people have had them so long, they are almost considered normal. But I think the real point is, you don't have to live with that anymore, and the solutions for it have gotten so much more acceptable than what they were once upon a time."
As it turns out, sinus health impacts more than just your sinuses. Maintaining proper breathing and ensuring good sinus health will also help to keep your overall health in check.
"There have been some published papers out of Taiwan that talk about (the greater risk of strokes in patients with chronic sinusitis)," Sanders said. "Within the last 20, 30 years, there has been a focus on atherosclerosis, which leads to more prevalence of stroke and heart disease being an inflammatory condition. It's been associated with dental cavities, for instance. And that paper from Taiwan has shown an association with chronic rhinosinusitis, probably by a similar mechanism."
Alternate nostril breathing is a type of breath control practiced in yoga. In Sanskrit, it’s known as "nadi shodhana pranayama," which translates as “subtle energy clearing breathing technique.”
This type of breath work can be done as part of a yoga or meditation practice. Alternate nostril breathing can also be done as its own practice to help you keep your mind quiet and still.
According to Healthline, a 2013 study found that alternate nostril breathing was the only type of breath work that had a positive effect on cardiovascular function. It was shown to significantly lower factors such as heart rate, respiratory rate and blood pressure.
A small 2017 study observed the effects of the pranayama practice on the lung functions of competitive swimmers and found that it had a positive effect on respiratory endurance, reported Healthline.
For those who are suffering from chronic sinus conditions, the best way to get treatment is to speak with a specialist. However, a Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz can also tell you a lot about what your condition might be and how you could go about addressing it.
