Fact 5: It’s a Stress Response
When thinking about stress, one might consider external factors like work pressure or personal conflicts. Yet, the simple act of breathing, specifically through the mouth, is intrinsically linked to our body’s stress response.
Breathing plays a central role in our autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary body functions. Nasal breathing primarily stimulates the parasympathetic system – often termed the “rest and digest” system. This system is responsible for relaxation and recuperation. On the flip side, mouth breathing leans towards stimulating the sympathetic system, also known as the “fight or flight” system.
With mouth breathing, a rapid, shallow pattern often ensues. This can inadvertently signal our body that there’s a threat, leading to the release of stress hormones like cortisol. While these hormones are essential in genuinely stressful situations, chronic elevation can lead to health issues like increased blood pressure, reduced immune response, and weight gain. (5)
