Basics of Nasal Parasympathetic Breathing and Improving CO2 Tolerance (Breather Episode with Brad)

Today we’re talking about the compelling science behind breathing more minimally, the benefits of nasal breathing, and how to improve CO2 tolerance. One common flawed notion is that we want to breathe in as much oxygen as possible, in order for our bodies to take in as much oxygen as possible. But, as you’ll learn in today’s show, unless you are in the hospital with a serious disease or condition, we all have plenty of oxygen in our bloodstream. You’ll also learn why having a low CO2 tolerance indicates that your body is doing a poor job of delivering oxygen to the working muscles that need it. The starting point of nasal parasympathetic breathing is to breathe as minimally as possible, through your nose only at all times, day and night for the rest of your life, except when you desperately need more air during intense exercise. Simple as that! One of the major inspirations for this show comes from my recent interest in The Oxygen Advantage: The Simple, Scientifically Proven Breathing Techniques for a Healthier, Slimmer, Faster, and Fitter You by Patrick McKeown, and in this episode, I’m sharing my top takeaways from his book, such as that the blood already has enough oxygen, taking bigger breaths will do little to increase oxygen in the blood, and oxygen release (from blood to tissues and organs) depends on carbon dioxide levels. Another major takeaway is that breathing more lightly increases carbon dioxide levels in the blood – and this actually improves oxygenation.I also talk about the simplest way to benefit from this book, which is to continually nasal breathe, wear tape over the mouth, both at night and during light aerobic training (to ensure nasal breathing), and routinely perform breath hold exercises (after an exhalation) for progressively longer times during walking or light activity. To learn more about nasal breathing, breath hold exercises, and how to simulate high-altitude training, check out The Oxygen Advantage here.TIMESTAMPS:We often overlook the importance of proper breathing. Breathe minimally through the nose. [01:26]The more carbon dioxide we can tolerate, the better oxygen is delivered to the working muscles in the body. [04:34]We have plenty of oxygen already. [06:53]Breathing more lightly increases carbon dioxide levels in the blood, improving your oxygenation potential. [10:55]Breathe through your nose only. Take the BOLT test. [12:19]Even gentle snoring is indicative of mouth breathing. Tape your mouth closed to train yourself. [18:50]Generally, one nostril dominates the other throughout the day. Be aware of your sleep position. [21:05]LINKS:Brad’s Shopping pagePodcast with Brian MacKenzieThe Oxygen AdvantageBOLT Test (Body Oxygen Level Test)BOHR effectBreathe Right Nasal StripShift Adapt (Performance Starts with Your Breath)Join Brad for more fun on: Instagram: @bradkearns1Facebook: @bradkearnsjumphighTwitter: @bradleykearnsYouTube: @BradKearnsWe appreciate all feedback, and questions for Q&A shows, emailed to [email protected]. If you have a moment, please share an episode you like with a quick text message, or leave a review on your podcast app. Thank you!Check out each of these companies because they are absolutely awesome or they wouldn’t occupy this revered space. Seriously, Brad won’t sell out to anyone if he doesn’t love the product. Ask anyone.Brad’s Macadamia Masterpiece: Mind-blowing, life-changing nut butter blendMale Optimization Formula with Organs (MOFO): Optimize testosterone naturally with 100% grassfed animal organ supplementVuori Activewear: The most comfortable, functional, and fashionable gear, evoking the chill SoCal coastal lifestyleDonations!This free podcast offering is a team effort from Brad, Daniel, Siena, Gail, TJ, Vuk, RedCircle, our awesome guests, and our incredibly cool advertising partners. We are now poised and proud to double dip by both soliciting a donation and having you listen to ads! If you wanna cough up a few bucks to salute the show, we really appreciate it and will use the funds wisely for continued excellence. Go big (whatever that means to you…) and we’ll send you a free jar of Brad’s Macadamia Masterpiece as a thank you! Email to alert us! Choose to donate now, later, or never. Either way, we thank you for choosing from the first two options! :]Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-get-over-yourself-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.