Breathing is something that you take for granted. Breathing is so automatic that you don’t even think about it until you find yourself gasping for air, or maybe just feeling a little off kilter. The lungs have been described as big storage units. They rely on the diaphragm, that big muscle that divides the chest from the abdomen, to move the air in and out. Both men and women have been programs to suck in their stomachs and stick out their chests. We do a lot of things, in the name of fashion, that impedes normal respirations. Have you ever worn snug panty hose or a girdle? What about sucking in your breath so that you can snap a favorite pair of jeans? This may make you look good but it forces the upper chest to try to take over the task of breathing. This is hard work and it places a lot of stress on the body.
Have you ever been short of breath or experience a breathless sensation? Over exertion or a panic attack is the first thought that comes to mind, but whatever the cause it is alarming. Anything that interferes with the body’s ability to get oxygen in and carbon dioxide out of your lungs can impair breathing. The most common cause of lung irritation is cigarette smoke but diseases such as COPD, emphysema, chronic bronchitis or even just a decline in function associated with aging can be a factor.
Of course age is a factor. Like any other muscle, the diaphragm and the chest cavity stiffen with age, especially if not treated properly. Ben Douglas, author of “AgeLess: Living Younger Longer”, tells us that if you don’t practice deep breathing your lung capacity at 70 will be only a third of what it was at 20. You are probably wondering if there is anything that you can do to protect your lungs.
Researchers tell us to avoid irritants such as smoke inhalation (yours and second hand), be careful if using toxic cleaners, or anything else that triggers a reaction in you. Vaccinations are important. Keep up with your shots even if you think that flu shots don’t work for you. Flu and pneumonia are two of the most common causes of breathing impairment. Breathlessness can be a symptom of other problems as well. Any condition that prevents the blood from carrying enough oxygen, or the heart from pumping enough blood, can cause shortness of breath. If you are experiencing any shortness of breath at all you should see your doctor. The best way to prevent or treat respiratory problems is to catch them early. Never write off shortness of breath as just another sign of aging. A simple breathing test can often identify early onset breathing disorders.
What about breathing exercises? The well known Dr. Andrew Weil, the author of “Eight Weeks to Optimum Health” tells us if you breathe deeply and don’t smoke, you can have the lungs of a 35 year old at 70. Yes, breathing exercises are often recommended. Certain breathing techniques can help compensate for impaired lung function. Breathing exercises have also been associated with stress reduction, lowering of blood pressure, and boosting exercise efficiency. Deep breathing means taking deep, slow belly breaths (a feature often associated with yoga, meditation, certain weight loss exercise programs such as oxycise, and many other disciplines). Breathing deeply should become second nature to you.
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