Deep breathing does not mean inhaling more oxygen.
Many people believe that "deep breathing" increases blood oxygen levels, but Dr. Berg points out that this is a misconception. When you inhale excessively, you actually exhale too much carbon dioxide, preventing oxygen from being properly released into the cells. This phenomenon is known as the "Bohr Effect " —without enough carbon dioxide, red blood cells, even if carrying oxygen, cannot deliver it to the cells. The result is that you inhale a lot of air but still feel dizzy and tired.
Come check out the most popular carbonated water products
👉🏻 : https://iherb.prf.hn/l/K9qvDZ9/
High quality doesn't have to be expensive! Over a hundred iHerb products are up to 25% off compared to other stores, and with lightning-fast 8-hour delivery!
The key is not to inhale more oxygen, but to retain carbon dioxide.
Dr. Berger explained that the body needs to maintain a sufficient carbon dioxide concentration before it can absorb oxygen. Hyperventilation causes carbon dioxide loss, leading to "carbon dioxide syndrome," which causes symptoms such as hypoxia, heart strain, muscle cramps, insomnia, and fatigue. Even more surprisingly, insufficient carbon dioxide can increase histamine response, making people prone to nasal congestion and shortness of breath.
He emphasized, "More oxygen is not necessarily better; breathing too quickly can actually make the body more oxygen-deficient."
Correct breathing rhythm: five seconds to inhale, five seconds to exhale
The most effective way to allow oxygen to truly enter cells is through slow, gentle, and regular breathing. Dr. Berger suggests:
- Inhale through your nose , allowing the air to pass through your nasal cavity, where it will be filtered and humidified.
- Breathe through your nose while exhaling to maintain the concentration of carbon dioxide in your body;
-
The rhythm is five seconds of inhalation, five seconds of pause, and five seconds of exhalation , with the diaphragm driving the rise and fall of the abdomen, not the chest.
This method allows the body to gradually relax and improves blood oxygen transport, making it especially suitable for practice before bed, while driving, or when under stress.
Why is nasal breathing healthier than mouth breathing?
The nasal cavity is not just an "air passage," but also a natural filter and regulator. Breathing through the nose slows down airflow and increases oxygen exchange efficiency, which can raise blood oxygen levels by 20% . Nasal breathing also promotes the production of nitric oxide ( NO ), helping to dilate blood vessels and improve sleep and immune function. Conversely, long-term mouth breathing can lead to dry mouth, snoring, and decreased sleep quality.
Practical tips for improving sleep
Dr. Berg suggests that if you tend to breathe through your mouth at night, you can use nasal strips to open your sinuses or apply a small piece of nasal tape to train yourself to breathe through your nose to fall asleep. Long-term practice can effectively reduce snoring, improve snoring problems, and leave you feeling refreshed and energetic when you wake up.
Come check out the most popular carbonated water products
👉🏻 : https://iherb.prf.hn/l/K9qvDZ9/
High quality doesn't have to be expensive! Over a hundred iHerb products are up to 25% off compared to other stores, and with lightning-fast 8-hour delivery!
Extra tip: Carbonated water helps maintain balance.
He mentioned that drinking carbonated water (water containing carbon dioxide) in moderation helps maintain the body's acid-base balance and has a relaxing effect, promoting metabolism more effectively than plain water. The key is to allow the body to "retain a little CO₂ " rather than completely eliminate it.
YouTube source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_N6J9jkLgQ&list=PLlWQQPXW0GbzIXpSEiG6EUMK0r-iyAYJ8&index=2
YouTube Column: Dr. Berger's Chinese Health Knowledge
