Nature Coast Times

• Breathing through the nose is a common practice in yoga, thanks to its many benefits.

• Physicians also recommend breathing through the nose, as it provides a natural filter.

• Breathing through the mouth can lead to poor oral health and bad breath.  

Dr. Mariah Pate of Tampa Bay Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers says patients who can't breathe through their noses due to chronic congestion may experience a negative impact on their overall health and quality of life. The benefits of breathing through the nose are well-documented and used in various arenas of fitness and health, including yoga.

"The nose is the gateway to your health," Pate told Nature Coast Times Report. "The nose is the beginning of your airway, which includes the lungs. A healthy nose and breathing well allow you to function as fully as possible. There are so many things connected to chronic sinusitis -- for example, productivity. There are so many people who go to work just phoning it in because they don't feel well. That's a huge thing that affects daily life. Also, there's a correlation with worsening heart issues, higher risk of stroke, erectile dysfunction and other things that can affect the other parts of the body. Chronically being congested can lead to you not feeling your best and lead to declining health overall."

Yoga is an ancient practice, and yogis have studied the role of breathing for centuries, according to UK-based company Heather Yoga. Breathing through the nose, as opposed to the mouth, is strongly preferred in many yoga practices.

KTM Yoga reports that although most people should breathe through their noses most of the time, as many as 60% of adults often breathe through their mouths. Hair and mucus within the nose act as filters that trap bacteria and dust. Nasal breathing also increases oxygen intake and boosts brain activity. Another benefit of breathing through the nose is that it helps to slow airflow, which widens blood vessels and slows the heart rate, leading to a feeling of calm.

People who suffer from allergies or chronic sinus problems are more likely to breathe through their mouths, but mouth breathing can lead to oral health issues, according to McCarl Dental Group.

Mouth breathing dries up saliva, allowing bacteria and plaque to build up on the teeth, which can cause cavities, gum disease and chronic bad breath. Regularly breathing through the mouth can also, over time, lead to strained jaw joints, snoring, sleep apnea, enlarged tonsils and a higher risk for airway disorders, such as asthma.

If you're interested in learning more about the symptoms of allergies and sinusitis, take this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz.