Welcome to Ask Doctor Zac, a weekly column from news.com.au. This week, Dr. Zack Turner explains why it’s better to breathe through your nose than with your mouth.

Question: Hi Dr. Zach, Am I breathing in the wrong way all my life? A friend of mine was watching a YouTube video about breathing while breathing, and some doctors told me that it was unhealthy to breathe through your mouth. Now I am very good at raising red flags, both for men and for health advice, but this has surprised me. it’s true? Or should I not fall for the wrong information? Maia, 30, Sydney

Answer: I think this is a wonderful topic, and the big question is that it makes us all think about the simple things our bodies do every day. Just because it happens every day does not mean it is good for you.

By this I am on the side of your friend. All of us Automatic breathing, Without much thought. It is important to pay attention to how you breathe, because it is healthier to breathe through your nose than through your mouth. The simplest reason is that nasal breathing is natural and helps your body use the air you breathe.

You may be thinking, “It’s not me. It’s just my nose. I’m doing it now.” Well, because you are thinking about it. About 30-50 percent of adults breathe through the mouth, especially at the beginning of the day. Breathing through your mouth can lead to health problems, and can cause things like bad breath and dry mouth.

The beauty of your nose is that it is perfectly designed to breathe safely. It can filter out foreign particles due to the hair on the nose. It removes inhaled air which makes it easier for your lungs to use, and produces nitric oxide vasodilator. It is a scientific method that expands the blood vessels to help improve the circulation of oxygen in your body.

Your mouth is perfectly designed for eating, drinking and talking, but it does not have the good qualities of a nose. Breathing through your mouth increases your exposure to asthma, tooth decay, gums, and foreign particles such as bacteria and pathogens.

Breathing should not be complicated – you can make it easier again with a few tricks and tips.

Use your nose

Use your nose to breathe consciously and gradually train your body to work without you realizing it. You will find all the benefits I have listed above.

Don’t forget about your stomach

People are “stomach breathing”, and the main muscle in the process of breathing above your abdomen, the diaphragm. Proper breathing begins in the nose and then moves to the abdomen. It is the most effective method of breathing, because it pulls the lungs down, causing negative pressure on the chest and air entering your lungs.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle

Exercise regularly keeps your lungs functioning properly, and a balanced diet helps you stay active. Avoid large foods and foods that cause swelling so that the stomach does not push up and restrict the movement of the diaphragm.

In fact, poor breathing is an epidemic of its own. Breathing is related to the way we think and feel about the world and the health and balance of all the systems in our body.

To improve nasal breathing, try activities such as alternative nasal breathing, abdominal breathing, and fire breathing. These techniques can help you control your nasal breathing while increasing your lung function and reducing stress.

Close your mouth

This may sound strange, but there are many products that can help keep your mouth shut while you sleep. Over the years, I have recommended that some of my patients put some elastic bandage on their lips before going to bed.

Now this does not mean closing your mouth – a small amount of vertical breathing stimulates the nerves without making you feel restricted. This will help you close your mouth knowingly and unknowingly and breathe through your nose. It usually only takes a week or two to train yourself to return to healthy breathing.