All of us want ultimate brain function when it comes to preventing neurodegenerative diseases and longevity.
Our nervous system plays a role in our risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease. When we are more in a parasympathetic or relaxed state our decision making is clearer, we have enhanced creativity and our stress hormone cortisol is regulated optimally.
Breathwork is a tool that enhances our parasympathetic activity. When we breath properly in through our nose and out through our mouth it causes cortisol to lower, heart rate decreases as well as respiratory rate. There was a recent research article in Nature Research that showed that breathwork has a positive affect on lowering both amyloid beta and tau levels in the brain. These are the biggest contributors to Alzheimer’s Disease and neurodegenerative changes in the brain.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9998394/
Our nervous system needs a balance between the Sympathetic (fight or flight) and Parasympathetic. You certainly want to be able to react quickly to put on the brakes to avoid hitting a deer. It is when we have constant daily stressors or work, school answering emails, phone calls and the never ending to do list that can create too much of our parasympathetic activity. How many of you are aware that when you go from one item to the next at work many times we either hold our breath or take shallow breaths.
The above study also revealed that slow intentional breathing increased Heart Rate Variability (HRV) which lowered amyloid beta and tau proteins.
So tips to begin
1. Incorporate daily for 10 minutes of slow easy five breaths in through your nose and out of your mouth.
2. While at work take time away from your desk or duties to stop and practice this breathwork.
3. Add a step by placing your hand on your heart while doing this.
“Deep breathing is our nervous system’s love language.”Dr. Lauren Fogel Mersy
Simple Sustainable Health is Yours!
Cherri Schleicher FNPc APNP FMCHC
C&S Holistic Family Health and Wellness
https://www.csholisticfamily.com
