I find it interesting to take continuing education classes in subjects that I imagine I have a handle on. Leaving my mind (and attitude) open, I almost always learn something new.
After reading James Nester’s book “Breath, the New Science of a Lost Art” last summer, I decided to sign up for a class entitled Breath. Admittedly, it was vastly different than I anticipated and not based on most breathing techniques (either western or eastern).
More surprising, one tidbit was priceless – the Nitric Oxide molecule (NO).
The Super Molecule – Nitric Oxide
The earliest mention of Nitric Oxide (NO) may have been in the 13th century, but it was officially identified in the late 1700s. At that time, it was believed to be an environmental pollutant, specifically a toxic by-product of combustion (just being explored in those days). Nevertheless, the beneficial roles of NO weren’t being laid claim to until the 1980s and beyond.
Notably, in 1998, the Nobel Prize for Physiology was awarded to 3 physicists for their discoveries of nitric oxide’s particular functions. One of the most important of these was NO as a “signaling molecule in the cardiovascular system.”
Nitric Oxide (NO) which is a simple gas, is produced in inner linings of arteries and primarily in the nasal cavity, where sinus epithelial lining plays a role. The nasal location (more in our control) is easy-pickings for habits to improve health. 😊
The Miracle Molecule at Work
This Nitric Oxide molecule, which most of us never heard about in early school years, has come on the scene as a major wellness player. Better yet, it’s benefits are free and somewhat governable.
[You may find manufactured supplements of NO but I’m not reviewing the need for those here. If we can profit from an easy and free approach stemming from a natural source, that’s where I wish to concentrate.]
Prime benefits of Nitric Oxide (NO)
- Cardiovascular health. NO improves blood flow in the body to vital organs. It does so in part by relaxing blood vessels; this also reduces blood pressure.
- Immune Response. During the Covid-19 pandemic, NO was researched for its ability to help combat the disease. It has a crucial role in fighting infection (killing some bacteria, viruses and fungi).
- Respiratory Health. NO relaxes the lung’s airways. This makes breathing easier, opening up lower alveoli in lungs, and particularly beneficial for those with asthma. NO works against RSV or respiratory viruses.
There is some research suggesting or considering whether NO may improve cognitive functions, such as memory and focus. We can expect more to come in this regard as the aids for such aging conditions are such a big motivation for the pharmaceutical industry.
Taking Advantage of Nitric Oxide
There are ways to spend money on NO. You can purchase supplements for which there are numerous products. And maybe one day the pharmaceutical world will develop a proprietary product to exploit for aging issues (as mentioned above). Because NO is a gas, it can also be used in devices for therapeutic inhalation (although that’s mostly for emergency situations in adults or for infants born with pulmonary hypertension).
The good news is that for no money at all we can amplify nitric oxide in our bodies naturally. The two easily available avenues are:
- Breathing
- Humming
Breath is more constant, but how you breathe also makes a difference. Namely, breathing with your mouth closed.
Nasal breathing (through your nose only) produces up to
6x more nitric oxide than breathing through your mouth.
Daily nitric breathing can offer another boost. Despite the myriad videos online explaining exactly how you need to breathe (rate, volume, numbers), it need not be that precise. Taking 2 minutes a day (while sitting or lying down) take a huge breath, hold it momentarily, slowly release and repeat. Experts say that this will reduce your blood pressure. Considering the scientific findings of the molecule, this makes sense.
The Art of Humming
I’m not a hummer by nature. Still, I always smile to myself when someone walks by with a tune on their lips, seemingly from their heart. I get a sense of happiness. Even those who hum in the form of chanting during meditation strike me as flying above it all. Joy may be one description, but there’s another less-elusive benefit.
The bonus of humming is that it produces 15x more (1500%) nitric oxide than when breathing typically. Read that again. It’s just amazing.
Because it significantly increases the levels of this miracle molecule (NO) in our nasal passages, humming is a low-hanging fruit of wellness that is irresistible, joyous and healthy. It even works if you hum off-pitch.
Final Thought
There are few self-help habits as easy, exuberant and advantageous as humming.
If you think it might be an enchanting accompaniment to chores to ‘whistle while you work,’ I say ‘no.’ Instead, hum and reap the bonus of a 1500% boost in Nitric Oxide for your overall well-being. Better yet, perhaps hum the tune ‘whistle while you work.’
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Title picture: Man humming along with earphones image by freepik. Border wikiclipart.
