The 1998 Nobel Prize for Science may impact runners and other athletes. Three scientists shared the prize that year for research that has earned little interest outside of the medical community. Surprisingly, it could have a subtle but significant impact on athletes.  

Their discovery was the role played by nitric oxide in the human body. The gas (not nitrous oxide) is produced in our body and has a number of beneficial functions: It controls blood pressure by dilating the blood vessels. Present in the mucosa of the sinus cavities, it is also toxic to many airborne pathogens, destroying them before they reach the lungs and the bloodstream.

Apparently, because nitric oxide is produced in the sinuses, we get its benefit when we breathe through the nose. For years, athletes have been told to mouth breathe in order to get the most oxygen during exercise. Although I know of no studies that confirm it, nose breathing may increases the level of nitric oxide, a vasodilator, in the blood resulting in more blood to the extremities. Runners—think about it! This can be good for us.

I am trying it. I still need to mouth breathe, but when I need to take a deep breath I try to fill my lungs through my nose. I can’t see a big improvement yet, but there could be a subtle change. Mentally it feels like a positive and my running always needs that!

For an interesting article giving 19 reasons to nose breathe see: www.breathing.com/articles/nose-breathing/