A review by annemariewellswriter
Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art by James Nestor

informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0

 My therapist recommended that I read this book ages ago, but I was waitlisted at my library FoReVeR. I finally read it this month, and it truly was eye-opening. I, for one, love a good narrative nonfiction book that takes the reader on a journey with the author to discover what their is to discover. In this case, author James Nestor, wanted to understand the scientific mechanisms behind breathing, specifically, how can it be (how has it been) manipulated in order to benefit health? You would think that breathing is breathing, but it's not. Breathing can also be trained in order to have better lung capacity and overall well-being. If there was only one take away, it was to breathe through your nose as much as possible. Mouth breathers might be saying "I can't! I'm a mouth breather" but nose breathing can be trained just like any other exercise training program, and the health benefits are STARK. From asthma, allergies, longevity, emphysema, sleep apnea, changes to the mouth structure, cavities, crooked teeth, high blood pressure, chronic migraine, depression, and more. Even while exercising now, I focus on *shutting my mouth* and breathing through my nose as much as possible. There's so much more to this book as well. I highly recommend. 5 stars.