Breathing exercises are a common practice that involves paying closer attention to your breath to promote relaxation. Many people swear by the effects of these exercises, but science has yet to give us definitive evidence of their validity as weight loss tools. Here’s what we know about breathing exercises and whether they can help you lose weight and keep it off long-term.
What is stress and how can it affect my diet?
Stress is characterized by a physiological reaction to anxiety. When we're under stress, our bodies secrete cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones are intended to help us deal with stressful situations, but when they persist, they can be extremely damaging to our health. Stress often leads to poor diet choices, as we look for foods that will give us a quick boost of energy or happiness. For example, stressed people tend to crave sugar and carbohydrates because they increase serotonin levels in your brain—which also increases dopamine production. This is why you may turn to chocolate cake or French fries when you're feeling stressed out! Fortunately, there are many relaxation techniques that can help counter these effects: deep breathing exercises are one example of how you can work your way into a calmer state.
How do breathing exercises help relieve stress and anxiety?
Deep breathing is an ancient practice that has been adopted by many modern disciplines as a means of achieving total body health. The act of taking slow, deep breaths activates both your parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems, making it great for de-stressing after a stressful day. As you inhale and exhale, stress chemicals are pushed out of your body to make room for oxygen. Other breathing exercises focus on controlling specific areas of your lungs to improve fitness levels, encourage weight loss or help with sleep issues like insomnia.
What evidence is there that shows that breathing exercises can help me lose weight?
First, it's important to note that breathing exercises aren't meant to be used as a weight-loss strategy on their own. As with most things related to fitness and health, there is no magic bullet. Even if breathing exercises do help promote weight loss, they should be used in conjunction with proper diet and exercise habits; otherwise, you might end up spinning your wheels while gaining even more weight (which would obviously negate any health benefits of your new routine). As one of our experts points out: Breathing doesn't burn calories -- sitting on a mat for 20 minutes does. That said, research has shown some correlation between proper breathing and faster metabolism rates.
Are there any risks associated with this type of exercise regime?
Losing weight is beneficial in many ways, but you should be aware that breathing exercises are not for everyone. Some people with certain health conditions (such as high blood pressure or asthma) shouldn’t perform breathing exercises without first consulting a doctor. Additionally, individuals who feel lightheaded upon standing up from a seated position should avoid these types of workouts due to changes in blood pressure. Lastly, keep in mind that your body may need time to adjust to any new type of exercise, so consult with your doctor before beginning any exercise regime.
What types of breathing techniques should I be aware of if I am trying to lose weight?
Since breathing exercises, like other alternative treatments for weight loss, have little scientific support, it’s probably best to leave them out of your diet plan. Talk to your doctor about more traditional methods for losing weight such as calorie counting and using an app like MyFitnessPal. While there is no single technique that works for everyone when it comes to weight loss, there are some tips and tricks you can use to lose weight without changing your lifestyle too much. Here are a few
Conclusions about alternative ways to lose weight
The breathing exercises aren’t meant to replace actual exercise for weight loss. To lose weight, you need a diet and exercise plan that works for you. While some people might find it easier to work on their anxiety and stress with breathing exercises, others find that working out or going on a yoga retreat helps them deal with those emotions in a way that makes it easier to stay consistent over time. Take advantage of all of these options; your body will thank you!