A leading doctor has claimed we've all been breathing 'wrong' and recommends a different way, that can benefit our health. The expert is known for regularly suggesting tips we can incorporate into our daily lives to improve our wellbeing.

During a recent episode of his podcast Just One Thing, Dr Michael Mosley was joined by Professor Jon Lundberg from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden. The two discussed that many people have actually been breathing wrong and said by 'changing the way we breathe can better our health'.

As reported by the Mirror, some people tend to inhale and exhale through their mouths, while others use their nose. However, Dr Mosley said that breathing through your nose can increase oxygen uptake, fight off infection, enhance memory and improve the gum health, compared to mouth breathing.

Read more: Laughing gas ban to be examined as Dublin neurologist says it has taken people's ability to walk

Read more: HSE chief says budget provision to run the health service is not enough

He explained: "You might be wondering how can it possibly matter whether you're breathing in through your nose or, like many people, through your mouth. How can it benefit your health? I have to admit, my producer and I were really sceptical at first, but the science behind it is surprising and very clear.

"Breathing through your nose really can improve your lung function, your blood vessels, and even your spatial awareness - and it can protect you against disease." While those who suffer from infections or chronic allergies may struggle to breathe through their nose, Dr Mosley says if "there's nothing wrong with your nose, switching to nose breathing could be one of the simplest things you can do to improve your health."

He added: "First off, breathing through your nose keeps your mouth healthier. Chronic mouth breathing can reduce the amount of saliva you produce, making your mouth drier and increasing the risk of things like tooth decay and inflamed gums. Nose breathing could also give your brain a boost.

"In a recent study, 22 volunteers were given a memory test while they were in a brain scanner. When they were breathing through their noses, they performed better, and the scans revealed their brains were working more efficiently than when they were mouth breathing."

Dr Lundberg added: "Nitric oxide [NO] is generated in our bodies and with a main function of regulating cardiovascular function. So it dilates blood vessels makes the blood flow easier and it also reduces blood pressure in very, very high concentrations. Nitric oxide is a part of the immune system and it can actually help to kill bacteria and viruses."

He continued: "First, we have a local production of NO in the nose and in the paranasal sinuses. So locally, we have super high levels of NO there, which I think help to sterilise the sinuses.

"If you read a textbook of medicine you will find that nasal sinuses are sterile, there are no bacteria there normally, whereas in the nose, the nose is packed with bacteria even in healthy subjects. The second thing we think is happening, which is even more intriguing, I think, is that when NO hits the vessels in the lung, it dilates them so that increases oxygen uptake.

"So we take up a little bit more oxygen when there is nitric oxide around". Dr Lundberg went on to add that NO "attacks bacteria" as it "dilates vessels, especially at the top of the lungs so that blood flow is shifted there so we get a better blood flow in that area."

He added: "We have lesser blood flow, we're at the very top of the lungs because gravity drives the blood towards the ground if you see what I mean. So at the top of the lungs, there is a bad blood flow or any poorly perfused area is always susceptible to infection."

For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.

Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.