Book Review of Breath by James Nestor

“Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art” by James Nestor is a groundbreaking work that delves into the fascinating world of the science of breathing. The book gained immense popularity, transforming into an international bestseller with over two million copies sold worldwide.

Throughout the book, Nestor provides a comprehensive look at the history, science, and cultural practices surrounding breathing, with a focus on the stark contrast between mouth breathing and nasal breathing. The evolution of our breathing is explored, outlining how humans gradually shifted from nasal breathing, our natural state, to chronic mouth breathing.

This shift, largely influenced by the rise in consumption of processed foods, has caused an upsurge in health conditions like snoring, sleep apnea, asthma, autoimmune disease, and allergies. Nestor’s insights on breathing are further enriched by his personal experiences and accounts of his collaboration with scientists at Stanford University. Their joint research suggests that reverting to nasal breathing can bring substantial improvements to an individual’s health.

Published by Riverhead Books on May 26, 2020, “Breath” was widely promoted, including appearances on The Joe Rogan Experience and CBS This Morning. The impact of breathing on health, as outlined in this book, was acknowledged by a vast audience, pushing the book to debut at number seven on The New York Times nonfiction best-seller list for the week ending May 30, 2020. “Breath” remained on the list for 18 weeks in the first year of publication and claimed bestseller status in various countries, including Germany, Spain, Croatia, Italy, and the UK. By February 2022, the book had crossed the milestone of selling over a million copies.

Whether you’re wondering “What does science say about breathing?” or “Why is nasal breathing better than mouth breathing?” – “Breath” by James Nestor is the book to read.

Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art” undoubtedly stands as the most impactful book I’ve encountered on the subject of breathing and its associated techniques. With an array of experts and resources available in the mindfulness and breathing spaces, this book outshines them all, effortlessly intertwining comprehensive breakdowns of breathing techniques with fascinating historical context. A treasure trove of insight for anyone keen to delve into the world of mindful breathing.