Click on the picture (on the right side) to watch the video clip "Breathing and genetics" (it will open in a new window).

Yugoslavian doctors from Zagreb asked 90 asthmatics to do voluntary over-breathing (Mojsoski & Pavicic, 1990). All patients (100%) experienced asthma attacks.

In 1997, the American Journal of Cardiology published results of a similar study performed by Japanese medical professionals from the Kumamoto School of Medicine (Nakao et. al, 1997). Over 200 heart patients were asked to hyperventilate, and as you probably guessed, all of them had coronary artery spasms (or symptoms of impending heart attacks).

Similarly, people with histories of migraine headaches, panic attacks or epilepsy also experience their specific symptoms. If breathing more can provoke these problems, is it possible that breathing less can prevent them?

How do we check a car? The first thing that is checked is its ability to start or to breathe. Breathing of a good car is almost invisible and inaudible. Then the car is put into gear and its breathing at different speeds and conditions is tested. Breathing of the car is not the only important parameter. However, it is the most important general characteristic.

Let us imagine that the human organism is like a car that needs certain substances and maintenance for normal functioning. According to its design, the new car should be able to last for a certain number of years and run for a certain amount of time.

Now the question is: "Which part or system of the car is going to break down first due to wear and other negative influences?" The answer to this question can be provided by any mechanic. The location of the weakest place in a car depends on:

1. the type of the car (its make or initial state, including strong and weak parts and systems);

2. the outer conditions of use (environmental parameters, like temperature, humidity, types of roads used, etc.);

3. how was the car handled during its time, including quality of practical driving and car maintenance (ability to detect the problems and to solve them; systematic care and checking of oil levels, braking fluid level, washing fluid, etc.; regularity of checks and inspections).

Cars are made differently. Some cars have more durable engines, others stronger bodies, still others are famous for their excellent chassis. At the same time, the cars normally have certain weak points, in some parts or systems.

The car will run longer, if environmental conditions are more favourable (the weather is not too cold or too hot and dry, the roads are smooth, etc.).

If the driver is careless in driving (speeding, especially on bad road surfaces; sharp and fast turns; too sudden release of the clutch; etc.), the car is going to last less time. Vice versa, the driver can be too cautious (driving too slowly; delayed release of the clutch; etc.). That also can create certain problems for the car.

Some drivers are sensitive and pay due attention to all possible abnormalities of the car. Such cars, as people say, are in good hands. Other people can either neglect possible problems or can be too attentive to some insignificant details. Problems with the car are possible in both cases. Maintenance of the car and its systematic check are other qualities that drivers may or may not have.

In addition, the same driver can be, for example, intelligent in relation to certain parts or systems of the car, while neglecting some others.

The possible problems depend on the interplay of the above-mentioned factors.

Now let us return to humans in health and disease. The possible development of a disease (a person's inability to function normally) depends on the following factors:

1. his initial state (strong and weak parts and systems or genetic characteristics of the person);

2. outer conditions of functioning (environmental parameters, like temperature, humidity, and radiation; influx of pathogenic and toxic substances, like bacteria, viruses, free radicals, etc.; stress experienced, etc.);

3. choices he has made in the past (food, drink, exercise, breathing, personal philosophy, etc.)

For the list of the quoted references click here

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