In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, my guest is Dr. Jack Feldman, PhD, a Distinguished Professor of Neurobiology at the University of California, Los Angeles, and a leading expert in the science of breathing.

We explain the mechanics of breathing and the neural circuits that generate and regulate our breathing rhythm. We also discuss how breathing patterns profoundly influence mental states, including their role in reducing anxiety and enhancing emotional resilience. Dr. Feldman also shares practical tools, such as box breathing for daily performance and magnesium L-threonate supplementation to support cognitive health and longevity.

Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com.

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Timestamps

00:00:00 Jack Feldman

00:00:23 Breathing Mechanics, Diaphragm; Pre-Bötzinger Complex & Breath Initiation

00:03:25 Nose vs Mouth Breathing

00:04:23 Sponsor: Mateina

00:05:24 Active Expiration & Brain; Retrotrapezoid Nucleus

00:08:32 Diaphragm & Evolution; Lung Surface Area & Alveoli, Oxygen Exchange

00:12:56 Diaphragmatic vs Non-Diaphragmatic Breathing

00:14:23 Physiological Sighs: Frequency & Function; Polio & Ventilators

00:18:21 Sponsor: AGZ by AG1

00:19:52 Drug Overdose, Death & Gasps

00:21:38 Meditation, Slow Breathing & Fear Conditioning Study

00:25:28 Mechanistic Science in Breathwork Validation; Breath Practice & Reduced Fear

00:27:21 Breathing & Emotional/Cognitive State, Olfaction, Vagus Nerve

00:29:44 Carbon Dioxide, Hyperventilation & Anxiety

00:31:21 Sponsor: Eight Sleep

00:32:47 Breathing, Emotion & Autonomic Processes Coordination; Depression & Breath Practices

00:36:43 Tool: Breathwork Practices, Box Breathing, Tummo, Wim Hof

00:38:46 Magnesium L-Threonate & Cognitive Enhancement; Compound Refinement

00:44:28 Clinical Trial, Magnesium L-Threonate & Cognitive Improvements; Dose, Sleep

00:48:28 Acknowledgements

Disclaimer & Disclosures

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