DiscoverDr. Joseph Mercola - Take Control of Your HealthA Hidden Breathing Problem May Help Explain Chronic Fatigue's Exhaustion
A Hidden Breathing Problem May Help Explain Chronic Fatigue's Exhaustion

A Hidden Breathing Problem May Help Explain Chronic Fatigue's Exhaustion

Update: 2026-01-06
Share

Description

  • In a recent study, 71% of chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) patients tested had abnormal breathing patterns like hyperventilation or dysfunctional breathing, which were not seen in healthy controls
  • Dysfunctional breathing was found in 42% of ME/CFS participants, leading to erratic, inefficient breathing during exertion, often without the person realizing it
  • Low carbon dioxide (CO2) levels from overbreathing reduce oxygen delivery to muscles and the brain, worsening symptoms like brain fog, pain sensitivity, and exhaustion
  • A simple breath-hold test helps identify poor CO2 tolerance, a key sign that your nervous system is stuck in "survival mode" and needs retraining
  • Gentle breath retraining using nasal breathing, light breath holds, and CO2 awareness can improve energy, reduce dizziness, and calm the nervous system
Comments 
In Channel
loading
00:00
00:00
x

0.5x

0.8x

1.0x

1.25x

1.5x

2.0x

3.0x

Sleep Timer

Off

End of Episode

5 Minutes

10 Minutes

15 Minutes

30 Minutes

45 Minutes

60 Minutes

120 Minutes

A Hidden Breathing Problem May Help Explain Chronic Fatigue's Exhaustion

A Hidden Breathing Problem May Help Explain Chronic Fatigue's Exhaustion

Dr. Joseph Mercola