READ MORE: Not all alcohol is the same... study reveals most dangerous type See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred SourceBy EMILY JOSHU STERNE, US ASSISTANT HEALTH EDITOR Published: 01:01 BST, 30 July 2026 | Updated: 01:28 BST, 30 July 2026
If you've ever struggled to say no to a glass of wine or an extra slice of pie, then a simple one-minute breathing technique might be a way to regain control. Researchers in Australia analyzed data from 20 studies that tracked how breathing influenced cravings for alcohol and other substances. Six breathing techniques were included in the research, including breathing only six times in one minute and participants pacing their breathing to match their heart rate.Overall, scientists found the techniques significantly reduced cravings among the participants.Dr Ariel Dart Roxburgh, lead study author and addiction researcher at Monash University, said: 'Our review suggests that breathing interventions can be an effective and low-cost [intervention].'With more than three quarters of the world’s population owning a mobile phone, the potential benefits of low-cost smartphone-assisted breathing interventions are substantial.'Millions of Americans struggle with cravings, an intense, urgent desire or longing for something, every day, estimates suggest.About one in eight over 50 years old have a food addiction, estimates suggest, while a quarter are thought to deal with a craving at least twice a day. Deep breathing techniques may reduce alcohol and drug cravings, a study from Monash University in Australia suggests
