The 2026 Goodwood Health Summit, held at the Goodwood Estate near Chichester on Thursday 1 October, has highlighted the critical link between respiratory habits and the human microbiome.
Opened by Her Grace the Duchess of Richmond, the event brought together leading experts to explore the “Air Biome”—the interaction between breathing patterns, immunity, and inflammation. The summit, presented by Randox Health and moderated by BBC broadcaster Dr Chris van Tulleken, focused on how simple physiological changes can have a profound impact on long-term wellbeing.
Keynote speaker James Nestor, the author of the bestseller Breath, detailed how modern lifestyles have altered the way humans breathe, often to the detriment of their health. He argued that the way we move air in and out of our bodies directly influences the microbiome, the vast community of microbes that regulate our immune systems.
Four changes for better health
During his keynote, Nestor outlined four core recommendations for those looking to improve their respiratory health and overall internal balance:
Prioritise nasal breathing: Nestor emphasised that the nose filters, heats, and treats air, whereas mouth breathing can bypass these essential biological functions.
Practise slow breathing: Reducing the number of breaths taken per minute can help regulate the nervous system and lower stress levels.
Exhale fully: Ensuring a complete exhale allows for a more efficient intake of oxygen and better clearance of carbon dioxide.
Chewing for airway development: Nestor highlighted the importance of chewing harder foods to support the physical structure of the jaw and maintain open airways.
The summit also served as a platform for the Goodwood Gut Health Programme, a local initiative led by Stephanie Moore that continues to integrate these scientific findings into practical health regimes for the community.
Accessing the summit content
For those who were unable to attend the Chichester estate in person, the organisers offered virtual tickets priced at £10 via Eventbrite. Registered virtual attendees can now access replays of the sessions, including Nestor’s full address and the panel discussions moderated by Dr van Tulleken.
According to official Goodwood Health and Wellbeing records, the 2026 event was the first to specifically focus on the relationship between respiration and the microbiome.
The themes explored at Goodwood are set to reach a wider audience next year. A new documentary series featuring both James Nestor and Patrick McKeown is scheduled for launch in spring 2027, further examining the science of breathing and its role in modern medicine.
