Air Quality and Inflammation
I was planning to sit down today and get my newsletter sent out. It’s long overdue and I have lots of tidbits I want to share. But it seems more timely to do a blog on air quality, so stay tuned for my newsletter next week. It’ll be a blockbuster issue and you can sign-up here if you haven’t already!
As one of my sons landed in Baltimore this morning, this is how the sky looked. It’s smoke from wildfires in Canada. It’s affecting flights on the east coast of the United States, and it’s scary to think about the number of people across the globe being affected by smoke from wildfires. Unfortunately air pollution from wildfires is getting worse and this week the effects of massive fires in Canada are affecting cities from Portland to New York City, and as far way as Europe. Living in British Columbia, Canada we are sadly no strangers to the devastating consequences of forest fires. I know from personal experience that my health suffers when I am exposed to toxins in my environment. It causes my neurological symptoms to flare up. I wrote a blog about it a few months ago. This current blog is about how to cope with the effects of wildfire smoke.
Air Pollution from Wildfire Smoke Can Cause Inflammation
Wildfire smoke is a toxic mixture of fine particles, called PM 2.5, and gases, such as volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide. People with certain health conditions like asthma and other lung disease are obviously very susceptible to air pollution. Did you know that people with inflammation and autoimmune conditions in general, are also susceptible to the effects of poor air quality? When inhaled deep into the lungs, the fine particulate matter from wildfire smoke, can cause widespread inflammation in the body. Increased inflammation can worsen symptoms of an autoimmune disease.
What You Can Do About It
The most important thing to do is listen to your body. If you are feeling the effects of poor air quality, stay indoors with the windows closed as much as possible or find safe places in your community like libraries and recreation centers that usually have good air filtration systems and air conditioning. Wear an N95 mask when going outside. Avoid exercise and exertion outside during poor air quality days. Drink plenty of water as this helps to flush toxins out of the liver and kidneys. Consider purchasing an air purifier.
Understanding Air Purifiers
Air purifiers can significantly improve the quality of the air we breathe. Look for one that has an HEPA or even better, an UltraHEPA filter and a charcoal filter that significantly reduces the concentrations of PM 2.5 indoors. It’s especially beneficial to have one of these filters in your bedroom and on bad air quality days, a portable unit can be moved around the house.
By implementing the tips above, hopefully you will be able to keep symptoms of inflammation from escalating, breathe a little easier, and feel a bit better.
