Air Quality and Infectious Diseases
Air Quality and Infectious Diseases
“An estimated 7 million people die every year as a result of exposure to air pollution”
The mountainous landscapes of Utah have seemingly disappeared into a bismal cloud of smoke recently!!
With fires blazing in almost every western state (over 200 fires in California alone!), the dastardly effects have culminated in a hazardous heavenly blanket, stifling the sun, outdoor activities, views and adding to HEALTH PROBLEMS.
Air pollution blows for a bunch of reasons, but specifically, right now it’s particularly worrisome as new research shows it has direct ties to Covid-19.
Francesca Dominici found an association between air pollution over many years with an 8% increase in mortality from COVID-19 infection for every 1 microgram/cubic meter increase in air pollution
Many Americans breathe air with 8 micrograms/cubic meter of particulate matter. 8!! YIKES!
The new findings align with known connections between PM2.5 exposure and higher risk of death from many other cardiovascular and respiratory ailments.
Air pollution is responsible for the following:
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40% of strokes
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11% of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
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6% of lung cancer deaths
SCROLL ON DOWN TO THE BOTTOM OF THE POST FOR FUNCTIONAL FOODS THAT SHUTTLE TOXICANTS OUT OF THE BODY!
It’s never good to breathe in smoke of any quantity, but we should be particularly vigilant now with a RESPIRATORY VIRUS lurking in the shadows that seems to thrive on weak and damaged lungs and compromised immune systems.
The most recent scientific research I could find, suggests there is growing evidence that links chronic illnesses to environmental pollution, especially in urban areas. Even more, findings show that environmental pollutants are significantly correlated with COVID-19 cases and deaths in California, NYC and China.
Perhaps the only good thing to come of all this is a 60% reduction in air pollution since California has locked its residents inside and decreased car emissions. Smog has given way to blue skies, sea life is flourishing and pollution levels in cities have decreased significantly. Better air quality, stronger lungs and better overall health are good news in terms of fighting off and preventing illness.
We need to do better for our planet.
So staying indoors is the solution right?
Well, yes, but also, no. According to the CDC,
“Poorly ventilated buildings have higher risks of infectious
disease transmission.”
Well that’s just great. Basically, there is nowhere to hide. The best thing to do is to strengthen your body and detoxify your home the best you know how.
I had my home inspected last month, and the results of the air quality in and outdoors was interesting. Check out my blog post all about what Ryan from TEST MY HOME, an expert in non toxic homes has to say! He worked for the government to help mitigate pollution and saw first hand how much work still needs to be done to keep us safe. Reach out to your local government and use your voice to make changes, become familiar with what the EPA is reporting on.
He says that fresh air from open windows is ideal, but what do we do when the outdoors are ridiculously hot and/or temporarily ridden with pollutants?
All is not lost. I’ve compiled a list of things we can do and eat to keep our lungs strong and healthy and our indoor air as clean as possible.
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aka things you can do for fee to clean up your air and/or support your lungs
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Exercise! When you are physically active, your heart and lungs work harder to supply the additional oxygen your muscles demand. Just like regular exercise makes your muscles stronger, it also makes your lungs and heart stronger.
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A/C Unit on Fan- Keep the air shaking and moving. Make way for new, fresh, life-giving air.
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Opening Windows every morning and night for an hour- Even the paint in your home is giving off bad vibes, so let your house breathe now and again! Try early morning and late night before temperatures get too wild.
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KEEP IT CLEAN!
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Vacuuming a couple times a week with a vacuum that has a HEPA filter.
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Take off your shoes at the door.
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Clean hard surfaces with a non toxic cleaner.
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Regularly clean bedding, drapes and anything else that could attract allergens. This is super important if you have pets. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology recommends washing in water that is at least 130° F. Also consider using dust mite–proof covers on pillows, as well as mattresses and box springs, whenever possible.
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Cleaning up the clutter helps reduce dust particulates.
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A FEW THINGS TO SNAG
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Change your A/C filter every month- Don’t skimp on these. There are extra protective filters that have activated charcoal for additional filtering.
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Air purifiers- We got this gem at Costco but I also found it on sale on Amazon. It’s ready for nuclear fallout so we keep it in the baby’s room near her diaper disposal unit. We had Test Our Home test out our air and this purifier did a better job than our Dyson purifier which was WAY more expensive.
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This little guy goes wherever we do. It sits in the backseat of the car and doubles as a white noise machine for Coco. It has a little detector on the base that displays the current state of the air you’re breathing in. Red is bad, blue is clean. We love it! It goes in our car, on our strolls and when we travel.
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FOODS FOR HAPPY HEALTH LUNGS
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 235 million people suffer from asthma, which is an under-diagnosed and under-treated condition. So, if you wish to boost your lung health, make sure you incorporate some healthy foods that will help keep your lungs active and working.
Here are functional foods that help support your lungs
and drive out toxicants!
1. Apples
Researchers have linked good lung function with high intakes of vitamins C, E and beta-carotene, all of which are present in apples. Apples come packed with antioxidants that help keep your lungs healthy.
2. Walnuts
Walnuts are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. Eating a handful of them can help fight asthma and other respiratory conditions. Omega-3 fatty acids are thought to be anti-inflammatory nutrients with protective effects in inflammatory ailments.
3. Berries
Acai and blueberry are two of the most effective berries that help keep your lungs healthy. They are rich in antioxidants like vitamin C, which help fight cell damaging free radicals.
4. Broccoli
Broccoli is high in vitamin C content, carotenoids, folate and phytochemicals that fight damaging elements in the lungs. Broccoli is said to have an active constituent called L-sulforaphane, which tricks the cells to switch on the anti-inflammatory genes that further avoids respiratory conditions.
5. Cayenne Pepper
The capsaicin in cayenne pepper helps stimulate secretions and protects mucus membranes from upper and lower respiratory tract. It is best to drink cayenne pepper tea that is also a great source of beta-carotene, which has great effects on reducing the many symptoms of asthma.
6. Ginger
Ginger is not only anti-inflammatory but also helps detoxifying and promotes the elimination of pollutants from the lungs. Ginger helps in relieving congestion, unclogging air-passages and improving circulation to the lungs, further boosting lung health. We got you covered on ginger in the Tropical Gut Refresh Smoothie during The Gut Refresh!!
7. Flaxseeds
According to a study published in the Journal BMC Cancer, a diet of flaxseeds given to mice not only protects lung tissues before exposure to radiation, but can also significantly reduce the damage after exposure occurs.
8. Garlic
Garlic comprises flavonoids that stimulate the production of glutathione, which helps enhance the elimination of toxins and carcinogens, further helping your lungs to function better.
9. Water
Water is the best way to detoxify your body processes. Dry lungs are prone to irritation and increased inflammation. Keeping your lungs MOIST ;-) helps a lot!!
10. Turmeric
Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties; thanks to the curcumin compound present in it. This compound helps relieve inflammation of the airways and tightness of chest associated with asthma.
As always thanks for visiting my little space online
I just love your guts!!
Chanelle Cozette Doyle
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