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How to Stay Healthy, Inside and Outside
Published June 17, 2020 by Jc Drobac
Staying Healthy Indoors:
The theory is that “outside air is always cleaner than inside air.” Indoor air pollutants are often 2 to 5 times higher than outdoors, and sometimes indoor pollutants exceed 100 times that of outdoor levels when measuring for the same pollutants, according to the EPA. So, good ventilation for your home and your workplace, whenever possible, is a must.
According to William J. Calhoun, MD, “Space heaters, ranges, ovens, stoves, furnaces, fireplaces, and water heaters release gases and particulates into the air.’” He adds, “There is also the fairly intense burden of allergens with indoor air quality such as pets, house dust mites. And perennial allergens are 10- to 100-fold higher indoors than out.”
Nitrogen dioxide, a gas released by stoves, is an incredibly irritating gas and creates ozone when combined with sunlight. This can cause asthma-like symptoms such as wheezing even for healthy individuals. Bad air quality can also trigger coughing, sneezing, headaches, chest tightness, and even asthma attacks.
Even new furniture often contains substances like fire retardants and stain protector sprays that are potentially harmful to our lungs/respiratory system. Many of these substances contain carcinogens—chemicals that have been found to cause cancer in humans. So the next time you buy new furniture, rugs or curtains, consider declining the option of applying this added chemical coating. (You can also rent a carpet cleaner with attachment after purchasing new items, and steam clean to remove as many carcinogens as possible).
Protect your respiratory system!
Other ways to avoid harmful pollutants indoors:
Maintain your A/C unit. While we love the convenience of air conditioning on the hottest days, it’s not without risks. Filters can be breeding grounds for bacteria, fungi or black mold. It’s called “air conditioner sickness,” and can be mistaken for the common cold, allergy or asthma symptoms, with symptoms like breathing problems, headaches, dizziness, dry skin and sinuses, heat intolerance, even increased blood pressure. By cleaning our AC units regularly, changing the filter at least every couple of months, keeping the temperature at a comfortable but not freezing level, and taking frequent breaks to step outside for fresh air can help keep our lungs healthy while being comfortable.
Foods Supporting Healthy Lung & Kidneys Function:
This is very important because they work together as a team!
Fatty Fish
Fish high in fat is an excellent choice of food for healthy lungs as they contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids which are linked with lung health.
Apples
Apples are the food for adults who want healthy lungs. A team from St George’s Hospital Medical School, London, studied the diets and lung function of more than 2,500 men aged 45-49. They found that good lung function was associated with high intakes of vitamins C, E, and beta-carotene, citrus fruits, apples, and fruit juices.
Apricots
Apricots are associated with healthy lungs due to their vitamin A content. The Office of Dietary Supplements notes that vitamin A supports respiratory tract linings, and may lower the risk of lung infections.
Broccoli
Broccoli is a highly antioxidant green vegetable with a “pro-lung” compound (called sulforaphane), making it a powerhouse vegetable for good lung health -- especially helpful for individuals with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder).
Poultry
Chicken, turkey, and other small poultry birds can benefit your lungs, too, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. These foods are high in lung health since they boost vitamin A, and, it’s suggested that our bodies may absorb animal-based versions of vitamin A better than plant-based versions.
Walnuts
Walnuts are a vegetarian source of omega-3 fatty acids. Eating regular servings of walnuts — about one handful daily — may help fight asthma and other respiratory ailments according to the Journal of the American College of Nutrition.
Beans
According to the American Cancer Society, beans can support lung health. Kidney, pinto, black and other beans are good sources of antioxidants, which fight off free radicals that may damage lungs.
Berries
Berries are rich in antioxidants, which the American Cancer Society notes protects lungs. Acai and blueberry are two of the top sources, but cranberries, grapes, and strawberries are also good for the lungs.
Maintaining A Healthy Respiratory System Outside:
Remember to avoiding exercising near heavy traffic to decrease the amount of exhaust inhaled. Steer clear of chemically treated lawns, which are known carcinogens (cancer-causing) and endocrine disruptors, which can harm our metabolic systems and create auto-immune disorders!
Easy, immune-boosting activities to enjoy this summer:
Try to avoid chemically treated lawns while exercising outside whenever possible.
Remember, as always, the best defense is a good offense! It's better and MUCH less stressful to continually work on improving our health and maintaining vibrant and powerful immune systems, now and always. Don't live in continual fear of the possibility of sickness, especially since stress from worry can make us more vulnerable to getting sick!
You’re doing GREAT! Keep going!