As I write this blog, my city of Los Angeles is on fire and two cities have nearly been wiped out. It is devastating to say the least. Plus, being outside for long poses a health risk.
At whatever point you come across this blog, you may also be experiencing the worries and risks of living near a forest fire. Even if your home is safe, the smoky air and ash can affect your health and even make it difficult to breathe. Even without fires, cities with highly polluted air pose many health risks, both physically and mentally.
So, what can you do to protect your health when air quality is this poor? Try these six health & nutrition tips during wildfires and poor air quality to protect your health.
6 Health & Nutrition Tips During Wildfires & Poor Air Quality
1. Eat Antioxidant Foods – fire, smoke and ash are toxic and cause oxidative stress in the body. Eating plenty of foods like berries, dark leafy greens, broccoli, citrus fruits, kiwi, avocado, nuts, and green tea provide antioxidants that help your body fight free radicals and boost your immune system. Try to keep your plate rich with a variety of colors to optimize health benefits. You can also download a free anti-inflammatory meal plan that has lots of foods with both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.
2. Don’t Burn Candles or Incense – these add even more toxins to already polluted air. Instead, you can use pure essential oils like doTERRA to not only make the home smell nice, but support cellular health and help calm anxiety and stress. Frankincense and lavender are some great options. Plus, if you get them from doTERRA (not off any store shelf), you can ingest these two oils by mixing in water or putting into an empty veggie capsule for a greater antioxidant effect. If your breathing is affected, eucalyptus is great in the diffuser also, or mixed with body oil and rubbed over your chest.
3. Workout Indoors – avoid running and walking outside when the air is smoky or brown. Not only may it be harder to breathe and affect your lungs, but you’ll be spending a lot of time inhaling toxins and carcinogens that can harm your body. Opt for the treadmill or an indoor strength workout instead, or drive further away to an area that’s not been affected by polluted air. It’s also best to keep your windows closed at home and avoiding spending too much time outside if you don’t have to.
4. Stay Hydrated – drink plenty of filtered water and fluids. This can help you to pee more frequently which is one way of removing toxins from the body. A general rule is half of your body weight in ounces per day. A few squeezes of lemon may also help support detoxification.
5. Eat Fibrous Foods – high-fiber foods like fruits, veggies, whole grains, avocado and chia seed contain many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to keep you healthy and fight oxidative stress. Fiber also helps keep your bowel movements regular, which is another way to remove toxins from the body. Plus, these foods can help you feel better both physically and mentally, which can make stress management easier and keep your mood up.
6. Reduce Ultra Processed Foods – turning to comfort food, junk foods and alcohol often leads to a worse mood, reduced ability to manage stress, and depressed feelings. The additives, chemicals, and high sugars in many of these foods are also toxic to the body. Try to keep foods with foreign ingredients to a minimum and focus more on whole, God-made, natural foods so stay healthy and manage stress.
Sometimes, feeling like there is something – anything – you can do during such stressful times can help provide a sense of control and relieve stress. So, use all – or any of – these tips to help! Remember to prioritize air quality, stay hydrated, and maintain a healthy diet to help you navigate the unpredictable health challenges associated with wildfire events and pollution.
