This summer’s high heat and humidity have been great for those vacationing by the lakes, but it has created the perfect storm for poor air quality. Forest fires and the hot, heavy air that traps pollution from industry and cars have made air quality a real health risk.
What to do?
1. Prevention – limit your overall exposure
- Avoid the outdoors when pollution is highest, especially heavy outdoor exercise
- Get out of urban environments and into nature
- Quit smoking and avoid second-hand smoke
2. Improve your indoor air quality
We have written lots about this before:
3, Support your body’s ability to detoxify
Many pollutants are “fat soluble” toxins, which means they are detoxified through the liver, where they become water soluble so the kidneys can dispose of them, or they are emulsified in the bile of the liver and removed through the bowel. Either way, supporting the kidney and liver to get rid of those nasty chemicals is worth doing. Here are a few strategies:
- Drink LOTS of water. This is important in the heat, but also in helping the kidneys flush out toxins.
- Eat lots of FIBER. Fiber will bind the bile and its toxic components to ensure you don’t recycle this garbage out to your liver.
- Eat LOTS of broccoli. Broccoli is a member of the brassica family, which also includes kale, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower. This family of plants supports your liver’s detox systems, especially those pathways associated with environmental pollutants.
- Work with your ND to develop a more aggressive detoxification plan. The first day of fall is around the corner and the change of season is a great time to support your body!