Coping with Smoke

Tracy McDaniel • July 18, 2023

Preparing for fire season has become a critical part of our work of preventive medicine.  If you haven't already done so, we'd like to encourage you to make sure that you have access to a place that stays cool and has clean air.  We'll give suggestions here to help you create that in your own home, and nutritional and environmental advice to support you in times of heat and smoke. 

 

First, it’s important to keep an eye on the air quality when planning outings. See resources at the end of this article for keeping informed of the daily air quality. Avoid exertion when air quality is poor, or you are feeling symptoms such as

  • eye irritation
  • nasal congestion
  • sore throat
  • chest tightness
  • cough
  • shortness of breath
  • headache


If you are experiencing these symptoms and they are significant, make sure to see your doctor.

 

Find or create an indoor oasis. If possible, use a HEPA filter and an air conditioner (one which does not pull air from outside) along with closed windows to create a safe space to be inside.  Consider inviting friends or family over who don’t have access to AC and a good filter. Kids, pregnant people, elders and people with asthma or other heart/ lung conditions are at highest risk for significant breathing problems due to the pollution we are currently experiencing. If you can’t arrange a cleaner air space at home, consider spending the day at the mall or going to a movie. 

 

Avoid breathing campfire or barbecue smoke, burning incense or indoor candles, using perfumes or chemical cleaners. Voluntary smoking or vaping will be a further challenge to your lungs.

 

Here are a few additional tips for keeping lungs healthy. If you know the principles of an anti-inflammatory diet… use them!

 

  • Eat a rainbow of fresh fruits and vegetables. Raw and lightly cooked are especially useful. Emphasize berries
  • Drink plenty of water, black or green tea. During this time, I suggest you take your weight in pounds, divide it by 2 and drink that many ounces daily. For example, a 150 lb person would drink 75 oz per day
  • Choose healthy fish, grass fed meat and dairy products, pasture raised eggs rather than grain fed animal products
  • Grass fed animals and animal products have a fatty acid profile that decreases, rather than increasing, inflammation
  • Limit your vices. Alcohol and sugar stir inflammation. Good news though… dark chocolate is anti-inflammatory, and good medicine!

 

We use curcumin, NAC and a wide variety of other herbs and nutrients to support lung function as well. Feel free to schedule a visit if you’d like an individualized plan.

 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

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