5 Keys to Improve Lung Health
I hope you’re having a fantastic summer. Unfortunately, it has become all too common for our hot summer weather to be accompanied by poor air quality. There have recently been air quality advisories across most of Ontario, and Toronto was ranked as having the worst air quality in the world last week! Some meteorologists predict that our air quality may be compromised at times throughout this summer.
When the air quality index is elevated, it’s important for you and your family to stay indoors and limit time spent outdoors as much as possible. Extended exposure to poor air quality can lead to the following symptoms:
- Eye irritation
- Fatigue
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Throat irritation
- Cough
- Headache
If you are experiencing any new or worsening symptoms mentioned above, please don’t hesitate to contact our Naturopathic Clinic or your family doctor’s office. Those with pre-existing respiratory issues (COPD, asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, emphysema) may be most impacted by compromised air quality and have a higher likelihood of developing these symptoms.
In order to be preventative, here are five health tips that you can start to improve lung health:
1) Use an air purifier: an air purifier can eliminate a high percentage of toxins and pollutants that we inhale. Air purifiers can help you minimize exposure to mold toxins, air pollutants, smoke, bacteria, viruses, allergens, dust, and more. Make sure to keep an air purifier in your bedroom and any rooms where you spend the most time.
2) Wear a protective mask: If you have to spend time outdoors when the air quality is compromised, you should use an N95 mask. An N95 mask can help filter and minimize air pollutants and toxins when you are outdoors.
3) Deep breathing techniques: ‘Diaphragmatic breathing’ can help to reduce stress, improve tissue oxygenation, reduce cortisol levels, and improve breathing efficiency. Slow and controlled breathing techniques can also strengthen respiratory muscles and help to reduce symptoms of wheezing, shortness of breath, and fatigue, especially with exertion.
4) Try herbal teas: It’s easy to incorporate herbal teas into your daily regimen, and several herbal teas can help with lung health. Green tea, Ginger tea, and Peppermint tea are all common tea options that can help with breathing, congestion, and overall lung health.
5) Dietary antioxidants: Antioxidants can help to improve lung health, and we can choose to include more antioxidant-rich foods in our diets. Some of the best foods for lung health include apples, tomatoes, beets, oranges, carrots, and bell peppers.
At our naturopathic clinic, we also offer the following natural treatment options, for additional lung support:
Inhalation treatments:
At our clinic, we use inhalation treatments that deliver antioxidants, like glutathione, directly to the lung cells. Inhalation treatments using nebulized glutathione help improve breathing, reduce coughs and shortness of breath, improves lung detoxification, and improves lung immunity.
IV nutrient therapy:
We can also utilize IV nutrient therapy to deliver higher dosages of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants directly to the tissues and cells that need it most. These nutrients can help boost immunity, increase energy levels, and reduce symptoms of asthma, COPD, etc.
Supplementation:
We can also use supplementation when higher nutrient dosages are required, or when certain nutrients and antioxidants are more difficult to consistently include in our diets. We can also use botanical tinctures that help with lung detoxification and lung health.
Lung detoxification:
For chronic respiratory conditions, and to improve overall lung health, we will often put together lung detoxification protocols for our patients. Our lungs encounter and filter a lot of toxins directly, so detoxification plays an integral role in improving lung health.
For patients that have chronic respiratory conditions, such as COPD, asthma, emphysema, or pulmonary fibrosis, we have excellent natural treatment options that are safe, effective, and help you feel much better!
If you, or someone you know, would like to make an appointment to discuss your lung health and natural treatment options, please don’t hesitate to call or email our clinic.
Yours in health,
Dr. Michael Morsillo, H.B.Sc., N.D.
Newmarket Naturopathic Doctor
16655 Yonge Street, Newmarket, ON
905-898-1844 ext. 135
dr.morsillo@gmail.com
www.drmorsillo.com