I had a lunch meeting and when we walked outside to leave, the air looked like the image above: kind of foggy or grainy and unclear. In fact, there was a weird tint to the light. It wasn't your beautiful Carolina blue sunny sky day. It was more like the industrial district of a congested city.
Naturally, I had to look up what was going on when an alert came on my phone saying there was "poor air quality." I clicked on it thinking there must be a fire somewhere when it described the cause was "particular matter" less than 2.5 PM. What in the world is that?!
Particular matter is a complex mixture of solids and liquid coated "aerosols" composed of dry solid fragments and things with a solid core and a liquid coating. This can be dust, dirt, soot, smoke, or other chemical compounds from construction sites, unpaved roads, smokestacks, fires, automobiles, power plants, and other industrious things. The particles are large enough to see and small enough to be inhaled which can cause serious health problems.
Source: https://www.epa.gov/pm-pollution
Insert your favorite "yuck" emoji here!!
When you step outside and see your air looking like this, go back inside and re-arrange your day because this is not what you want to inhale in your body!
This would be a great day to do an indoor project or activity, exercise indoors, or go to the movies.
Environmental toxins are in us, on us, and all around us unfortunately and can cause an immediate aggravation of health conditions like COPD, asthma, and even headaches. What's more troubling are the health conditions that are less obvious such as cancer, miscarriages, autoimmune diseases, and other inflammatory conditions.
We can't live in a bubble but we can take extra precautions by implementing some of the following:
Minimize Exposure
You can minmize your exposure by doing acitivites indoors, keeping your windows and doors to the outside closed, or not opening up your sunroof or taking the top down in your convertible. Some fun indoor activities could be playing games, watching movies, doing a puzzle, or even reading. Maybe there's that closet or drawer you've been wanting to clean out for a while or those smaller tasks you've been meaning to do that are work-related.
2. Increase your anti-oxidants
Increased pollution in the body means increased oxidative stress and potential for cellular damage. This is a great time to remember your wonderful anti-oxidants such as Vitamin C. We have fat soluble anti-oxidants such as vitamin A, E, D, and Selenium. You will often find the "A-D-E-K" combination in a liposomal or oil based supplement because the oil helps these vitamins get absorbed better in the body. Another powerful anti-oxidant the lungs love is NAC or Glutathione. Glutathione is hard to absorb when taken by mouth, so we often offer NAC instead.
3. Air filtration system
Air purifiers are really helpful for those who suffer from environmental toxins or even mold. You can check out small portable air purifiers for your office and bedroom. I would consider putting one in the rooms you frequent the most. Here are a few to look into:
Oransi Mod HEPA
Air Mini+
MA-40 Air Purifier
*HEPA stands for: High Efficiency Paricular Air filters. I would highly suggest you get an air purifer that has this qualification.
*I have no affliation with these brands.
Be safe and mindful out there, folks! If you see the air looking like there's been a big fire somewhere, protect yourself and your loved ones and stay indoors. As much as I am a huge advocate for getting outside, the key is to get outside in FRESH AIR.
Energetically,
Dr. Lexi
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