Health + Wellness: Tips for Lung & Heart Health in This Scary Era of Massive Fires

An unfortunate side effect of a changing climate is an increase in wildfires.  Over Labor Day the west coast erupted into flames, sending thousands of citizens fleeing and blanketing the region with thick smoke. The air quality in Portland Oregon and surrounding areas reached more than 500 ppb. 301 to 500 is hazardous to all living things. People with pre-existing conditions such as asthma or allergies are struggling the most, but everyone is being affected. There are things we can do, however, to stay safe during these trying times.

1. Invest in a good indoor air purifier. This will help keep the air inside your house as free of particulate matter as possible that drifts in every time a window or door is opened. These fires are now a fact of life. If you don’t need the purifier right now, you will someday. For those that are money conscious you can get a box fan and bungie a filter to the air inlet side and it will filter the air in the immediate area.
2. Keep your windows and doors tightly closed and wear a mask every time you must go outside. Stay inside as much as possible.
3. Really focus on getting enough sleep. This is when our bodies repair themselves.
4. From a Naturopathic perspective, eating moistening foods supports the lungs. Pears, tofu, and spinach are examples of this.
5. Use botanical medicine if you need extra support during this time. At our clinic, we compound a formula with dozens of herbs that all support the respiratory system. This formula flies off the shelf during cold and flu season.

Those with respiratory and cardiac deficiencies already are suffering the most. One thing Naturopathic medicine does well is to support all systems of the body. There are things that can be done to improve lung and heart function. This is a multifactorial approach resulting in improved lung and heart function. Right now is a good time to take a hard look at your overall health. If you are seeking a helping hand from doctors who are trained to assess patients in all aspects, head-to-toe, call today to make an appointment.  

The only person in charge of your health is you. Let us help you take charge. Learn more at www.cynthiabye.com

Dr. Cynthia Bye, ND, FABNO
Board Certified in Naturopathic Oncology