Are you experiencing wildfire smoke in your area? Here are some ways to support your health during wildfire season: 

1. Monitor Air Quality: Use the Air Matters app to check air quality before going outside to exercise. If it smells like smoke, it’s best to stay inside. Air quality tends to be better in the morning and worse in the afternoon and evening.

2. Reduce Exposure: Keep your doors and windows shut when the smoke levels are high. Purchase a HEPA air filter for your home. I use the Coway AAP-1512HH and love it.

3. Food Therapy: Eat pears and/or drink pear juice to soothe the lungs. Onions, garlic, ginger, persimmons, radishes, and turnips, are also beneficial for the lungs. Limit inflammatory foods like dairy, wheat, alcohol, and greasy/fried foods.

4. Keep it Clean: Shower at night to get the smoke particles out of your eyes, nose, and hair. Wash your sheets more frequently. Use a neti pot after going outside to cleanse your sinuses. Drink extra water to flush the smoke particles from your system.

5. Get Acupuncture: Acupuncture can help support the lungs during wildfire season. If you are experiencing fatigue, irritated eyes, a scratchy throat, sinus congestion, shortness of breath, headaches, or foggy thinking, reach out to your local practitioner to schedule a treatment.

If you’re in Boulder and would like to schedule a treatment, click here.

PC: @mkvackay