TIPS TO BREATHE EASY
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Whether you live in areas that are experiencing brutal cold right now or in California where it's unseasonably hot and extra polluted due to the fires; your lungs probably need a little TLC.
The inclement weather can produce harsh and dry conditions that can trigger respiratory issues such as asthma, allergies, bronchitis, nosebleeds and even dehydration (that is often felt on the inside and visible on the outside i.e. dry skin patches). We can become more vulnerable to illness in dry weather conditions because breathing dry air causes the normally thick and sticky mucus, that is supposed to trap infection, to become dried out --therefore making it easier to catch a cold or other respiratory ailments. And adding pollution to the mix doesn't help the situation.
Below are 5 tips to take care of your lungs and prevent respiratory illness:
Humidifier: this will help add moisture back in the air. Especially helpful if you've been running the heater which is adding continual hot and dry air in your home.
Nebulized glutathione: adds moisture while coating and delivering antioxidants that protect the entire respiratory tract. You can read more about glutathione here. Your local integrative practitioner should be able to write you a prescription for a nebulizer or if you live in the LA area you can book an appointment with me for this treatment.
Salt inhaler: cleanses breathing passages, my favorite inhaler is this one. I like to add one or two drops of an essential oil such as frankincense.
Take N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC): this is one of nutrients necessary to make glutathione while also helping to protect the lungs, break up mucus and prevent the flu.
Stewed pears: This is one of my go-to recipes in times of extreme dry, cold weather or when I have a cold. It is soothing and hydrating to the lungs (which become greatly affected by dry weather and pollution) ..plus very easy to make. Find the recipe here.