GOOD
Health
Outdoor Protection, From the Inside Out BY DR. JENNIFER BRIX, nd
As a sun lover and wanna-be avid gardener, I know first-hand the benefits of those warm rays of sunshine. And as a new mother, I try to spend as much time as I can in nature so I can introduce my young daughter to the sounds of birds, the smells of foliage, and the feeling of the natural ground beneath our feet. But I am also aware of the potentially harmful effects of the big outdoors!
Y
ou are likely familiar with the dangers of too much sun exposure—from wrinkles to oxidative stress and cancer—but you should also be aware of the risks from air pollution. In British Columbia, we are unfortunately exposed to wildfire smoke every summer, so even if you are lucky enough
not to smell exhaust on your daily commute, you might not be totally protected from air pollution. For many years, correlations have been made between air pollution and illnesses such as cardiac arrhythmia, pulmonary disorders, cancers, Alzheimer’slike brain declines, and many childhood conditions including ADHD, lower IQ, and
DR. JENNIFER BRIX, nd is a naturopathic doctor, health educator, and public speaker with a passion for empowering her patients to achieve optimal health. Dr. Jen has special expertise in treating digestive complaints, hormone imbalances, and brain-related health conditions and practices. She works at Brix Wellness in Kelowna, BC. 11 | July/August 2021
even death in infants and children under the age of 5 years. Several nutrients have been shown to provide health benefits and protective effects in people exposed to air pollution, including wildfire smoke, as well as UV radiation. Consider eating foods high in these nutrients or supplement if you need to.
brixwellness.com
