A Solution for Breath & Balance
Everyone knows summer can be tough on your body, but there's another part of you that can be affected even more by the summer heat: your breathing.
This problem is especially debilitating in a summer like the one we're in, when temperatures seem to be breaking records and fun summer days are filled with wheezing and heaving.
If this sounds like your summer, you’re not alone. In fact, three major parts of summer – humidity, sunshine, and general heat – can cause you mental stress and trouble breathing. What can result is dehydration and the potential for dangerous complications if you already have lung problems. (1)
But here’s a secret: there IS a way you can not only EASE your breathing, but BOOST your focus and IMPROVE your state of mind, enabling you to ENJOY your summer and INSTANTLY get back to doing what you love outside!
In this blog we talk about how summer affects your breathing, and how you can boost your PHYSICAL HEALTH, MENTAL HEALTH, and enjoy every FRESH BREATH you take all summer long!
SUMMER BREATHING
The first thing to know is that summer breathing problems aren’t your fault. In fact, the general air in summer is to blame as a result of longer days and shorter nights. This is because the increased sunshine in summer contributes higher levels of toxicity to the air we breathe.
This change in general air quality can affect people in many different ways, being especially debilitating to people with pre-existing conditions associated with their lungs, as well as those with COPD and asthma. (2)
Although it’s a good idea to check air quality levels and forecasts (stay indoors if possible when air quality alerts are at unhealthy levels – orange or worse), it’s impossible to stay inside all summer long. The least you can do is UNDERSTAND your body, LISTEN to it, and HELP yourself by avoiding strenuous work outside in dangerous conditions. (3)
QUICK TIP: Avoid the hottest part of the day (11-3) when doing outdoor activities this summer. After this time, you still need to be mindful of the heat and sun by having a solid plan and routine when heading outdoors. (4)
One of the most debilitating parts of summer is humidity. And though many people know the word, many don’t exactly know what humidity is. Basically, humidity is a measure of the vapor in the summer air.
Humidity directly affects your breathing because humid summer air is more dense and thicker than normal air. This can leave you gasping for oxygen to compensate for the increased humidity and associated breathing problems. (5)
Having asthma only compounds problems associated with humid air, as people with asthma already have breathing passages that are disrupted, and air filled with a lot of water vapor (high levels of humidity) is thicker – possibly too thick for your sensitive and smaller pathways. (6)
BREATHE BETTER
The problems with your breathing in summer may actually be a result of your body trying to protect you. This is because toxic summer air and fluctuating temperatures cause your body to fight – for you. As crazy as it sounds, your body is trying to protect you when you struggle by trying to keep your body at a regular and healthy temperature, a difficult task in stifling summer temperatures.
Variables like pollen can also affect your breathing in summer, causing symptoms you may already be familiar with – like wheezing and coughing – to become even worse. Knowing your past breathing successes (and struggles) can help to MAINTAIN GOOD BREATHING HABITS all summer long. (7)
Staying cool is one way to fight the breathlessness common in summer. This can help to curb the need your body feels to take in additional oxygen to maintain a healthy equilibrium bodily temperature. (8)
QUICK TIP: High levels of summer humidity can cause more resistance in your airways, making your breathing problems worse, as well as the worsening of your COPD. Know your body, and make sure you're putting your mental and physical health first before venturing outside in the heat. (9)
We’ve talked about how summer air (pollution) and heat can cause you breathing problems, especially when combined. This additional strain on your lungs can cause heaviness of breath or quicker breathing, and can leave you struggling. But there’s something else summer can cause that can put your breathing in some seriously rough shape – mold.
Your nose can suffer directly as a result, and you can face irritation in your lungs, as well as wheezing and coughing as a result of the film contributed by summer air, which can coat surfaces and cause you breathing trouble. (10)
Another problem with the summer is the constantly fluctuating temperature. This can leave your body struggling to find a good equilibrium and balance, causing your breathing problems to worsen and - many times - appear. (11)
Thankfully, Garner's Garden Has Got Your Back.
And Your Breath.
For a natural solution to your summer breathing problems, check out our NATURAL BREATHE BETTER COLLECTION, which can help you get back to breathing in the best parts of your summer!
Our Breathe Better Collection Includes:
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Breathe Better Body Oil: non-greasy and non-sticky; helps reduce inflammation and revitalize breathing conditions
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Breathe Better Body Wash: infused with eucalyptus and tea tree oil; helps open up your nose and blocked airways
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Breathe Better Body Balm Stick: convenient twist-up tube provides easy relief from congestion and summer sinus troubles with a calming, soothing aroma summer you wants
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Breathe Better Butter: lightweight, creamy, and natural scent provides soothing spa-like experience
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Breathe Better Lip Balm: anti-inflammatory and deeply moisturizing for summer-stressed lips
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Breathe Better Drops: compatible with any humidifier; great for instant headache and migraine relief
And for a quick cool down during this awful summer heat, check out our Natural Hot Flash Spray, which provides fast-acting relief from humidity with a botanical blend of aloe vera and soothing essential oils.
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*Disclaimer: Contact a doctor/health care professional if you have any questions about you or your kid's/baby's health. Don't ignore medical guidance or delay getting help because of content on this site. The content on this site is not meant to replace or as a substitute for any advice, treatment, or diagnosis from a medical health professional. The content on this site is not medical advice or guidance. Speak to a health care professional before you or your kid/baby begin any kind of medical/skin care routine. We are not fully guaranteeing prevention or remedying of any infections, skin problems, breathing problems, or diseases with the content on this site or with our products. Speak to a health care professional when mixing skin care products. Speak to a health care professional before essential oil use. Do not ingest or inhale any product without medical/professional advice. Always read labels carefully.
**Updated: This blog has been edited from a previous version for clarity and to reflect current information.
Sources:
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https://breathepa.org/tips-breathing-easier-summer/
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https://www.piedmont.org/living-better/alleviate-summer-breathing-problems
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https://www.lung.org/blog/heat-waves
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https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/living-with/hot-weather
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https://www.webmd.com/lung/copd-humidity
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https://www.healthline.com/health/humidity-and-asthma
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https://www.altusemergency.com/er-insider/does-extreme-summer-heat-affect-your-breathing-and-cause-lung-disease/
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https://www.templehealth.org/about/blog/copd-asthma-summer-heat-7-tips-manage-symptoms
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https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323657#can-humidity-trigger-copd-symptoms
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https://kauveryhospital.com/blog/pulmonology/tips-to-protect-your-lungs-in-hot-weather/
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https://mdpremier.com/protecting-your-lungs-this-summer/