We all want to breathe air that is clean and fresh, of course, and most of us know that doing so will improve lung function as well as reduce the effects of asthma and allergies. But you may not know that the air around us can also provide a variety of other, perhaps less expected benefits too. Let’s explore some of the many ways that air quality can improve your health and your life.
Reduced risk of heart disease and diabetes. Contaminants and harmful particles don’t just enter our lungs; they travel through the bloodstream and can impact your heart, liver and kidneys. Air quality has been shown to limit your chance of heart attack, stroke, diabetes and other serious health conditions.
Younger-looking skin. In addition to what we breathe, clean air can have external benefits on the outside of our bodies as well. By reducing the number of irritants in the environment, purified air can make your skin look younger and healthier.
Improved mental functioning. Our brains depend on oxygen to function properly and breathing polluted air can impede the brain’s ability to perform at its best. The cognitive benefits of clean air include increases in alertness, focus, productivity and memory.
Greater happiness. Air quality has also been linked to mental health and wellbeing, which help enhance our overall quality of life. Depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions have been associated with breathing polluted air.
Quality sleep. The air we breathe over the course of a night has a significant impact on our body’s ability to fully rest and recover. Purified air will allow you to fall asleep faster and achieve deeper, longer-lasting levels of sleep.
Better digestion. Respiration is also an important factor in digestion, allowing us to efficiently process food and excrete waste. By limiting your exposure to harmful viruses and bacteria, breathing good air will boost immunity and improve overall gut health.
Increased longevity. A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that clean air can actually add five months onto your expected lifespan! There is no greater health benefit than the ability to live a long and healthy life.
Lower medical costs. Taken as a whole, these benefits can significantly reduce your healthcare costs over time. Who doesn’t want to save money and avoid unnecessary visits to the doctor?