Simple Ways to Improve Air Quality in Your Home.

Breathe Better: Supporting Your Health During Wildfire Season

This Summer has been significantly affected by wildfires. Whether you are located in places directly impacted, like California, Arizona, Canada, or Colorado, or you are in a place that feels the smoky residual, it is essential to keep our air as clean as possible. Living in Colorado, we have noticed our air is hazy and there is a lingering smell of smoke that seems to sneak into the house. The air quality has significant effects on our bodies, particularly in terms of inflammation, immune support, and overall energy.

Air Quality Aligns With Metabolic Health

The air we breathe is just as much a part of our metabolic health as the food we eat or the water we consume. When air is filled with microscopic particles from wildfire smoke, these can travel deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream.

Over time, this exposure can:

• Increase whole-body inflammation, affecting hormone and blood sugar balance.

• Disrupt cellular energy production, leaving us feeling drained.

• Add extra stress to detoxification pathways, impacting liver and immune function.

• Reduce oxygen delivery, affecting mental clarity, stamina, and recovery.

Clean air can support the body and give our cells the oxygen they need to repair, restore, and thrive. Achieving clean air is easier said than done, especially in the thick of wildfire season. So what can you do?

Simple Ways to Improve Air Quality

While we can’t control the smoke outside, there are effective ways to support cleaner air indoors, such as:

• Houseplants like peace lilies, snake plants, and pothos can help filter certain toxins while bringing calming greenery into your space.

• Essential oil diffusers with purifying oils like eucalyptus or tea tree can freshen the air naturally.

• Keep windows closed during days of heavy smoke and seal any noticeable drafts.

• Use a damp cloth to wipe down surfaces more often, as particles can settle indoors.

• Run your bathroom and kitchen fans to help circulate and refresh the air.

Alongside these simple measures, we also love the Brio® 650 Air Purifier. Developed by air quality experts at the University of Washington, it uses patented APART™ electrostatic technology to quietly capture ultrafine particles — including smoke, allergens, bacteria, and even some viruses — without clogging filters. It’s efficient for commercial and residential use and wonderfully quiet. If you are interested, click the link at the end of this post to learn more about its many features!

Keeping the air quality in your home is essential for overall well-being, but there are also other ways to keep your lungs healthy, such as:

• Sip water or soothing herbal teas like mullein, thyme, or chamomile to keep airways hydrated and help the body naturally clear irritants.

• Eat colorful, nutrient-rich foods to protect and repair lung tissue:

  • Berries & citrus – Packed with vitamin C and antioxidants to reduce oxidative stress from smoke exposure.

  • Avocado – Rich in healthy fats and vitamin E, which protect cell membranes from damage.

  • Salmon – High in omega-3 fatty acids, which help lower inflammation in the respiratory tract.

  • Broccoli & other cruciferous vegetables – Contain compounds that support detox pathways and help the body clear toxins more efficiently.

• Practice slow, deep belly breathing each day to strengthen lung capacity and improve oxygen exchange.

• Move gently indoors with stretches, walking, or yoga to support circulation and oxygen delivery without overtaxing the lungs.

• Inhale steam from warm water, with or without eucalyptus — the warm moisture loosens mucus, soothes irritated airways, and makes breathing more comfortable.

• Prioritize restful sleep and moments of calm so the body can repair and the immune system can stay strong.

Gratitude For Those Protecting Our Communities

We would like to hold space for those who work tirelessly in the thick of it, battling the flames, monitoring air quality, and keeping communities safe. To the firefighters, first responders, and all those supporting wildfire efforts: we see you, and we are deeply grateful. Your courage, endurance, and dedication make it possible for the rest of us to focus on caring for our families and our health.

We also hold deep compassion and gratitude for those who have been profoundly affected, those who have lost homes, belongings, or loved ones. Our hearts are with you.

Wherever you are this season, may you find moments to step away from the haze, take a slow, clean breath, focus on supporting your body from the inside out, and do a rain dance!

Use the code Brio650Colorado200 for $200 off your Brio if you live in Colorado! Active through August!

Get Your Brio Filter Here

Written by Ruby Laemmel, Marketing and Client Relations Manager, Certified in Mindful Eating.