Air Pollution and IBD
Chronic exposure to air pollution has been associated with the development of various autoimmune conditions including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). (Adami) IBD is what is known as an immune mediated disease. Immune mediated diseases are thought to occur based on a combination of genetics and an environmental trigger that disrupts the immune system and results in inflammation and damage to the body.
Common air pollutants include a range of solid particles and gaseous substances released into the atmosphere due to industrial processes, vehicle emissions, and other human activities. Evidence shows these substances can trigger inflammatory pathways and activate inflammation-related genes.(Gawda) In IBD, air pollution can weaken gastrointestinal mucosal defenses and trigger immune responses. (Ananthakrishnan) Continued exposure to air pollutants may also contribute to increased disease activity for those with IBD. (chen)
The good news is there are some simple steps you can take to significantly reduce your exposure to air pollution! Some of the easiest ways include:
Check Air Quality:
- Stay informed about local air quality by regularly checking the Air Quality Index (AQI) through reliable sources such as government websites or monitoring apps.
Choose the Right Times:
- Reduce your time spent outdoors when air quality is poor, especially during peak pollution hours, often midday and early evening.
Create a Clean Indoor Environment:
- Consider air purifiers with HEPA filters to help remove indoor pollutants.
- Keep windows and doors closed during high pollution periods.
- Avoid smoking indoors
- Minimize the use of candles and other sources of indoor pollution.
- Some indoor plants, such as snake plants, pothos, and peace lilies, can improve air quality by naturally filtering pollutants.
Avoid High-Traffic Areas:
- Avoid busy roads, highways, and industrial areas with significantly higher pollution levels.
Ventilation Strategies:
- Use controlled ventilation techniques, such as opening windows during times of lower outdoor pollution levels, to improve indoor air circulation.
- Use exhaust fans while cooking to reduce indoor air pollutants.
*References available with PDF download