09: Breathe Easy: Transform Your Health by Prioritizing Air Quality
In this episode of the Modern Thyroid and Wellness podcast, host McCall McPherson tackles the often overlooked topic of air quality with guest expert Mike. While diet and hydration are widely acknowledged as vital to our health, McCall and Mike emphasize that clean air plays an equally crucial role—especially when it comes to thyroid health and overall well-being. Mike shares practical tips for improving indoor air quality, like using back burners while cooking and keeping pets clean, and introduces the Jaspr air purifier, known for its durability and efficiency. Listeners receive an exclusive discount code MCCALL for $400 off Jaspr, valid from November 11th to November 18th.
Scientific Studies on Air Quality & Thyroid Health:
McCall and Mike also explore recent studies linking poor air quality with thyroid health issues, particularly autoimmune thyroid disorders. Here are some key findings:
- Thyroid Hormone Disruption by PM2.5
- Study: “Association between Ambient Particulate Matter Exposure and Thyroid Function in Adults”
- Summary: Higher exposure to PM2.5 particles has been shown to alter thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, which may impact thyroid function and contribute to autoimmune conditions.
- Source: Environmental Health Perspectives (2017), Xu et al.
- PM2.5 and Autoimmune Diseases in Italy
- Study: “Air Pollution and Autoimmune Diseases: A Review on the Pathophysiology and Current Epidemiology”
- Summary: Evidence suggests that PM2.5 exposure may increase autoimmune disease risk, including Hashimoto's thyroiditis, through chronic inflammation.
- Source: Autoimmunity Reviews (2019), Cacciani et al.
- Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Autoimmune Thyroid Disease
- Review: “Air Pollution and Thyroid Health: The Potential Link between Particulate Matter and Thyroid Disorders”
- Summary: Particulate matter exposure can trigger inflammation and oxidative stress, which are known to contribute to autoimmune thyroid conditions.
- Source: Frontiers in Endocrinology (2021), Choi & Cho.
- Environmental Pollutants and Thyroid Health
- Study: “Association between Environmental Pollutants and Thyroid Cancer and Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases”
- Summary: Chronic exposure to pollutants like PM2.5 has been associated with higher rates of autoimmune thyroid conditions, including Hashimoto's.
- Source: Thyroid (2020), Zheng et al.
- Urban PM2.5 Exposure in Poland
- Study: “Effect of Air Pollution on Thyroid Antibody Levels in Urban Residents”
- Summary: Polish urban residents exposed to PM2.5 showed elevated antithyroid antibodies, a marker of autoimmune thyroid disease.
- Source: Environmental International (2018), Kowalski et al.
Show Highlights:
- The importance of clean air for thyroid and overall health
- Practical steps to improve indoor air quality
- Overview of recent studies linking air pollution and thyroid disorders
- Special listener discount on the Jaspr air purifier
Links and Resources:
More episodes from "Modern Thyroid and Wellness"
Don't miss an episode of “Modern Thyroid and Wellness” and subscribe to it in the GetPodcast app.
