Image credit: Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times
Wildfires have become an increasingly common occurrence, impacting not just our environment but also our health. Wildfire smoke inhalation can fill your body with harmful toxins, including fine particulate matter and heavy metals. These can lead to respiratory issues, inflammation, and stress on your body’s detoxification systems.
At HigherDOSE, we’re here to support you during these challenging times. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to support your body during and after wildfire exposure.
What is Wildfire Smoke?
Wildfire smoke contains a blend of harmful air pollutants such as PM2.5, NO2, ozone, aromatic hydrocarbons, and lead. It is comprised of a mixture of gaseous pollutants, carbon monoxide, hazardous air pollutants (HAPs), water vapor, and particle pollution. The smoke pollutes the air with these toxins, which we breathe in. The risk of wildfires grows in extremely dry conditions, if there is a drought, a heat wave, or high winds.
We’ve compiled five effective strategies to detox after wildfire smoke inhalation, including top supplements, lifestyle adjustments, and wellness tools to help cleanse your body and restore balance.
1. Supplements for smoke inhalation detox
Taking the right supplements will play a big role in counteracting the harmful effects of inhaling wildfire smoke by boosting your body’s natural detox pathways and reducing inflammation.
Some supplements that help with detox are:
Black Seed Oil: This oil has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, helps neutralize free radicals, and supports lung health. It is not recommended to exceed three teaspoons per day (15 g of seeds or 15 ml of oil).
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These fatty acids reduce inflammation and support cardiovascular and respiratory health, helping to counteract the wildfire smoke’s effects on the body.
Vitamin C and Vitamin E: These antioxidants work together to combat oxidative stress and protect your cells from damage caused by airborne toxins.
Cordyceps: A medicinal mushroom that enhances respiratory function and supports energy levels, making it ideal for those recovering from smoke exposure.
Ashwagandha: This helps balance cortisol levels and support your body’s stress response during environmental challenges.
Probiotics: Probiotics restore balance to your microbiome, which is crucial for overall detoxification, as wildfire toxins can disrupt gut health.
Zinc: Taking Zinc will help support your immune function and helps the body repair tissues damaged by harmful toxins.
Curcumin: This is the active compound in turmeric, and a potent anti-inflammatory agent that aids in reducing inflammation.
Milk Thistle: Milk thistle helps the body process and eliminate toxins efficiently and known for detoxing the liver.
Magnesium: This supports relaxation, helps reduce muscle tension, and aids in detoxification by improving cellular energy.
NAC (N-Acetylcysteine): This a powerful antioxidant that people commonly use to help with a cough and other lung conditions.
Always consult a healthcare provider before taking new supplements.
2. Natural remedies for smoke inhalation: Stay Hydrated
Hydration and a nutrient-rich diet are essential for flushing toxins from your body and promoting recovery:
Drinking Electrolytes and Coconut Water:
Staying hydrated is critical. Adding electrolytes or drinking coconut water helps replenish essential minerals lost due to stress and exposure.
Detox Teas:
Some detox teas to drink are:
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Dandelion Leaf Tea
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Peppermint Tea
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Green Tea
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Ginger Tea
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Lemon Tea
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Turmeric Ginger Tea
These teas support liver function, soothe the digestive system, and combat inflammation.
3. Foods for wildfire smoke detox
Eating the right foods can play a powerful role in detoxing your body after exposure to wildfire smoke. Incorporating these foods into your meals is a simple yet effective way to aid recovery and restore balance to your system.
Foods to help with detox are:· Leafy Greens: spinach, kale, and arugula are packed with chlorophyll, which helps bind to toxins and remove them from your body
- Garlic
- Beetroot
- Cauliflower
- Broccoli
- Blueberries
- Lemon
- Flaxseeds
- Apple
4. Purify Yourself and Your Environment
Minimizing your exposure to airborne toxins is just as important as supporting your internal detox systems. During a wildfire, it is important to stay indoors as much as possible.
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Air Purifiers: A good way to help detox your lungs after wildfire smoke is invest in a high-quality air purifier with HEPA filters to remove fine particle matter from your body and home.
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N95 Masks: If you need to go outside during a wildfire, wearing an N95 mask will help protect your lungs from inhaling harmful particles
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Use Saline Eye Drops: Using eye drops can help rinse and soothe your eyes affected by smoke
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Stay Moisturized: Wash your exposed skin thoroughly and moisturize to prevent dryness
5. Use Wellness Tools for Detox
Incorporating specific wellness tools into your routine can further enhance your body’s ability to heal and recover.
Red Light Therapy: This technology helps reduce inflammation, enhance cellular repair, and support overall recovery.
Infrared Sauna: Sweating in an infrared sauna is one of the most effective ways to eliminate toxins, improve circulation, and promote relaxation.
Epsom Salt Baths: Soaking in a warm bath with Epsom salts helps draw out toxins and provides your body with magnesium, which supports muscle recovery and relaxation.
Wildfire smoke recovery tips
Your body does its best detoxing when it’s in a state of rest. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep and managing stress effectively. Activities like meditation, deep breathing exercises, and gentle yoga can help calm your nervous system and promote healing.
By combining these strategies, you can give your body the support it needs to recover from wildfire exposure. Stay proactive and make these habits part of your self-care routine to feel your best, even in challenging conditions. For more resources on how you can help with the current wildfires in Los Angeles, check out this blog.
