As if our immune systems weren’t taxed enough, the entire West Coast, Colorado and Utah has been dealing with wildfire smoke to add to the assault. In California, we are on our 28th day under a Spare the Air Alert as poor air quality persists. One silver lining is that we had already become accustomed to wearing a mask while outdoors, and many of have our air filters running continuously.
The intensity and heat of these fires is burning not only wood, but also metals, plastics, etc., which are toxic to our immune cells, our organ tissues, especially lung, and our brains. Chemicals such as benzene are known to interfere with our production of bone marrow, leading to anemia. Smoke also contains the toxic chemical acrolein, which attacks proteins and DNA in the respiratory tract. It is a primary cause of respiratory distress and irritation from prolonged smoke inhalation.
Keeping our bodies extra hydrated, ensuring optimal nutrition and getting ample sleep is essential. In addition, I recommend that you take the following supplements now and for several weeks after the smoke clears, and if you know a firefighter, our heroes on these front lines, please recommend this to them as well. I’ve put together a short list of products to help your body detox. Each of the ‘shop’ links goes to the same e-store. Once in the store you can use the search bar to search for the other products and create one order.
N-Acetyl Cysteine: 900 mg twice daily during exposure to unhealthy air. NAC is antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and restores mucosa of nasal and air passages. It also increases glutathione, a power antioxidant made in our livers. SHOP
Broccoli Seed Extract: 1 capsule twice daily of BroccoProtect, which contains 500 mg broccoli seed extract and broccoli sprout concentrate to mitigate lung damage from ozone and pollutants. SHOP
Vitamin C: 2,000 mg/day to support immune health, aid in detoxification and decrease airway irritation. SHOP buffered powder Vitamin C and SHOP Liposomal Vitamin C.
We are resilient. We will get through this. Let’s do our best to stay as strong in body, mind and spirit. If you need additional support, I am available for in-office acupuncture treatment or video consult.
