How to Protect Yourself against the Negative Health effects of Forest Fire Smoke

What is so bad about forest fire smoke? 

When anything is burned it releases gases and particulates into the air. The common chemical components released from a forest fire include carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, hydrogen chloride, chlorine, hydrogen cyanide, phosphorus oxides, and particulates. These chemicals can cause oxidative stress, shut down oxidative systems and create inflammation in the body. 

Symptoms and health effects of breathing in Forest Fire smoke

Whether you are sensitive to the smoke or not, it is best to protect yourself from the harmful effects. Burning eyes and throat, sinus irritation, low grade headache, irritating respiratory conditions and heart conditions are some of the ways that smoke from forest fires can affect the body. Studies have shown individuals exposed to frequent smoke have a higher rate of testicular, brain, colon, bladder and breast cancers.

How to protect yourself and your family from the smoke

1. Stay inside and close all windows, doors and fireplace damper

2. Leave shoes outside

3. Run the air conditioner, this will cause the particulates to cool and drop to the floor.

4. Clean or replace furnace filter frequently

5. Vacuum one room at a time and close it off to the rest of the house. Vacuuming will kick up dust and spread it around the home so by doing it one room at a time while wearing protective gear you will prevent it from spreading around the house. HEPA filters are recommended

6. Gas mask respirator with carbon filter will filter out gases if required to go outside

Natural options to support your body after exposure

1. Vitamin C, this prevents DNA damage 

2. Green tea, reduces inflammation and DNA damage to the lungs

3. Resveratrol (a compound found in foods such as grape skins), lowers inflammation and supports enzyme systems to detoxify

4. Pomegranate juice, anti-oxidant

5. Berries, anti-oxidant

6. Amino acids, Taurine, Glycine and NAC 

7. Brassica vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and turnip to name a few) and rosemary cleans and purifies the air as well as support antioxidant systems in the body

8. Curcumin, anti-inflammatory and detox system support

9. Glutathione!! The body is robbed of glutathione when exposed to smoke specifically in the respiratory system. Glutathione is a potent anti-oxidant referred to as the mother of all antioxidants, important in our immune function and an amazing detoxifier. When we are low in glutathione we experience cell damage, oxidative stress, inflammation and increase risk of infections and cancer.

   
   

A naturopathic doctor is able to administer IV's to help support health during wildfire seasons. They can help create a customized IV based on individual health, and health concerns.