Detoxifying from High Air Pollution

The recent smoke from the Canadian wildfires impacting air quality in Eastern Canada and the United States is just the latest example of the potential effects of changes in the climate. Since 1983, the National Interagency Fire Center has documented an average of approximately 70,000 wildfires per year in the United States and the area burned each year has increased. They report that the ten years with the largest acreage burned, all have occurred since 2004, coinciding with many of the warmest years on record nationwide. Similarly, a 2018 study by Canadian scientists found a significant rise in the number of large fires and area burned across Canada since 1959. 

There are actions you can take to protect your lungs and detoxify from the smoke.

Check the Air Quality

Check the Air Quality Index (AQI) near you and follow the guidelines for indoor vs. outdoor activities based on the AQI reading.

• 0-50: Good
• 51-100: Moderate
• 101-150: Unhealthy for sensitive groups
• 151-200: Unhealthy
• 201-300: Very unhealthy
• 301-500: Hazardous

During the poorest air quality days, it’s important to limit outdoor activities, especially for those most at-risk. If it is absolutely necessary to go outside during the worst air quality days wear an N95 mask.

Focus on Indoor Air Quality

We can control indoor air quality. Make sure shoes and jackets are removed by the door. Keep all doors and windows closed, and filter the air with a HEPA air purifier. Vacuum daily using a vacuum with a HEPA filter. Indoor plants can help purify the indoor air naturally, and essential oils such as eucalyptus, thyme, oregano, peppermint, lavender, and tea tree can also help keep the air clean and support respiratory health.

Support the Body’s Detox Ability

Help support the body’s ability to detoxify by taking daily Epsom salt baths. You can also take a high-quality glutathione supplement (which is the body’s master antioxidant), and those with asthma may also want to take additional magnesium. Support elimination pathways by staying hydrated and exercise indoors to the point of breaking a sweat.

Support the Gut

Support gut health with a diet that includes fermented foods. Eat the rainbow—phytonutrients reduce inflammation and support detoxification. Reduce inflammatory foods such as processed foods and sugar. Take a high-quality probiotic.

More Sleep, Less Stress

The brain detoxifies while the body is sleeping, so make sure to get enough rest. Lower levels of stress also enable the body to better release toxins, so manage stress levels.