Navigating Wildfire Season: Protecting Your Health and Well-Being
With each passing year, wildfires grow in duration, intensity, and consistency, creating challenges for us all. The cumulative effect of this constant exposure to smoke and stress can take a toll on our bodies, even if we don’t immediately notice it. While you might not feel sensitive to wildfire smoke, the damage can be happening behind the scenes—affecting your health in ways that aren't always visible.
My heart goes out to those who have been directly impacted by wildfires. I recognize that there’s so much beyond our control when it comes to these fires. However, I wanted to share some insights on what is within our control—specifically how we can protect our health and mitigate the harmful effects of wildfire smoke.
Monitoring air quality is essential for maintaining your health during wildfire season. Reducing outdoor activities when the air quality is poor can have a significant impact. Always check local air quality reports before going outside. Because smoke can change direction and intensify quickly, if you can see, smell, or taste smoke, it’s best to stay indoors whenever possible. I understand that staying inside isn’t always feasible, but try to limit your outdoor exposure as much as you can.
I’ll admit, this is one of the toughest things for me. I usually have outdoor plans lined up—backpacking trips, outdoor projects, and a running/workout schedule. Yet, when fire strikes and smoke fills the air, I shift my mindset and find new ways to stay engaged. I'll embrace indoor activities like weightlifting, yoga, jumping on a mini-trampoline, reading, working on indoor projects, or simply traveling to where the air is clean. To keep my motivation high, I sometimes dive into a new course or training, which helps me stay excited and make the most of my time indoors.
Control and purify the air indoors with a HEPA filter. These purifiers have become a staple during the summer months. Id recommend:
It’s also essential to prioritize the basics: hydration, a healthy diet, and sleep. Staying hydrated helps flush out toxins and supports your body’s adaptation. Sleep is always vital, but it becomes even more so when your system is under extra stress. And while a healthy diet is important year-round, now is an ideal time to boost your nutrition.
Antioxidant-rich foods are key. You don’t need to research every food high in antioxidants—just aim to eat a rainbow of colorful fruits and vegetables. This variety will naturally provide you with a range of antioxidants. Spices offer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, so feel free to experiment with fresh or dried herbs to enhance your meals. And yes, dark chocolate, green tea, and coffee are also rich in antioxidants, so you can indulge in these healthy treats.
Why are antioxidants so important during wildfire season? They combat oxidative stress, protect cells, boost immunity, support the microbiome, reduce inflammation, help us to detoxify and promote overall health.
If you’re interested in going deeper with supplemental support, here are some top recommendations:
Vitamin C (preferably liposomal) for its high antioxidants and immune boosting properties.
Vitamin D3 to support the immune system.
Glutathione (liposomal) Master Antioxidant! Detoxifies smoke-related toxins like acetaldehyde, supports the liver, and helps aid in higher lung function.
Selenium for modulating oxidative stress (I prefer getting mine from Brazil nuts, but supplements work too).
Mushrooms like Reishi, Chaga, Cordyceps, and Lion's Mane for immune-boosting, inflammation modulation, and stress mitigation as adaptogens.
Additionally, some herbs that may be beneficial during wildfire season include:
Coltsfoot
Horehound
Mullein Leaf
Licorice Root
Marshmallow Root
Slippery Elm Bark
Plantain Leaf
Hibiscus Flower
Linden Flower
It may also be helpful to incorporate soothing nervines to manage stress. If you’re interested, check out my blog Stress, Anxiety and Nervine Herbs for more in-depth insights.
Support, supplementation, herbs, diet, and lifestyle recommendations can vary greatly from person to person. What I offer here is general guidance. If you're interested in personalized advice tailored to your specific needs, please feel free to contact me for more detailed support.
While this blog was focused on Wildfire smoke, it is not limited to this exclusively, and these protocols are beneficial for polluted and poor air quality in general.
Stay healthy, stay safe, and may you find peace during these challenging times.
Many Blessings,
Tjaden