Nurturing Your Inner Glow
A guide to your golden glow when exposed to wildfires.
You don't have to live close to a wildfire to be affected by its smoke. With severe winds spreading the fires in and around Pacific Palisades, the Pasadena foothills, and Simi Valley, huge areas of the Southland are faced with toxic air quality. The pollutants don't just affect your lungs; they can impact your entire body. The soot contains all kinds of dangerous pollutants, such as asbestos, lead, plastics, synthetics, pressure-treated wood, and appliance remnants. The tiniest particles in smoke can travel deep into your lungs and enter your bloodstream.
Even “safe” chemicals commonly found in household materials — such as titanium dioxide in paint or copper in pipes — can form compounds that are more reactive after a fire, said Mohammed Baalousha, a professor of environmental health sciences at University of South Carolina, who studies ash samples to better understand what materials are present and how they change in the wake of wildfires. The Associated Press; NBC News Los Angeles.
This is obviously a difficult time for many, and access to resources might be limited. However, if you are in an area affected by wildfire smoke, here are some tips to help support your body detoxify from exposure to any of these particles:
1. Prioritize Hydration
Drink Plenty of Water: Aim for half your body weight in ounces (e.g., 100 oz for a 200lb person). Distilled water is often preferred but may be difficult to obtain.
Hydration is crucial: It helps flush out toxins and soot particles from your body.
2. Soothe Your Airways
Healing Hot Drink: Steep Slippery Elm and Marshmallow Root in hot water. These herbs have soothing properties that can help relieve irritation in the mucous membranes of your throat and lungs. According to naturopath John Lust (the nephew of naturopathic pioneer Benedict Lust), "Althea's (Marshmallow root) particular excellence is in soothing irritated tissues."
Mountain Rose Herbs Marshmallow Root Saline Nasal Spray: Moisturizes and soothes the nasal passages, and aids in the removal of toxins and irritants. This is safe for all ages and can be a valuable tool for year-round sinus relief. I prefer the Navage Nasal Irrigation System and add in 1-2 drops of Argentyn Coilloidal Silver. You can order this through my Fullscript online dispensary.
3. Support Your Liver
Liver Function: The liver plays a crucial role in filtering toxins from the bloodstream.
Some key liver functions include:
Metabolizing carbs, fats, and proteins
Detoxification
Bile production
Nutrient storage
Making blood clotting factors
Synthesizing hormones
Regulating cholesterol and blood volume
Breaking down hemoglobin
Regulating sex hormones, cortisol, and thyroid hormones
Helping activate vitamin D
Apple Cider Vinegar: Research suggests that apple cider vinegar may support liver function and detoxification processes. Use: Dilute 1/2 teaspoon in water twice daily.
4. Boost Antioxidants
Free Radical Damage: Smoke inhalation generates harmful free radicals in the body, which can damage cells and tissues.
Antioxidant Protection: Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, helping to protect your cells from oxidative damage.
Food Sources:
Fruits: Berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries), citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, grapefruits)
Vegetables: Leafy greens (spinach, kale), carrots, sweet potatoes, broccoli
Other Foods: Nuts, seeds, whole grains, dark chocolate
Glutathione:
Master Antioxidant: Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant produced by the body and is recycled with the help of Vitamin C. Including vitamin C rich foods can help increase glutathione production. This includes foods, such as citrus fruits, berries, kiwi, and bell peppers.
GOLDEN GLOW TIP: Low vitamin C levels on lab work can be associated with decreased glutathione production within the body.
Nourishing Lab Berry and Nut Rocky Road Cellular Protection: It plays a vital role in protecting cells from oxidative stress and supporting overall cellular health.
5. Binders
Certain substances, known as "binders," can effectively bind to toxins within your digestive tract. This binding action helps to prevent these toxins from being absorbed into your bloodstream, where they can cause harm.
Key Binders:
Activated Charcoal:
A highly porous substance derived from various materials like coconut shells or wood.
Its large surface area allows it to readily adsorb (not absorb) a wide range of toxins, including gases, chemicals, and certain medications.
Zeolite:
A naturally occurring mineral with a unique crystalline structure containing microscopic pores.
These pores act like tiny cages, trapping and capturing various toxins within their structure.
Particularly effective at binding to positively charged toxins such as heavy metals (lead, mercury), pesticides, and certain industrial chemicals.
How Zeolite Works:
Formation: Zeolites are formed when volcanic lava comes into contact with water, resulting in the formation of these unique crystalline structures.
Processing: The raw zeolite is then carefully processed, ground into a fine powder, and purified to ensure its safety for human consumption.
Binding Mechanism: When ingested, zeolite binds to toxins within the digestive tract. Its porous structure effectively traps and encapsulates these toxins, preventing their absorption into the bloodstream.
Excretion: The zeolite-bound toxins are then safely eliminated from the body through the digestive system.
Wildfire smoke poses significant health challenges, impacting both respiratory and overall well-being. By implementing Nourishing Lab’s strategies, you can properly support your body during these challenging times to help maintain your golden glow.
Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge and support only. It should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns.
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