Stay Healthy During the LA Wild Fires
The destruction in Los Angeles is devastating. I was just contacted by one of my patients in Santa Monica, asking for supplement recommendations to stay healthy during this difficult time. So, I thought I would share the most effective strategies to safeguard your health during wildfire season.
Before diving into specific supplements, it’s important to remember that you don’t need to purchase anything to take care of yourself during this time. Simple steps like staying hydrated, resting, and keeping indoor air clean can make a significant difference. Your health and well-being come first, and small, mindful actions can offer powerful support.
Wildfires can significantly impact air quality, posing serious health risks, especially for those with respiratory issues, allergies, or compromised immune systems. As a functional medicine provider, I always suggest a proactive approach to safeguarding your health. Here are the most effective strategies and supplements to support your body during wildfire season.
Practical Tips for Daily Protection
Simple Steps to Stay Safe: Alongside supplements, daily habits can significantly reduce your exposure to toxins and support your body’s health.
Stay Indoors: Use HEPA filters (we love the Molekule Mini+) and keep windows closed to reduce indoor air pollution.
Hydrate Well: Drink plenty of clean, filtered water to support detoxification.
Nasal Rinses: Use saline sprays to clear particulates from nasal passages.
Diet: Emphasize antioxidant-rich foods like berries, leafy greens, and cruciferous vegetables to combat oxidative stress.
Community: Reach out to your friends, family and loved ones for support.
Supporting Respiratory Health:
Breathe Easier Despite the Smoke: Wildfire smoke is filled with fine particulate matter that can irritate the lungs and airways. Protecting respiratory health is critical for maintaining oxygen intake and reducing inflammation in the lungs.
NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine): Enhances glutathione production, a powerful antioxidant that protects lung tissue from oxidative stress caused by smoke and pollutants.
Respiratory EZ: Designed to maintain normal respiratory and bronchial function by supporting healthy leukotriene metabolism. Its blend of Rosmarinic Acid, Holy Basil, Quercetin, Lobelia, and Hyssop promotes healthy sinus and bronchial function, eases breathing, and supports immune health.
Glutathione: Direct supplementation or through IV therapy aids in detoxifying harmful chemicals inhaled during wildfires.
Support Detoxification Pathways:
Help Clear Toxins from Your Body: Exposure to wildfire smoke and environmental toxins can overwhelm your body’s detoxification systems. Supporting liver and cellular detox pathways helps your body eliminate harmful substances.
Vibrant Total Detox: A comprehensive detox blend that supports liver function and helps eliminate toxins absorbed through the skin and lungs.
PushCatch Liver Detox: A two-step process designed to mobilize and eliminate environmental toxins efficiently.
PectaSol (Modified Citrus Pectin): Binds to heavy metals and toxins, facilitating their safe removal from the body.
Enhance Immune Function & Inflammation Response
Strengthen Your Body’s Defenses: Wildfire smoke can weaken the immune system, making you more vulnerable to illness. Reinforcing your immune defenses helps your body fight off infections and manage inflammation.
- Resolve+: Helps regulate the immune response and mitigate chronic inflammation triggered by environmental stressors.
Omega-3 Plasmalogens and SPMs: These specialized pro-resolving mediators help reduce inflammation and support immune resilience.
Optimize Tissue Repair
Repair and Recover Naturally: Prolonged exposure to smoke and toxins can damage tissues and increase inflammation. Supporting your body’s natural repair processes ensures quicker recovery and less discomfort.
BPC-157: Promotes tissue repair and supports the gut lining, which can be compromised by toxin exposure.
Thymogen Alpha: Enhances recovery and modulates the immune response, providing crucial support for lung and muscle tissue during times of environmental stress.
Manage Stress & Emotional Well-Being
Beyond the physical health risks, the emotional toll of these fires cannot be overlooked. Many individuals have been displaced from their homes, grieving the loss of beloved pets, and facing the uncertainty of rebuilding their lives. Firefighters and first responders are working tirelessly under extreme conditions, exposing themselves to harmful smoke and overwhelming stress. This collective trauma can impact mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and emotional exhaustion.
Protect Your Mental Health: Managing stress and supporting mental health are essential for overall resilience and recovery.
Adaptogenic Herbs (Ashwagandha, Rhodiola): Help regulate stress responses and support adrenal function. See Vibrant Cortisolv below.
Magnesium Glycinate: Calms the nervous system and aids in better sleep quality.
DHH-B (Dihydrohonokiol-B): Derived from magnolia bark, DHH-B naturally reduces anxiety and promotes a calm, balanced mood.
Mindfulness Practices: Incorporate deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to help manage anxiety and emotional overwhelm.
Activate the Vagus Nerve with Truvaga Plus
Support Stress Resilience and Nervous System Balance: The vagus nerve is a critical part of the parasympathetic nervous system, regulating stress responses, inflammation, and mood. Stimulating this nerve can significantly improve relaxation and emotional resilience.
Truvaga Plus: Specifically designed to stimulate the vagus nerve, Truvaga Plus promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and enhances emotional well-being. Regular use can help balance the autonomic nervous system and improve resilience during high-stress situations.
Final Thoughts on Keeping Healthy During the Wildfires...
In times like these, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Please remember that your well-being does not depend on purchasing supplements to protect your health. Small actions—like staying hydrated, breathing clean air, and taking moments to rest—can make a big difference. Take care of yourself and your loved ones. We’re all in this together, and your health, safety, and peace of mind matter most.
❤️
Elizabeth Tringali, PA-C
