Support Damage from Wildfire Smoke

The smoke from Colorado wildfires has been unprecedented this year creating some of the worst air quality in recent history. According to Scott Landes, an air quality meteorologist for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, there were many smoke-filled days in August and September where the PM2.5 levels were way above average. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) refers to tiny particles in the air that are 2.5 microns or less in width. Particles in the PM2.5 range are able to travel deep into the respiratory tract and pass into the blood stream, causing damage to mucous membranes, lungs and the cardiovascular system. Exposure to fine particles can cause irritation to eyes, nose, throat, lungs, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, shortness of breath. They can also worsen asthma and heart disease.

Reduce your exposure with a HEPA filter

Aside from staying indoors, consider replacing the filters in your HVAC systems. Air filters are rated by MERV, or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, which is a measure of the amount of large particle air pollutants the filter removes. An ideal MERV for most residential filters is 9-12. It is important that you get the highest MERV rating that still allows air to flow through your HVAC system.

The best rating for filtration of small particles is HEPA, or High Efficiency Particulate Air. All HEPA filters are certified to remove 99.97% of all particles smaller than .3 microns. Generally, HEPA filters need an additional fan to move the air so your HVAC system must be compatible to support a HEPA filter.

Fall is a great time to replace our HVAC filters. Make sure you’re getting the best filter this year to filter smoke and smoke toxins.

Support your body’s ability to detoxify

  1. Drink lots of water and warm fluids. We recommend drinking at least half your body weight in ounces daily.
  2. Rinse your sinus cavity. Use a Neti Pot or make a steam inhalation pot. Consider adding eucalyptus, thyme or tea tree essential oils to the steam inhalation.
  3. Sweat in an Infrared Sauna. Sweating is a great way to detoxify chemicals and inhalants through the skin. The Boulder Natural Health office has a far-infrared sauna available for use Monday – Thursdays. We also provide a shower and towels. Click here to schedule an Infrared Sauna session here! Discount packages available.
  4. Take an Epsom bath. Add 1-2 cups of epsom salt to a full warm bath and soak for 15 minutes.
  5. Boost antioxidant-rich foods in your diet. Look for reds, purples (berries, cherries, beets, purple cabbage, black or kidney beans) and greens (spinach, broccoli, artichoke, green tea). Yes, chocolate is an antioxidant! Look for a dark chocolate that’s 80% cacao or higher.
  6. Consider supplementing with N-Acetyl L-Cysteine (NAC). N-acetyl L-cysteine (NAC) is a derivative of the amino acid cysteine. It is a naturally occurring antioxidant that can protect your body from free radical damage and specifically targets the lungs and respiratory tract. It does this by replenishing glutathione levels and it helps break-up mucus and clear mucus congestion. A randomized controlled trial found that supplementing with 600mg of NAC twice a day for six months helped support cell-mediated immunity and wellness in the winter months.

Check out these educational videos about wildfire smoke and your health.