Supporting Lung Health and Detoxification
by Dr. Edison de Mello, MD, PhD
The wildfires in California have left a significant impact on our environment and our community—especially on our health. The inhalation of smoke and particulate matter during and after wildfires can affect the lungs, immune system, and overall well-being. Prolonged exposure can also increase the risk of developing serious health conditions, particularly for those with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory vulnerabilities. Thankfully, integrative medicine offers a range of therapies to support lung health, enhance immunity, and detoxify the body.
The Importance of Early Intervention
Protecting lung health and addressing smoke exposure as early as possible is critical to preventing chronic conditions. Integrative therapies like Glutathione and B12 injections, IV nutrient therapy, Reiki, and Acupuncture offer holistic support to help the body recover and thrive after the stress of wildfire smoke.
If you or someone you know has been affected by the wildfires, we encourage you to schedule a consultation at our clinic. Our personalized approach to care ensures that we meet your unique needs, helping you detoxify, restore balance, and support long-term health. Maintaining lung health and oxygen levels now is more important than ever.
Recognizing Symptoms of Smoke Exposure
Exposure to wildfire smoke can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
- Persistent coughing or wheezing
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Chest tightness or discomfort
- Fatigue or low energy levels
- Headaches or dizziness
- Sore throat or dry mouth
- Watery, itchy, or irritated eyes
- Increased asthma or allergy symptoms
- Difficulty concentrating or brain fog
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to take steps to support your health and seek effective treatments.
How Support Lung Health and Detoxification
Drink plenty of water!! Staying well-hydrated helps the kidneys and liver to remove toxins, which can reduce any systemic inflammation caused by wildfire smoke exposure. Healthy foods rich in vitamin A and carotenoids, vitamin E, vitamin C, and omega-3 fatty acids can help protect your body from the harmful effects of smoke.
Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that plays a key role in detoxifying the lungs and protecting against oxidative damage caused by inhaled pollutants. It supports cellular repair, reduces inflammation, and enhances the body’s ability to process and eliminate toxins. Administering glutathione through injections ensures high bioavailability, delivering it directly into the bloodstream for maximum efficacy.
Vitamin B12 is essential for energy production and supporting the nervous system, but it also plays a critical role in reducing inflammation and optimizing oxygen utilization in the body. For those recovering from smoke exposure, combining B12 injections with glutathione can provide a synergistic boost to overall lung and cellular health.
NAC Supplements (N-Acetyl Cysteine) can support detoxification by boosting the production of glutathione in the body, aiding in the breakdown of mucus, and protecting the lungs from oxidative stress. This powerful supplement can be an excellent addition to post-wildfire recovery protocols.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant to repair lung tissue from oxidative stress from smoke. Vit C helps to reduce inflammation of lung cells and synthesize collagen to create new and stronger lung endothelial tissue.
Herbs
Mucilaginous herbs like mullein, marshmallow root, and licorice root are useful tools for soothing irritated respiratory tissue.
Chlorella is a powerful superfood that supports red blood cell production and helps your body carry more oxygen where it’s needed most.
Mullein is one of the best herbs for LUNGevity!! It can soothe irritation and dryness in the lungs, ease spasms and tightness in the lungs.
Green Tea: Green tea contains many antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation in the lungs. These compounds may even protect lung tissue from the harmful effects of smoke inhalation.
IV Therapy for Immunity and Lung Support
After wildfire exposure, supporting the immune system is crucial to protect against potential infections and long-term inflammation.
Intravenous (IV) therapy offers immediate and effective hydration and nutrient delivery to the body, bypassing the digestive system.
• High-dose Vitamin C IVs help reduce inflammation and enhance immune response, promoting lung tissue repair and overall healing.
• Myers’ Cocktail IVs include a blend of vitamins and minerals like magnesium, calcium, and B vitamins, all of which work together to restore balance and strengthen the body’s defenses.
• Ultimate Detox Drip: Myers + (Lipoic Acid + Folic acid + Selenium + Acetylcysteine ) + TriAmino I.M. + 4x Glutathione push.
Reiki: Energy Healing for Respiratory Health
Reiki, a gentle and non-invasive energy healing practice, can support the body’s natural ability to heal from stress and trauma caused by smoke exposure. By reducing anxiety, promoting relaxation, and enhancing energy flow, Reiki can help patients breathe more easily and create a calming effect on the respiratory system.
Acupuncture for Lung Health and Detoxification
Acupuncture has been used for centuries to address respiratory issues, strengthen the immune system, promote detoxification, and promote relaxation. By targeting specific acupuncture points, this therapy can:
– Reduces lung inflammation: Eases coughing and clears mucus for better breathing.
– Removes toxins from smoke: Support liver and kidneys to detoxify the body.
– Strengthens the immune system: Boosts your defenses to prevent respiratory infections.
– Eases symptoms caused by smoke: Addresses headaches, eye irritation, and sinus pressure.
– Helps combat oxidative stress from prolonged exposure: Reduces systemic inflammation.
Air Purifiers
Use air purifiers to reduce smoke exposure indoors. Blue air: https://www.blueair.com/us/air-purifier-filters The Air Doctor: https://airdoctorpro.com/air-purifiers
About the author:
Dr. Edison de Mello – the Founder and Chief Medical Officer of the Akasha Center in Santa Monica – is a Board-Certified Integrative Physician and licensed Psychotherapist. He’s treated patients from across the spectrum using his signature. East-meets-west approach. He writes for various publications and is a frequent guest on integrative medicine podcasts. He believes physicians should always Meet their patients before Meeting their Dis-EASE, a belief that he puts into practice every day. His latest book, BLOATED: How to Eat Without Pain, is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and the Akasha Center.
