Comprehensive Solutions for Cleaner Air and Smoke Detox

by Dr. Edison de Mello, MD, PhD

As we have recently experienced during the LA fires, wildfire smoke, and other airborne pollutants can have serious health effects, particularly for individuals with respiratory issues or chronic illnesses. My heart goes out to those affected; since the fires broke out, I have seen numerous patients struggling with severe smoke-related respiratory issues, as well as milder but still debilitating symptoms that disrupt daily life. This article is a compassionate effort to explore effective air purification systems, breathing treatments, and detox strategies to help mitigate the impact of smoke exposure and support recovery.

The Dangers of Smoke Inhalation

Smoke inhalation poses significant risks to human health due to the toxic components present in wildfire smoke. These include fine particulate matter (PM2.5), carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other harmful chemicals. Here’s why smoke inhalation can be particularly hazardous:

• Respiratory System Damage: Fine particles can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing inflammation, reduced lung function, and exacerbation of conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Cardiovascular Effects: Particulate matter in smoke can enter the bloodstream, leading to increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and a higher risk of heart attacks or strokes.
• Immune System Stress: Prolonged exposure to smoke can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to respiratory infections.
• Neurological Impact: Inhaled toxins, such as carbon monoxide, can reduce oxygen delivery to the brain, leading to headaches, dizziness, and cognitive impairment.
• Systemic Inflammation: The body’s response to smoke exposure often involves widespread inflammation, which can exacerbate pre-existing conditions and contribute to long-term health issues.

Certain populations, such as children, the elderly, pregnant individuals, and those with pre-existing health conditions, are particularly vulnerable to the effects of smoke inhalation.

Air Purifiers

1. Blueair Air Purifiers
Blueair offers advanced air purification systems designed to efficiently remove airborne contaminants, including fine particulate matter (PM2.5), allergens, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Their filters are optimized for high performance and are suitable for homes, offices, and healthcare settings. For more information, visit their website.

2. Air Doctor Purifiers
The Air Doctor provides a range of air purifiers equipped with UltraHEPA filters and activated carbon to capture even the smallest particles and remove odors and chemicals from the air. These devices are highly effective for combating the effects of smoke exposure. For product details, visit Air Doctor.

Breathing Treatments

Albuterol and Glutathione
Breathing treatments using albuterol and glutathione can provide significant relief for individuals exposed to wildfire smoke. Albuterol helps open the airways, while glutathione acts as a powerful antioxidant, reducing oxidative stress in the lungs. Schedule these treatments promptly for effective results.

Exercise and Breathing Physical Therapy

1. Exercise for Lung Health
Engaging in regular, moderate exercise can improve lung capacity and enhance respiratory function. Activities like walking, cycling, or yoga can strengthen respiratory muscles and promote overall health. However, avoid outdoor exercise during high smoke exposure periods.

2. Breathing Physical Therapy
Incorporating specific breathing exercises can help clear the lungs and improve oxygenation. Techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing, pursed-lip breathing, and controlled deep breathing are effective in reducing respiratory distress and increasing lung efficiency.

Best Practices for Smoke Detox

1. Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water is essential. Proper hydration supports kidney and liver function, aiding in the removal of toxins and reducing systemic inflammation caused by smoke inhalation.

2. Incorporate Green Tea
Green tea is rich in antioxidants that combat inflammation and protect lung tissue from damage caused by smoke exposure. Regular consumption can promote respiratory health.

3. Use Supplements
Consuming foods or supplements high in:

• Vitamin A and carotenoids
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin C
• Omega-3 fatty acids can help fortify the body against the harmful effects of smoke.

4. Beneficial Herbs
Herbs such as mullein, marshmallow root, and licorice root are mucilaginous and soothing to irritated respiratory tissues. These can be consumed as teas or extracts for relief.

5. Detox Baths
Taking a bath with additives like eucalyptus, tea tree, and lavender oils can neutralize smoke particles on the skin and in the air. Adding vinegar, baking soda, or activated charcoal to the bath water can further absorb smoke odors and impurities. Be cautious about water quality and adhere to any boil water advisories as outlined by LADWP.

Special Considerations for Bathing and Cleaning

• Immunocompromised individuals or those with chronic illnesses should use boiled and cooled water for sponge bathing to avoid exposure to contaminants.
• For washing dishes, pre-boiled water or a bleach rinse (1 tablespoon of unscented bleach per gallon of water) can ensure cleanliness when water quality is compromised.

Conclusion

Combining the use of high-efficiency air purifiers, appropriate breathing treatments, exercise, breathing physical therapy, and strategic detox methods can significantly mitigate the health impacts of wildfire smoke. Maintaining hydration, incorporating antioxidant-rich foods and herbs, and following safety guidelines for bathing and cleaning are essential steps for comprehensive protection.

Healthier lung:
Lung enhancing Treatments at Akasha 
Herbal and supplements: We can help you simply what’s in your medicine cabinet
Glutathione/ Albuterol Breathing treatment 
IV Infusion – Including Iron 
Chest Physical Therapy 
Cranial Sacral therapy – To help with fire-related anxiety 
Mindfulness coaching

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.‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬