Published June 8, 2023 With all the wildfire smoke hitting the northeast this week, it’s important that we take a multipronged approach to protect ourselves. Many of us are feeling helpless but there’s several things we can focus on to feel more empowered and help our bodies. At Organic Olivia, we understand the challenges associated with wildfire smoke exposure. In this blog post, Olivia, our founder, shares her top tips for protecting yourself from the smoke. By combining physical protection, dietary strategies, and herbal remedies you can empower your body to combat the dry, irritating smoke and maintain optimal lung health. Physical Protection: Mask Up and Use an Air Purifier Masks: Protecting yourself from wildfire smoke starts with using proper masks. For individuals at higher risk, such as children, the elderly, or those with chronic health conditions, Olivia recommends N95 or KN95 masks. These masks have been shown to filter out a significant portion of harmful particles, including those found in wildfire smoke. Ensure a proper fit and wear them consistently when venturing outdoors. Air Purifier: In addition to masks, consider utilizing an air purifier to create a safe indoor environment. Choose a powerful air purifier equipped with high-quality HEPA filters to effectively capture and remove smoke particles from the air. Regularly maintain and clean the filters for optimal performance. Protect Your Throat: Soothe and Moisturize The dryness caused by smoke affects not only your lungs but also the mucous membranes in your throat. Combat throat dryness and discomfort by using a soothing herbal throat spray. Our Soothe Your Throat Spray contains a blend of herbs like Aloe, Licorice, Propolis, and organic honey. These ingredients have been traditionally used to moisturize and bring relief to dry, irritated tissues. Incorporate this spray into your daily routine to support throat health and overall well-being. Raid Your Kitchen: Incorporate Lung-Protecting Foods Incorporating specific herbs and foods to protect your lungs from smoke is another way you can take care. Garlic, a powerful herb known for its immune-supportive properties, can help protect your lungs. Research shows that regular consumption of raw garlic reduces the risk of developing lung cancer. Add chopped raw garlic to your meals for a flavorful and lung-protective boost. Apples, with their moistening qualities and flavonoids, can help open up your airways. Enjoy apples as a snack or incorporate them into applesauce for added lung support. Antioxidant rich foods can also be incredibly supportive to mitigate the oxidative damage that can result from smoke inhalation. Thinks berries, citrus, and colorful vegetables. Our Rosehip Relief is a concentrated formula of Rosehip that is rich in antioxidants and flavonoids that can also add a really great layer of support. Additionally, consider brewing different herbal teas depending on the symptoms you are experiencing. If you are experiencing “dry” symptoms like dry eyes, scratchy throat, and dry cough, then try moistening herbs like Marshmallow, Linden, Oat Straw, and Mullein Leaf. If you’re needing support for expectorating some of the gunk that has collected in your lungs, try herbs with strong volatile oils like Sage, Rosemary, or even Thyme. Try a Lung Protecting Tincture: Microbiome Guard To further support your respiratory health, Olivia created Microbiome Guard, a lung support formula designed to keep your airways free and clear. This tincture contains herbs such as Ginger, Sweet Annie, Honeysuckle, Dong Quai, and Osha. These herbs promote healthy circulation to the lungs, protect against microbial imbalances, and provide comprehensive immune support. Incorporate Microbiome Guard into your wellness routine to fortify your respiratory system. Helpful Nutrients: During wildfire smoke exposure, providing your body with essential nutrients is crucial. Consider the following supplements to support your immune system and combat inflammation: Vitamin C: Boost your antioxidant intake to counteract oxidative damage caused by smoke. Increase your dose to 3000-5000mg per day. Vitamin D3: Support your immune defenses with Vitamin D, particularly if you’ve been diagnosed with a deficiency. Smoke inhalation takes a toll on your immune health In the face of wildfire smoke, it’s natural to feel concerned and helpless. However, by implementing these strategies you can empower yourself to protect your lungs and overall well-being. Remember, physical protection, dietary choices, and herbal remedies work together to support your respiratory health. While we cannot control the occurrence of wildfires, we can take proactive steps to mitigate the impact of smoke on our bodies. By embracing these holistic approaches and nourishing our lungs we can cultivate resilience and hopefully breath just a little bit easier.
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