Protecting your Health During Wildfire Season
- Dr. Francesca Medina, ND
- Jan 22
- 4 min read
As a Los Angeles native and a friend to some who have lost their homes in the recent fires, my heart breaks seeing the devastation unfold. The destruction of homes, neighborhoods, and cherished memories is a pain that words can hardly capture. To all who are enduring this hardship, please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.
While no advice can replace what has been lost, I hope the following tips can offer some relief and support during this difficult time.
Dr. Francesca is an affiliate for Amazon and other companies. Some links contained within the blog posts may be affiliate links from which she receives a small commission to help support her practice at no extra cost to the customer. For more information, visit her Affiliate Disclosure.
Wildfire season can take a devastating toll, not just on landscapes, homes, and communities, but also on our health. The air becomes thick with harmful particles and toxins, leading to respiratory issues, worsening chronic conditions, and even affecting overall well-being. For those living or working in or near wildfire-affected areas, it's critical to take proactive measures to protect your lungs and overall health.
Here are some practical tips and effective treatments to help you breathe easier during these challenging times:
Understanding Wildfire Smoke and Its Effects on Health
Wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter (PM2.5), carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other toxic pollutants. These can:
Irritate the eyes, nose, and throat.
Trigger asthma and bronchitis.
Exacerbate conditions like COPD.
Increase the risk of cardiovascular events.
Children, pregnant individuals, older adults, and those with pre-existing conditions are especially vulnerable to these health effects. But no matter who you are, the smoke isn’t something to ignore.
7 Tips to Protect Your Health During Wildfire Season
1. Seal Your Space
Keep windows and doors shut as much as possible.
Add weather stripping to seal gaps and keep smoky air outside.
2. Invest in an Air Purifier
Not all air purifiers are created equal! Look for one with a HEPA filter to capture fine particles and an activated carbon filter to tackle VOCs.
My pick: The Coway Airmega HEPA Air Purifier found on Amazon is a great and affordable addition to your living spaces to help clear out airborne toxins.
If you’re serious about lung health, this one’s for you.
Why glutathione? It’s a powerful antioxidant that fights oxidative stress and detoxifies your lungs.
Nebulized treatments deliver glutathione directly to your respiratory system, reducing inflammation and clearing out toxins. (Book a consultation with me or another naturopathic doctor to see if this is right for you.)
4. Level Up Your Supplements
Support your lungs and immune system with these powerhouse nutrients:
NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine): Helps produce glutathione and clears mucus.
Quercetin: A natural antihistamine that soothes irritated airways.
Vitamin C: An antioxidant hero for fighting pollution-related stress.
Cordyceps Mushroom: Boosts oxygen utilization and supports lung health.
5. Breathe Smarter, Not Harder
Simple breathing exercises can work wonders:
Try deep diaphragmatic breathing to expand your lung capacity.
Practice pursed-lip breathing to keep airflow steady and improve oxygen exchange.
6. Hydrate Like a Pro
Staying hydrated is key to flushing out toxins:
Sip water throughout the day.
Opt for herbal teas like peppermint, ginger, or licorice root to soothe your throat and lungs.
For a post-exposure reset, IV therapy can be a game-changer. Vitamin C, glutathione, and magnesium can help combat oxidative stress and boost recovery. (Book a consultation with me or another naturopathic doctor to see if this is right for you.)
Take Charge of Your Health
Wildfire smoke isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a serious health risk. But with the right tools—from air purifiers to supplements and breathing techniques—you can stay ahead of the game and protect your body. Remember, small steps add up to big benefits.
Quick Links:
Book a nutrient IV or glutathione nebulizer and IV treatments.
Shop my favorite air purifier and supplements.
Stay safe out there, friends, and don’t forget to give your lungs a little extra love this wildfire season. You’ve got this!
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*Dr. Francesca works only with patients physically located in California.*
*Disclaimer: Although I am a doctor, I may not be your doctor. The information contained within the pages of this site is for educational purposes only and should not be used to treat conditions. Please consult with your doctor before implementing any of the treatments, diets, supplements, etc. mentioned in this blog.*
Dr. Francesca is an affiliate for Amazon and other companies. Some links contained within the blog posts may be affiliate links from which she receives a small commission to help support her practice at no extra cost to the customer. For more information, visit her Affiliate Disclosure.