Forest fire season is here, and you may already be feeling the impact of smoke from wildfires burning across the province. Even those with healthy lungs can experience respiratory issues when smoke fills the air. It’s important to take proactive steps to protect your lungs and support your respiratory health during these smoky days.
How Smoke Affects Lung Health
Smoke from wildfires contains a mix of fine particulate matter, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds and other pollutants that can irritate the lungs and airways. These tiny particles can travel deep into the lungs, causing symptoms like coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and a sore throat. For those with asthma, COPD or other respiratory conditions, smoke exposure can significantly worsen symptoms.
Even if you don’t have a pre-existing condition, prolonged exposure to smoke can lead to inflammation, reduced lung function and increased risk of respiratory infections. That’s why it’s crucial to take steps to minimize exposure and support your lungs during this season.
Natural Solutions to Support Respiratory Health
- Increase Antioxidant Intake
Antioxidants like vitamin A play a key role in protecting the lining of the respiratory system. Vitamin A helps maintain the integrity of mucous membranes, which act as a barrier against harmful particles. Foods rich in vitamin A include sweet potatoes, carrots and dark leafy greens. Consider taking a vitamin A supplement for added support, especially during times of high smoke exposure. - Stay Hydrated with Electrolytes
Staying hydrated helps thin mucous secretions, making it easier for your body to clear the lungs. Electrolytes are particularly beneficial since they support cellular hydration. Choose drinks that contain natural electrolytes, like coconut water, or electrolyte powders that are free from added sugars and artificial ingredients. Proper hydration also helps your immune system function optimally, which is important when your body is exposed to smoke. - Open Airways with Herbal Support
Herbs like mullein, thyme and eucalyptus can help open the airways and reduce inflammation. Mullein has been used traditionally to support lung health by soothing mucous membranes and promoting clear airways. Eucalyptus is known for its ability to loosen phlegm, making it easier to breathe. Look for these ingredients in herbal teas or respiratory support supplements. - Protect Your Indoor Air Quality
Stay indoors and keep windows closed when air quality is poor. Use a high-quality air purifier with a HEPA filter to reduce indoor pollutants. Adding houseplants like spider plants or peace lilies can also help filter the air naturally. - Practice Breathing Exercises
Deep, controlled breathing exercises can help strengthen the lungs and clear stagnant air. Try diaphragmatic breathing, where you inhale deeply through your nose, allowing your belly to rise, and exhale slowly through your mouth. This practice helps expand lung capacity and promotes relaxation.
Here are our top product suggestions.
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Increase antioxidants—especially vitamin A. Vitamin A helps keep the lining of your respiratory system healthy, so it can help protect it from damage caused by smoke particles.
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Stay hydrated with electrolytes. They provide minerals needed to stay hydrated at a cellular level and being well hydrated allows all functions to work optimally.
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NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine) helps protect the lungs from toxins and can relieve symptoms of respiratory conditions by acting as an antioxidant and expectorant, loosening mucus in your air passageways. As an antioxidant, NAC helps replenish glutathione levels in your lungs and reduces inflammation in your bronchial tubes and lung tissue.
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Naka Respiratory Essentials is packed with herbal goodness traditionally used to help relieve coughs, calm bronchial spasms and ease the symptoms of bronchitis and mucus build-up in the upper respiratory tract. Even better, it’s a natural demulcent that soothes irritation in the throat and helps manage dry coughs.
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RESPIRfree is a natural formula designed to support respiratory health and promote a sense of calm. With ingredients like ginger, skullcap and black cumin, it helps relieve symptoms of bronchitis, coughs and colds while providing antioxidants and helping to reduce restlessness and nervousness.
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Surobreathe is great for relief of seasonal or environmental allergies, sinus and chest congestion. It also helps asthma sufferers by quickly relaxing bronchial passages, clearing mucus and opening up airways. It soothes and heals inflammation and irritation.
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Harmonic Arts Lung & Cough Syrup may help ease upper respiratory symptoms and improve deep breathing.
Other helpful products for sinus and eye relief:
Sinus Care
- Xlear Nasal Spray
- A. Vogel Sinna spray
- Neti Pot and Saline Rinse
- Colloidal Silver Spray
Eye Relief
- Similisan Dry Eye Drops
- Similisan Allergy Drops
Our thoughts are with those who are fighting the fires; stay safe and thank you for all that you do!
