Hello friends, what a week. So much smoke and fires everywhere - greatly impacting the West Coast. It really is devastating and tragic to see what is happening. I have been touching on the health impacts of this on my account, and have started with first of all -- the importance of an indoor air filtration system.
I have a blog post on this already, and you can purchase an AirDoctor Pro here for 50% off ($300 off). That is one critical way to filter the smoke (and this filtration system is non-ionizing by default -- FYI). Our AirDoctor has been working to clean our air like crazy. It's critical during all this smoke, and also has immense value during normal daily life.
Besides having filtered indoor air, there are many ways you can support your body to detox all the filth we are breathing (if you live in the PNW). We aren't just breathing burning trees - we are also breathing all the other materials that are burning up -- plastics, couches, etc. etc. etc. These toxins are getting into our bodies, so it's important we give our bodies support to help clear them. The fires and smoke are tragic -- prayers for all involved.
Here are some main options to help your body rid of toxins from smoke (and in general):
OPTIMAL ELECTROLYTES
Hydrate and add electrolytes so that your body is getting max hydration. I recommend the Optimal Electrolyte Seltzer. We are out of electrolytes, and I'm ordering some of this today! Upping electrolytes is essential if you want to hydrate your body well. The electrolytes from Seeking health have no artificial flavors or colors and offers a healthy alternative to high-sugar sports drinks. Comes in berry or orange flavors. Also of note: Electrolytes carry electrical charges and play a key role in maintaining cell membrane stability, enabling proper muscle function. With added creatine, D-ribose and niacin, Optimal Electrolyte supports cellular maintenance as well as energy production.
GLUTATHIONE
Optimal Liposomal Glutathione uses a unique liposomal delivery method to support optimal absorption of this reduced glutathione and help to protect the fragile molecule through the digestive tract. A liposome is a tiny phospholipid vesicle that mimics the body’s own cell structure. Liposomes may be better absorbed across cell membranes in a way that is not possible for ordinary water-soluble or fat-soluble nutrients. Optimal Liposomal Glutathione by Seeking Health provides 500 mg of reduced glutathione per serving. I am taking a quarter of a tsp three times a day since glutathione has a short half life, and since my body is experiencing increased stress from the smoke.
Glutathione is an important antioxidant that is naturally found in every cell in the body, providing protection from free radicals and peroxides. Within the body, glutathione is produced from three amino acids: L-cysteine, glycine and L-glutamic acid. Glutathione is present in the body in two forms: reduced and oxidized. The oxidized form can be recycled and converted back into the reduced form via important enzymatic reactions within the body. Glutathione is also present in many dietary sources, though its amino acid precursors are more abundant in foods. This antioxidant is essential in helping the body’s cellular defenses and immune system function at full capacity.
N-ACETYL-L-CYSTEINE (NAC)
Another way to support the generation of glutathione is by taking N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine. NAC. NAC by Seeking Health provides 500 mg of N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) per vegetarian capsule. NAC supports the health of the liver, brain, lungs, and other body tissues. Many of the beneficial actions of NAC are related to its role in supporting normal production of glutathione, one of the body’s most important antioxidants. NAC is a well-absorbed supplemental form of cysteine, an amino acid required for the enzyme reaction that produces glutathione in the body. Typically the body’s ability to produce glutathione will begin to decline with age.
Daily exposures to environmental toxins may increase the need for antioxidant protection from glutathione. Providing the building blocks for glutathione, such as NAC, may help support healthy levels of glutathione and the body’s healthy responses to these exposures. One does not need to take BOTH glutathione and NAC. I would choose one or the other.
NAC may help support and maintain healthy brain and nerve cells. NAC’s relation to the body’s antioxidant system suggests that it may play a role in protecting against oxidative damage to neurons, the specialized cells found in the nervous system that are vital to maintaining memory and cognitive function. NAC supports antioxidant activity by helping to produce intracellular glutathione, and adequate levels of glutathione are crucial for healthy function of the liver, nerve cells, brain, pancreas, and lungs. NAC is normally present in high amounts in lung and liver tissues. It provides immune and respiratory system support by helping to disrupt disulfide bonds of proteins found in mucus, allowing it to be more easily expelled from the lungs. The antioxidant action of NAC may also help protect the lungs and support the immune system.
For NAC, I would take 1 capsule daily with food and 8 oz of water or as directed by your healthcare professional. Capsule may be opened and contents mixed into juice or applesauce.
LIVER NUTRIENTS
Liver Nutrients by Seeking Health provides a unique blend of nutrients that may help support Phase I and Phase II liver detoxification processes. Combining five key ingredients, Liver Nutrients may help support healthy function as well as the body’s natural free-radical defense system. The liver is the body’s central detoxification organ, responsible for deactivating environmental toxins as well as those generated endogenously. The liver is equipped with several detoxification pathways, including excretion of toxins via bile, and a two-phase enzymatic neutralization process (Phase I and Phase II).
Because free radicals and other potentially harmful intermediates are generated as a result of Phase I reactions, it is critical to maintain a proper balance of Phase I and Phase II activities to support healthy cellular processes. Milk thistle extract is rich in the flavonolignins silybin, silydianin, and silychristin, collectively referred to as silymarin. Unique to milk thistle, silymarin is a powerful flavonoid complex that may support healthy liver function.
I would take Liver Nutrients if I wasn't taking Glutathione or NAC. Since it does contain NAC already.
CALCIUM D-GLUCARATE
And last but not least - Calcium D-Glucarate by Seeking Health provides 250 mg of calcium D-glucarate, a calcium salt of D-glucaric acid, in each vegetarian capsule. Because D-glucaric acid is naturally produced in humans only in small amounts, dietary intake is important for supporting normal detoxification processes. As toxin exposure is increased in certain environments, the human body may benefit from calcium D-glucarate to support normal excretion of the extra toxins. Dietary sources include oranges, grapefruit, apples, and cruciferous vegetables – or dietary supplements.
Calcium D-glucarate is thought to help support healthy phase II liver detoxification processes and may also help support healthy estrogen metabolism. Glucuronidation, one of many important processes included in Phase II liver detoxification, is a process through which certain compounds (including some toxins) are conjugated with glucuronic acid to be excreted via the biliary tract. Calcium D-glucarate may help support this pathway.
My husband and I are taking glutathione, and will be supplementing with electrolytes and Calcium D-glucarate as soon as they arrive in the mail. Even if the smoke is gone when I receive my products, I know my body still has detoxing to do. As well as glutathione replenishment! I will consider adding the Liver Nutrients as needed. This is not medical advice; please consult your medical provider when choosing to take supplements.
Use code AWHOLEHEALTHLIFE when shopping all Seeking Health Supplements! It will get you 10% off your purchase. Thank you for shopping my link, and please let me know if you have any questions.
Be well, friends.
XO,
Meg