Smoke & Fire Support: Practical Tips forĀ Detox SupportĀ & Resilience

(Santa Monica Pier, Jan 2025, credit unknown)

 

At the time of this writing, wildfires are devastating communities in Los Angeles, and my heart aches for everyone affected. Growing up in both Northern and Southern California, I have deep roots in these regions, and watching this destruction unfold is heart-wrenching.

Living in the Pacific Northwest for the past many decades, where wildfires and smoke are now an annual occurrence, I’ve learned firsthand how to cope with the challenges they bring. Today, I want to share a few practical tips to help you and your loved ones during this difficult time.

Let me start by saying that I am NOT trying to profit off of tragedy. I'm just brainstorming right now what would be helpful and providing resources and discounts where I can.

 

1. Prioritize Clean Air and Water

The air quality in wildfire zones is dangerously toxic. Fine particulate matter and chemicals from burned structures (like asbestos or lead in older buildings) can linger in the environment. Here are two critical tools to help protect your health:

  • Air Purifiers: I recommend the Jaspr air system, which I personally use in my home. Jaspr has generously increased their discount by $200 (at the time of this writing) for those affected, in addition to my discount code. Use the link above and code DRTYNA for additional savings.
  • Water Filters: Clean drinking water is essential during these times. The AquaTru water filtration system is an excellent option. Discount will apply automatically with the link above.

 

2. Support Your Body with Magnesium

Stress, toxins, and poor air quality can quickly deplete your body’s magnesium levels. Magnesium plays a vital role in helping during wildfire exposure. These are but a few ways:

  • Supports Respiratory Function

    Wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter (PM2.5) that can irritate the respiratory system, causing inflammation and stress on the lungs. Magnesium helps relax the smooth muscles lining the airways, making it easier to breathe and reducing the risk of airway constriction. Its anti-inflammatory properties may also help counteract the oxidative stress caused by inhaling polluted air.

  • Regulates the Nervous System

    The heightened stress and anxiety during wildfire events can take a toll on your nervous system. Magnesium plays a key role in calming the nervous system by modulating neurotransmitters like GABA, which promotes relaxation and reduces the "fight-or-flight" response. This can help alleviate anxiety and improve sleep during high-stress situations.

  • Enhances Detoxification Pathways

    Wildfire smoke exposes the body to toxins and heavy metals, which increases the demand on your natural detoxification systems. Magnesium supports key enzymatic processes in the liver, helping your body metabolize and eliminate harmful substances. It also aids in maintaining cellular energy production, ensuring your cells can handle the additional detox burden efficiently.

A highly bioavailable form, such as magnesium malate, is ideal in these situations. It’s the main ingredient in my Relax Tonic, which also includes ingredients that indirectly support detox pathways. Use the code ILOVELA to save 10% off.

 

3. Avoid Outdoor Exercise

When air quality is poor, exercise can exacerbate the problem. Inhaling fine particulate matter increases the strain on your lungs and your body’s oxygen needs and exercising in it increases how much you breathe in. Instead, focus on rest and indoor activities (where there's a good air filter) until the air improves.

 

4. Take Cool Showers or Wash Exposed Skin

After being outside or exposed to wildfire smoke, take a cool shower or wash your face and hands thoroughly. This helps remove any fine particles and soot from your skin and reduces the chances of absorbing these toxins through dermal contact. Cool water also helps soothe inflammation caused by heat and smoke exposure. Be sure to wash your hair also!

 

5. Manage Stress and Anxiety

If you’ve been feeling on edge or panicked, it’s not just the emotional toll of this devastating situation—it could also be how your body reacts to oxygen deprivation. When your body struggles to process oxygen, especially in the presence of toxins, it can trigger feelings of anxiety or even full-blown panic.

Have you ever felt uneasy when a plane takes off or while climbing a mountain? That’s your brain reacting to lower oxygen levels and hitting the panic button. Understanding this connection may help you calm yourself more effectively.

To support your nervous system during stressful times like these, I formulated Chill Pill, designed to promote relaxation and manage cortisol levels. For added support, I pair it with Relax Tonic for a calming one-two punch. Both are available for 10% off with the code ILOVELA.

 

6. Don’t Forget Your Adrenals

Stress takes a toll on your adrenal glands, which are responsible for managing your body’s response to emergencies. My product Resilience was designed to provide targeted adrenal support during times like these. Use the code ILOVELA to save 10% off.

 

7. Stay Hydrated with Salt

Hydration is essential during wildfire season, especially when stress, heat or exhaustion impacts your electrolyte status. Electrolyte powders are my first go to, however a simple homemade solution is mixing sea salt and a small pinch of sugar into water to improve absorption.

 

8. Support Your Liver

Your liver plays a central role in detoxifying the body, especially during wildfire exposure when you’re inundated with harmful pollutants and toxins from smoke. These toxins, including fine particulate matter and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), place an extra burden on your liver’s natural detoxification pathways. Supporting liver health is essential to help your body process and eliminate these harmful substances more efficiently.

I formulated Liver Love with key ingredients like milk thistle, dandelion root, and NAC (N-acetyl cysteine) to promote optimal liver function and support detoxification. By supporting your liver, you’re giving your body the tools it needs to stay resilient in challenging conditions. Use the code ILOVELA to save 10% off.

 

9. Stay Indoors with Doors and Windows Sealed

One of the simplest ways to reduce exposure to wildfire smoke is by staying indoors and sealing your environment. Close all windows and doors, and use towels or weatherstripping to block gaps where smoke might seep in. If you have access to a fan or air purifier, run it on a high setting to help circulate and filter the air. If you can smell the air, it means there's something in it that you're breathing in. 

Check out my interview with the CEO of Jaspr to learn more. He developed his air filters in response to his experience as a fire and mold remediation expert after dealing with the fires and floods of Fort McMurrey in Alberta years back.

Air Quality, Mold and Autoimmune Issues The Hidden Links | Insights from CEO Mike Feldstein of Jaspr

If you don’t have access to a high-quality air purifier, you can make a simple DIY air cleaner using a box fan and a high-efficiency furnace filter (rated MERV 13 or higher). Attach the filter securely to the back of the fan, with the airflow direction arrows pointing toward the fan. This setup can help reduce particulate matter in your indoor air for a low cost.

 

11. Nasal Rinse

Using a saline nasal rinse is an excellent way to flush out fine particles and toxins that may accumulate in your nasal passages from wildfire smoke. A saline spray or rinse helps clear mucus, reduce irritation, and keep your airways hydrated. You can use a pre-made saline spray or prepare your own saline solution at home.

To make your own rinse: dissolve 1/4 teaspoon of non-iodized salt and a pinch of baking soda in 8 ounces of warm distilled or boiled water (cooled to a safe temperature). Use a nasal spray bottle, neti pot, or bulb syringe to gently rinse your nasal passages.

Regular rinsing, especially after being outdoors, can help reduce respiratory irritation and improve comfort.

 

12. Wash Your Sheets Regularly

Smoke particles can cling to your hair, skin, and clothes, as well as settle on bedding and furniture. Changing your pillowcases and sheets regularly can help reduce your exposure to these particles, especially if you’ve been outdoors.

For best results, use warm or hot water for laundering and consider a shower before bed to avoid transferring smoke residue to your bedding. This simple step can help you sleep better and breathe easier.

 

13. If You Can, Leave the City All Together

If possible, consider relocating temporarily to a region with better air quality. During Oregon’s last major wildfires, I evacuated for two weeks until conditions improved. I understand this may not be feasible for everyone, but it’s worth considering if you have the option. Take your pets with you if possible. In my opinion, this is easily the best move if it's an option for you.

 

Helping Each Other Through Tragedy

This is an incredibly challenging time for so many, not only on the West Coast but across the country. From the devastation in Lahaina to those displaced by storms in North Carolina, there’s no shortage of people in need. If you can, lend a hand or share resources with those affected.

My thoughts and prayers are with everyone navigating these hardships. I’ll continue sharing helpful resources on my Instagram Stories, so feel free to check there for more updates.

 

In health and solidarity,
Dr. Tyna

 

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog/podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While Dr. Tyna Moore is a licensed doctor, she is not the reader’s or listener’s personal doctor. Individuals should always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about treatments, supplements, sauna use, or significant changes to their exercise routine. The benefits of strength training and other exercise interventions can vary among individuals, so personalized advice is essential to avoid potential injury. Professional medical advice should not be disregarded or delayed because of something read or heard in this content.
This blog/podcast may contain affiliate links, meaning Dr. Moore may earn a small commission if purchases are made through these links, at no additional cost to the consumer. Links to Dr. Moore’s courses and supplements are provided for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Statements about supplements and products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Individual results may vary.
Use of this content does not establish a doctor-patient relationship with Dr. Tyna Moore. Readers and listeners are advised to consult a licensed healthcare professional for personalized medical guidance.

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