In California we are no strangers to wildfires and the smoke they produce. Unfortunately, this year, we have added warehouse fires as a new source of exposure as well. Due to the materials that are burned, (plastics, building materials, metals, ammonia lines, etc.), urban fires have much higher concentrations of toxic chemicals. These include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), dioxins, furans, benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes, and phosgene (to name a few).

If you are located in Southern California and have been exposed to the recent smoke from the LA Warehouse fire, we can help! Here are our top five detoxification heavy hitters. *(This is not intended as medical advice. Please speak to your doctor to determine which of these may be best for you.)

Phospholipids, protect and detoxify lungs and cells. The best form of phospholipids is phosphatidylcholine (aka: PC). Smoke exposure can reduce our natural stores of these key lipids, causing breathing problems. PC helps restore the integrity of the cellular wall and aids the body in more effectively removing toxins (including those from smoke particles).

Glutathione is essential for phase II liver detoxification. It binds to harmful chemicals in smoke, like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and VOCs, to help the body get rid of them. It also shields lung tissue from oxidative damage, reducing inflammation and supporting lung health.

Smoke from fires can weaken the immune system by causing widespread inflammation. Beta-glucans activate immune cells like macrophages and natural killer (NK) cells, which help clear toxins and harmful particles from the lungs. They also regulate the immune response, reducing excessive lung inflammation and aiding recovery.

NAC helps break down mucus in the lungs, making it easier to remove smoke particles and pollutants. It is also a building block for glutathione, the body’s strongest antioxidant, which fights harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS) caused by smoke. NAC activates a pathway called Nrf2, which improves the body’s ability to detoxify harmful substances.

Undas are homeopathic remedies that support the body’s various systems. Unda 5 is helpful for the respiratory system, and 258 is helpful for detoxifying chemicals. Unfortunately, 258 has been discontinued by the company – but we do have a remedy mix in our office which contains frequencies of it.

If you’d like to discuss what might be right for you specifically, please contact us here.