Canadian Fire Smoke Pollution in Southeast Wisconsin
Air pollution, like that from the Canadian wildfires that are lingering over the Brookfield and Greater Milwaukee Area and reaching “Hazardous” levels at times, can be incredibly tough on the system. Of course, those with sensitivities should do their best to completely avoid the outdoors during high pollution times. Much of SE Wisconsin—where most of VIVA Wellness clients live and work—has been seeing and will continue to see these high smoke levels through the week.
From airnow.gov:
People with heart or lung disease, older adults, children, and teens:
- Avoid physical activities outdoors
Everyone else:
- Avoid strenuous outdoor activities
- Keep outdoor activities short
- Consider moving physical activities indoors or rescheduling them
While your system is prepared and made to address threats and remove toxins by its very nature, there are a number of VIVA Wellness products and services that are especially helpful in supporting your system in detoxing these pollutants, which becomes the next order of business once the smoke clears:
Empower Your Lymphatic System to Detox Through Lymphatic Drainage Treatments
Your Lymphatic System is the front line against the pollutants as they enter the system, as it’s where the immune response is deployed from. Consider a manual lymphatic drainage treatment within the next few weeks (or machine-assisted vacuum RF), to really help move the lymphatic fluid and flush out remaining toxins. Keeping on top of lymphatic health at all times will also help your body’s immune response—as when it’s not working as hard just to move fluids, it can more quickly and powerfully tend to threats that enter the system.
Increase Hydration with IV Infusion & More
As your system works extra hard to move out the new toxins, be sure to support it with proper water intake, especially that of electrolytes or from a highly absorbable method, such as an IV infusion. We suggest increasing trace minerals—whether through something like LMNT electrolyte packs, salt and lemon, or chlorophyll in your water—or by any of our IV Vitamin Infusions. We are running an IV Infusion sale in our Brookfield clinic at the moment, so it’s a great time to take advantage. Our in-house created Wellness Drip is a blend specifically formulated to support your system for situations like this, and we highly recommend adding a Glutathione push to this for extra liver support.
Targeted Supplementation for Improved Immune Response & Detoxification
Your body is likely burning through some key compounds that it uses to detox at optimal levels and keep immune response at top tier. Glutathione and Vitamin D (especially if you do not get substantial amounts of direct sunlight) Intramuscular Injections support different functions, with glutathione supporting the liver as the master detoxifier and Vitamin D coming in as strong support for the immune system. A quick and next-to-pain-free injection ensures quick absorption and utilization.
VIVA Wellness also sells D-Hist, which is a sinus support supplement that is an incredible ally in times like these, and one we always suggest keeping in your wellness toolkit. This is available in the clinic.
A slightly different type of supplement is the castor oil pack. Castor oil packs are a welcome sight to your liver and lymphatic system, all while helping move your body to a parasympathetic (rest & digest) state. Learn more about castor oil packs and how to use them in our article What to Know About Castor Oil Packs..
Sweat It Out
While we don’t suggest getting outside to move your body, if you have access to a clean/filtered gym space or an infrared sauna, sweat will help your body in detoxing. Infrared Sauna, such as the one at VIVA Wellness (which includes light therapy) also adds a number of other benefits that movement alone is not able to offer. This is a powerful stress-reducing, wellness-increasing tool that is supporting numerous functions.
Focus on Clean Air & Low Stress
As you likely know by now, stress can be just as harmful to the immune system as the actual threat itself at a physical level. Even if you are not consciously concerned, your body may not recognize the context of the stress at hand, so it’s great to be extra compassionate toward yourself and others while also practicing mindfulness, and slowing your breaths. These essential oils are known for their calming effect as well as anti-inflammatory properties: lavender, mint, and frankincense. We do sell these in the clinic, but some diffuser options can be found on Amazon.
Keep windows closed, your air conditioner on recirculate, and if possible, get an air filter if you don’t have AC. If you’re looking to take things to the next level, consider a HEPA air filter in the main room where you’re spending the bulk of your time. In your car, use the recirculate button vs. having your car continually intaking fresh air.
We’re here for you! If you are concerned or looking for more in-depth support, please reach out and we’re happy to help you come up with a plan for your post-wildfire smoke exposure.
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Please also remember that taking action on anything you see or read here or elsewhere on the Internet is at your own discretion. Social media, site content, and newsletters are not substitutes for medical advice. Please consult a healthcare provider before making changes to your consumption or movement—we have those on staff, book a consultation.