7 Tips to Detox from Poor Air Quality
Air quality is a serious thing, many parts of California have been suffering due to surrounding fires. When air quality is poor, and pollution levels are high, it can make breathing difficult, especially for those that may already have allergies, asthma or any other respiratory illnesses. The Natural Health Institute has linked long term exposure to poor air quality with premature death, heart health, cancers and more. Both older adults and children are more susceptible to complications (and don’t forget your pets!). It is no joke. If you feel you have been affected and want to detox from poor air quality then take these seven tips to detox from poor air quality to heart.
1. Neti Pot
Neti Pots have been around for a long time. The way a Neti pot works is by using a simple saline solution, sometimes combined with an herbal application, to rinse the sinuses. You literally stick it up to your nose. and watch the water drain out the other nostril. It feels really weird – but it works wonders. When it comes to detoxing from poor air quality the Neti Pot is easy to use. In addition to detox, it can be used to assist with cold symptoms, clear allergies and sinus issues. If you are making your own saline solution then use pure water. The Neti Pot is also safe for kids to use and what kid won’t be excited about sticking something in their nose. OK – that is a little far – kids can get a little freaked out by this. Once you get the Pot you will see the instructions inside on how to use it.
Here is a recipe for you:
Neti Pot Solution: ½ to 1 teaspoon of salt (uniodized) and ¼ teaspoon of baking soda to 16 ounces of warm water. Some prefer to add a drop of two of herbs or homeopathic to the mixture. We use a homeopathic mixture we have in our dispensary 2-3 drops to detox.
2. Hydrotherapy: Contrasting Bath
The rule of thumb with this therapy is 3 minutes hot and 30 seconds cold 3 times. Taking hot showers when you have been exposed to poor air quality helps assist in stimulating your system to expel toxins. It helps increase blood circulation, stimulates healing and reduces inflammation during detox. If you follow the hot water with 30 seconds of cold you create lymphatic drainage. Driving all of the blood back into your body, moving blood around, helps detox. Keep a cold bucket of water with a towel in it next to your shower. Take your 3 minutes of hot and then use the towel in cold water to cover your body for 30 seconds – then step back in the hot – repeat 3 times.
3. Epsom Salt Foot Baths
Epsom salts have been used for generations and can help with detox. The salts assist in removing harmful toxins. Magnesium sulfate is one of the main ingredients.
To make a foot bath try the following:
- Fill a bucket or pot big enough for your feet with warm water
- Put 1/2 cup of Epsom salt to the warm water.
- Soak your feet for 30–60 minutes nightly for a detox (one or two good TV shows worth).
- For an additional detox boost, consider adding a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil to open your pores.
- Moisturize your feet thoroughly after soaking them to seal in all the goodness.
4. Sauna
Saunas are amazing for detox because they make you sweat! Sweating out the toxins is exactly what we want to do especially when we have been exposed to poor air quality and over time. This is a great way to remove toxins from your body as it gives your liver and kidneys a break because you are sweating and removing those toxins through the skin. It is our largest organ after all. Add this rub to your chest to really open up your lungs. A little known fact in saunas – it is also your breathing that detoxes you.
5. Supplements
The body’s best detoxifier is NAC is helpful in replenishing levels of Glutathione. More on that Glutathione. Since it is not well absorbed orally we recommend NAC. It is great for respiration and it boosts your glutathione. If you already struggle with allergies, or any respiratory conditions, your exposure to poor air quality will make things worse for you. NAC is something you will want to consider taking.
6. Glutathione IV’s
Glutathione has a super cool function because it’s one of the most important in your body. It helps our bodies with oxidative stress and if we are breathing poor air quality… our bodies are under stress. It helps to neutralize free radicals that are damaging to our cells and tissues. It, along with Vitamin C, helps to boost our immune system function. It can regenerate itself through the Liver, get rid of the toxins and get back to work helping our bodies. If you’re super nerdy you can read this full study here. Link back to https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4684116/
7. IV Vitamin C Drips – The GOD of Detox (especially when you add Glutathione)
Vitamins C is essential to building our immune system. It is an antioxidant powerhouse and IV therapy is a really great way to have your system absorb and begin using its superpowers more quickly when you’re suffering from poor air quality. If you are deficient in Vitamin C your immune system will be impaired and more likely prone to illness and possible infection. Vitamin C taken orally can lead to bowel intolerance pretty quickly ( that means you will poop your pants). Most people can’t tolerate more than 6-7 grams without needed a bathroom. In our Vitamin C drips, we use 20 grams of C. In addition, we add lots of methylation support with B-Vitamins, relaxation with calcium and magnesium, along with lots of minerals. Our super-power recipe is not only used to detox, but it also reduces inflammation and boosts your immune system.
If you know someone that has been exposed to air pollution or any pollution for that matter, share these basic tips with them. Naturopathic Doctors come up with individualized plans to help people suffering from health issues. If you need a more complex plan let us know. We are happy to help. In the meantime- share this article with the people you care for.
