Supporting Lung Health During and After Forest-Fire Exposure

Wild forest fires have become increasingly common in recent years, with Canada experiencing its fair share of these devastating events. Exposure to smoke and pollutants during and after a forest fire can have severe implications for respiratory health. In this blog post, we'll review some tips for avoiding pulmonary damage during elevated fire risk as well as guidance on supplements that can be used to help support health during and post forest fire exposure.

As of June 2023, the wildfires in Canada have caused extensive damage throughout the country, with over 4 million hectares burned across multiple provinces. That is estimated to be more than double the historical average. (1)

The air quality throughout the region has been severely impacted, with smoke visible from space and advisories issued for Canada and even parts of the United States.

Despite governmental efforts, the severity of the situation calls for continued action and support from all levels of government and society as a whole. The long-term impact of these fires will likely be felt for years to come, making it crucial for ongoing efforts to be made to protect communities and prevent future disasters.

Beginning in March 2023 and increasing in intensity around June, Canada has been affected by an ongoing record-setting series of wildfires. As the worst wildfire season in recorded Canadian history, eleven provinces and territories have been affected, with large fires in Alberta, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Quebec. (3-5)

• People can limit their exposure to smoke by staying indoors as much as possible, using an air purifier in their homes, and closing windows during times when there is a high level of smoke in the air 
• To improve lung health, people can exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and avoid smoking cigarettes
• It's also important to be aware of any symptoms of lung problems, such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath, as early detection can help prevent serious health issues down the road

By taking these steps, people can help keep their lungs healthy and reduce their risk of lung-related health problems later in life.

Fortunately, research has shown that making certain dietary modifications can help protect and improve lung function and supporting lung health after forest fire exposure. Access the guide – Lung Health: Essential Nutrition & 3-Day Meal Plan

Black seed oil, derived from the Nigella sativa plant, has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its numerous health benefits. Research suggests that black seed oil possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, which can aid in supporting lung health. Its active compounds, such as thymoquinone, may help reduce inflammation in the airways, alleviate asthma symptoms, and protect against lung injury caused by exposure to pollutants. (22)
 

The effect of black seed on lung health has been investigated in 20 human clinical trials. These trials consistently demonstrate improvements in pulmonary function, indicating the potential benefits of Nigella sativa for respiratory well-being. Moreover, the studies report minimal recorded side effects and no serious adverse reactions associated with Nigella sativa administration. These findings suggest that Nigella sativa holds promise as a safe and effective intervention for enhancing lung health, with the potential to improve respiratory function without causing significant unwanted effects. (23)
 

The recommended dosage of black seed oil for supporting lung health after forest fire exposure is between 2.5ml to 5ml depending on the strength of the oil and the source. Here are some key health benefits (24):

• COPD: In a randomized controlled double-blind clinical trial, COPD patients were treated with pure cold-pressed black seed oil. The treatment was found to significantly improve lung functions and maintain the oxidant-antioxidant balance in COPD patients (25)
• Asthma: In people with asthma, taking black seed oil for 4 months was found to be safe and effective as a supplementary treatment that improved their symptoms and overall well-being (26)

Acetylcysteine is a compound that serves as a precursor to the amino acid cysteine. It is commonly used as a medication and supplement due to its various therapeutic properties. When ingested, acetylcysteine gets metabolized into cysteine, which plays a crucial role in the synthesis of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant in the body. (27)
 

By replenishing cysteine levels, acetylcysteine helps support the production of glutathione, which aids in neutralizing harmful free radicals and reducing oxidative stress. Acetylcysteine also exhibits mucolytic properties, meaning it can thin and loosen mucus, making it useful for conditions such as chronic bronchitis, cystic fibrosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and Supporting Lung Health After Forest Fire Exposure. (28)
 

• NAC is a mucolytic agent that can reduce the viscosity of airway secretions and increase the ciliary clearance rate (29, 30). It helps thin mucus and lessens symptoms
• COPD: Several studies have demonstrated that NAC can reduce the number of attacks of severe bronchitis, improve pulmonary function, and prevent hospital readmissions (29-31). A randomized controlled double-blind clinical trial found that NAC supplementation as an adjunct therapy in COPD patients significantly improved lung functions and maintained the oxidant-antioxidant balance (32). NAC has also been found to be effective in the long-term treatment of COPD patients in less-developed areas fo the world (31)
• Asthma: Research suggests that taking NAC can improve coughing, wheezing, and lung function in people with asthma (33)
• Post-smoke inhalation: NAC has been found to alter lung oxidant/antioxidant imbalance and reduce oxidative stress in the lungs. It may be effective in preventing exacerbations of chronic bronchitis or COPD
• Anti-inflammatory: NAC has been found to reduce inflammation in the lungs by reducing immune cell products that are linked to inflammation. It can inhibit smoke-induced goblet cell (mucous-producing cells) hyperplasia and associated mucus hypersecretion. NAC can also reduce the time to recovery of goblet cell numbers after smoking cessation (35)

The dosage of NAC varies depending on the intended use. In previous studies, the clinical effects of regular treatment with NAC is about 1000-1200 mg per day (2). However, dosing must always be established with a healthcare provider.

Curcumin: Curcumin is a compound found in turmeric, a spice commonly used in curry dishes. It has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Studies have suggested that curcumin may protect against lung injury by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress (36)

Resveratrol: Resveratrol is a polyphenol compound found in grapes, red wine, and certain berries. It has been investigated for its potential protective effects against lung injury caused by smoke exposure. Resveratrol has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help mitigate the damaging effects of smoke on the lungs (37)
 

Quercetin: Quercetin is a flavonoid found in various fruits, vegetables, and grains. It possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Quercetin has shown promise in reducing lung injury and inflammation induced by smoke exposure in animal studies (38)

Ginseng: Ginseng is an herb that has been used in traditional medicine for its various health benefits. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Ginseng extracts have shown the potential in protecting against lung injury caused by smoke exposure in animal studies (39)

Vitamin C: Vitamin C is an essential nutrient and a potent antioxidant. It helps protect cells from oxidative damage and has anti-inflammatory properties. Vitamin C supplementation has been investigated for its potential protective effects against lung injury induced by smoke exposure (40)

Vitamin E: Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin and an antioxidant. It helps protect cell membranes from oxidative damage. Some studies have suggested that vitamin E supplementation may have a protective effect against lung injury caused by smoke exposure (41)
 

Ginger: Ginger is a root spice known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It has been studied for its potential protective effects against lung injury induced by smoke exposure. Ginger extracts have shown anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in animal models (42)
 

Boswellia serrata: Boswellia serrata, also known as Indian frankincense, is a resin extract that has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties. It has been shown to improve breathing and support lung health (43)

Forest fires can wreak havoc on our air quality, leading to potential health risks for Canadians that are exposed to the smoke. In order to protect our lungs and stay healthy, it's important that we educate ourselves with knowledge about the dangers of forest fire smoke and supporting lung health after forest fire exposure.
 

The tips explored in this blog post have given us insight into what kind of air pollution is most hazardous, strategies to reduce exposure, and how to care for ourselves after being in the smoky air. We should all be aware of forest fire potential in our province and take precautionary measures if needed.

Remember: while high-quality masks are vital if you're exposed to heavy smoky conditions, supplements and breathing exercises also play an essential role in keeping up our lung health even after exposure. Being informed is key when it comes to taking care of your lungs during forest fire season.