Air Quality, Wildfire Smoke, and Your Gut Microbiome

Across many parts of Canada—and even into the northern United States—air quality has taken a serious hit due to ongoing wildfires in provinces like Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. The smoke may be more noticeable in your lungs, throat, or sinuses—but what’s less visible is how it affects your gut microbiome.

Yes, the air we breathe can directly impact our digestive health.

How does air pollution affect your microbiome?

Wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter and toxins that trigger inflammation throughout the body—not just in the lungs. Recent research has shown that exposure to polluted air can:

• Disrupt the balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut

• Damage the intestinal lining, increasing the risk of "leaky gut"

• Slow down digestion, which may lead to constipation or bloating

• Compromise your immune response and energy levels

During prolonged or repeated smoke exposure, these disruptions can build up—leaving many people feeling “off” without fully realizing why.

What can you do to support your gut during poor air quality?

If you’ve been feeling more sluggish, bloated, or irregular lately, it could be a gut response to environmental stress. Here are a few steps that may help:

• Stay well hydrated to support detoxification and healthy digestion

• Add prebiotic foods like oats, bananas, garlic, and onions to your meals

• Include fermented foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, or kimchi to restore healthy bacteria

• Get gentle movement daily—even stretching or walking can stimulate digestion

• Track your digestive transit time to get clear, visual insight into how your gut is functioning

One tool I recommend is BlueHue Transit Time Capsules from Jazzvana Wellness. BlueHue gives you a simple, natural way to track how long it takes for food to move through your digestive system. When things are thrown off by inflammation, stress, or environmental triggers like smoke, this kind of visibility can help you respond with more confidence and clarity.

Many people find that once they can see what their gut is doing, they’re able to make small adjustments—like drinking more water or changing their diet—that lead to real improvements.

If you’re feeling the effects of smoke, stress, or digestive irregularity, just know you’re not alone. And your gut may be trying to tell you something.

If you’d like to learn more, feel free to reach out or visit Jazzvana Wellness.

Stay safe and take care of your body, inside and out,