Delhi-NCR has been gasping for breath having clocked a whopping 494 on the Air Quality Index (AQI) earlier this week. Long-term exposure to smog can cause respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, asthma, and allergies and result in a weakened immune system. Amid the haze, medical experts share ways to safeguard our health.
Diet is king When it comes to dealing with heavy air pollution, certain nutrients can help protect your body and improve your ability to detoxify and recover from the harmful effects of environmental toxins. The key is to support your immune system, reduce oxidative stress, and enhance the detoxification process. Dr Vibhu Kawatra, senior consultant pulmonologist at Rainbow Hospitals shares, “Antioxidants help neutralise free radicals and reduce inflammation.
Key antioxidants to focus on include Vitamins E, A and C and flavonoids. Citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, broccoli, nuts, seeds, spinach, avocado, orange and yellow vegetables — such as carrots, sweet potatoes and pumpkin — and dark leafy greens are some food items you should include in your diet.” “Drinking green tea or herbal teas like turmeric or ginger tea may assist in detoxifying the liver.
Supplements like activated charcoal or chlorella can also help eliminate toxins, but these should only be taken after consulting a health care professional,” notes Dr Drishya Ale, dietitian at Paras Health. Hydration is also crucial, as it helps flush out toxins, especially when the body i.