Delhi woke up to another day shrouded in toxic haze, with the city recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 426 at 9 am on Wednesday, November 20. This alarming “severe” category reading, reported by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), follows the capital’s coldest night of the season, with temperatures dipping to 11.1°C. The impact of such severe pollution extends beyond the environment, deeply affecting public health. Prolonged exposure to polluted air can lead to respiratory issues, cardiovascular problems, weakened immunity, and even long-term complications like lung damage or cancer. As pollutants infiltrate daily life, taking preventive measures has become essential.
Clinical Nutritionist Ishi Khosla, in her recent Instagram post, shared simple yet effective strategies to protect oneself from the harmful effects of polluted air.
She advises, “Pollution doesn’t have to harm your health. Follow these easy steps to safeguard your body from the effects of polluted air.”
Steps to Protect Yourself from Pollution:
- Eye Care: Rinse your eyes with rose water twice a day to relieve irritation caused by pollutants.
- Detox with Veggies: Incorporate brightly colored vegetables and leafy greens into your diet to naturally detoxify your body.
- Eat Clean: Focus on home-cooked meals rich in healthy fats like ghee or virgin coconut oil. Avoid processed foods, excessive sugar, fried items, and other inflammatory foods.
- Castor Oil: Gently apply castor oil under your eyes at night to hydrate and protect your skin.
- Chyawanprash: Take half a spoon of Chyawanprash daily to boost your immune system.
- Jaggery (Gur): After spending time outdoors, place a small piece of jaggery in your mouth to help filter pollutants and soothe your throat.
- Air Purifiers: Use air purifiers at home and ionizers in your car to ensure cleaner indoor air
- Supplements: Include omega-3, spirulina, and seaweed in your diet. Take Vitamin D and C under medical guidance.
- Nostril Care: Apply mustard oil or ghee inside your nostrils to block harmful particles.
- Probiotics: Support your gut health and immunity with a daily dose of probiotics or prebiotics.
Follow these tips to stay safe from the smog this winter.
