6 ways to neutralise the effects of air pollution

Water and certain foods, herbs and oils can keep your precious lungs clean

Our lungs have built-in pollution filters called cilia, which are small hair-like structures that push toxins away so that the lungs can take in oxygen.

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However, cilia can deal only with dust and pollen, whereas the air in cities is also heavy with vehicle fumes, smoke and chemical toxins. This mix overwhelms the cilia, and as a result, our bodies are at risk of harbouring carcinogens that create cell malfunctions. Fortunately, some easily available and used foods, herbs and oils can help keep your lungs clean. Here’s the list.

1. Jaggery: Studies have proved that consuming a small piece of jaggery every day can fight carbon pollution. In fact, this is one of the most popular ways to protect factory workers who work in polluted environments.

2. Water: This sounds very basic, but the fact is that you need to drink a lot of water every day. This will dilute the pollutants in your body and excrete them via the kidneys.

3. Grapes and Pomegranates: The antioxidants in both these fruits help neutralise the damage caused to cells by free radicals.

4. Vegetables and fruit mixed juices: A juice made out of carrots, beetroots, aloe vera, mint, tulsi and ginger makes for the perfect mocktail against urban pollution. It’s full of vitamins A, B complex and C, which protect against the damage that pollution causes.

A juice made from carrots, ginger and tulsi helps fight the effects of pollution

6. Nasyam oil therapy: Use ayurvedic oils like Anu Tailam as nose drops to lubricate the nose and decrease allergic tendencies.

Also avoid tobacco, alcohol and fried foods. Do not use chemical room sprays and chemical home cleaners, and cut down the amount of cheese children eat.

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From HT Brunch, November 27, 2016

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