Tips to do away with the ill-effects of air pollution

India

healthysoch.com

New Delhi, October 17, 2019 :

As per reports from WHO, 7 million people are dying yearly from polluted air. With winters approaching, the sun going hazy, stubble burning and lack of moisture in the air, polluted articles are on an all-time rise. Over the past 30 years, researchers have unearthed a wide array of health effects which are believed to be associated with air pollution exposure. Among them are respiratory diseases (including asthma and changes in lung function), cardiovascular diseases, adverse pregnancy outcomes (such as preterm birth) and even death.

How does air pollution affect our health?

Our physical and psychological wellbeing is affected differently by the kind of air pollution we are exposed to. There are many organs and bodily functions that can be harmed, the consequences including:

Respiratory disease like COPD, aggravate of bronchial asthma
Fatigue, headaches and anxiety
Irritation of the eyes, nose and throat
Nervous system damage.
Effects on Cardiovascular system

Precautions to follow to keep away from harmful effects of air-pollution

Below are a few steps one must follow to battle against the harmful effects of air pollution.

KEEP AIR PURIFYING PLANTS INDOOR: To control the indoor air, one should opt for natural air-purifying plants such as Aloe Vera, ivy, money plant, sansevieria and spider plant. These plants have properties of cleaning polluted air and in turn releasing fresh air in a close environment. Avoid using chemical freshener and cleaners, burning of candles and smoking in rooms and closed areas.
MAINTAIN FREQUENT VENTILATION: Occasionally, keep your windows open which will allow proper ventilation. This simple tip can make a huge difference to bring down the level of pollution in your home. It allows the air to circulate through the house, keeping it fresh.
WEAR MASKS: It is suggested to use pollution masks especially during those days when the air quality dips to severity. A mask must have a carbon filter and an exhaust valve. The mask should fit perfectly on the face and is comfortable for a person to be able to wear it for a long period of time. Make sure there is no gap in the mask as it will defeat the purpose.
AVOID HEAVY EXERCISES IN OPEN: Try to avoid heavy exertion activities and going outdoors and for doing physical activities such as cycling, jogging etc. during early morning and evening. Although gym or indoor exercises are permissible, they should be done in moderation. It is better to limit the outdoor activities for children.
CONSUME DIET RICH IN VITAMIN C: Try to consume fruits that are rich in vitamin C, magnesium and omega fatty acids. These nutrients help to strengthen the overall immunity of the body and help to fight the ill effects of pollutants.
EAT JAGGERY: Jaggery(Gud) can save you from the harmful air pollution as jaggery is an excellent natural cleansing agent that helps in flushing out toxins from your body.
STAY HYDRATED: Drink plenty of water as it clears the airways in the body. Also, instead of regular tea try to take herbal tea, ginger tea and tulsi tea as they play a vital role in helping the body to rinse out the toxins.
PROTECT YOURSELF: Avoid going near areas like busy roads and construction sites. Visit a doctor in case breathlessness and excessive cough are not being treated by the help of over-the-counter medication.