Delhi has officially become a “gas chamber” as the pollution levels have reached hazardous levels. People are facing breathing problems, especially those who are allergic to pollutants, have developed lungs and other health problems. Can it get any worse than this!
Many other health issues are being faced by people like shortness of breath, cold, chest congestion, allergic reactions, asthma attacks, heart diseases, etc. It has become a challenge to live in this area. The immediate reactions to pollution include irritation of the eyes, nose, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue.
Eating a balanced diet, including abundant nutrients coming from a variety of foods is a must. But foods with prime nutrients for better immunity are listed below:-
1) Gorge on Coloured Fruits and Vegetables
The presence of a variety of antioxidants in fruits and vegetables plays an important role in supplying nutrients like beta carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E and minerals like zinc, selenium.
Food Sources of Different Antioxidant Nutrients
- Vitamin A or carotene — green leafy vegetables like bathua, spinach, ambadi, etc.
- Vitamin C rich — lemons, guavas, oranges, amla
- Vitamin E rich sources — wheatgerm, almonds, peanuts
2) Good Fat (Omega-3)
It helps prevent detrimental effects of pollution because it has free-radical fighting properties.
They help fight inflammation and therefore reduce the chances of inflammatory diseases.
Food sources - fish, chia seeds, flaxseeds
3) Herbs
- Add cinnamon, tulsi in your cup of tea.
- Include cloves in your food whenever possible.
- Add haldi to your milk and dishes as it acts as a great antioxidant.
- Add coriander, oregano, parsley, rosemary to your soup.
4) Morning Remedy
Have amla daily or drink lemon water/fresh Giloy juice in the morning. Followed by munaka on an empty stomach.
5) Yoga and Indoor Exercises
Exercise and yoga help increase immunity therefore should be practised to stay fit and healthy.
To conclude, protect yourself from pollution by eating healthy and include the above-suggested nutrients to stay healthy.