As promised, here are some more natural remedies to counteract the effects of air pollution….
On the days that our outdoor environment is being enveloped by a blanket of pollution, our bodies are dealing with its aftermath. Air purifiers and face masks certainly can help. But a slight change in eating habits and skincare routine can also help reduce the effects of the smog.
Is air pollution making you feel sick?
Here are a few simple home remedies to boost your immunity.
When the pollution levels are rising in the air, many people are experiencing symptoms of cold, cough, fever and flu. These symptoms may range from a runny nose, dry eyes, sore throat to wheezing, nausea and headache, among others.
There are simple measures that people can take at home to prevent infections.
Home remedies to beat air pollution:
Eat plenty of Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables that are rich in antioxidants and Vitamin C help boost immunity and lessen the effects of air pollution. Fruits such as oranges, lemon, gooseberries and lime are citrus fruits that help. Grapes are great to help build strength. Grapes are rich in resveratrol, which works very well in fighting the symptoms of air pollution. Amla (Indian gooseberry) and broccoli are also immunity boosters. Lima beans, bean sprouts, green peas, spinach, sweet corn, asparagus, artichokes, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli are high in protein, which is a building block of our bodies, so should be eaten more. Adding some fresh fruit juice to a glass of water can make fruit- infused water and you should keep sipping it throughout the day.
Jaggery
Eat jaggery (cane sugar, containing trace amounts of micro-nutrients) every day before and after dinner to eliminate toxins and dust particles from your systems. Jaggery is a natural detox food. It is packed with nutrients that help remove harmful elements from the bloodstream, lungs, respiratory tract, as well as the food pipe. Jaggery is rich in antioxidants and is a cleansing agent, so it flushes out the toxins and soothes the lungs. Jaggery has anti-inflammatory properties and is also a rich source of iron — which is why it is a good idea to include it in one’s diet as it boosts immunity. Iron-rich foods help improve the haemoglobin level in blood. And when there is more haemoglobin in the blood, the oxygen-carrying capacity is increased. This helps cut down the acute effects of pollution.
Olive Oil
Try cooking with olive oil, which has been shown to boost the immune system against the attack of external micro-organisms.
Ginger
Ginger is among the healthiest (and most delicious) spices on the planet. It is loaded with nutrients and bio-active compounds that have powerful benefits for your body and brain.
Include ginger in your diet – you can add grated ginger to your cup of tea or chew a fresh piece with a pinch of salt to keep your immune system in top shape. Gingerol, the bio-active substance in fresh ginger, can help lower the risk of infections
Herbal tea with ginger
A good example is ginger and basil tea; pour 1-2 glasses of boiling water in a teapot. Add a spoon of grated ginger and 5-6 leaves of basil leaves to the boiling water. Allow it to brew for five minutes and then strain off ginger and basil leaves. You can add a dash of honey or jaggery to your liking.
Experts recommend also to heat milk with turmeric, saffron and ginger. Give it a boil and then pour it into a cup. Garnish it with powdered jaggery.
Garlic and Onions
Include garlic and onions in your daily diet to boost immunity and overcome infections. Onions and garlic are packed with antioxidants. They are also used in traditional medicine for their health benefits. Some of them are related to the prevention and treatment of asthma.
Good Ol’ Turmeric
Turmeric is a great detoxifier and is also known to have anti-bacterial properties, so it should be consumed liberally in food.
Try having a glass of milk or water with a teaspoon of turmeric powder every day. Turmeric milk is said to help the body recover from infections. Just add a teaspoon of turmeric powder or paste to a glass of milk or water. Let it boil for 4-5 minutes. Consume it warm.
You can also inhale water with turmeric through one nostril and take it out through the other, this is beneficial for people who have a sinus problem.
Turmeric has powerful antibacterial and antiviral properties that fight against infections. As a result, turmeric is considered a super-food that can treat flu, fever, asthma and lung infections. Simply, drink a glass of warm turmeric milk before going to bed and this will give you instant relief from a sore throat and congested chest.
Basil Tea To Your Rescue!
Drink basil tea – 10 to 15 ml – daily to steer clear of pollutants from your respiratory tract.
The high percentage of anti-bacterial particles soothes the respiratory tract for freer breathing. Because basil is also an anti-histamine and anti-oxidant, it is effective for de-congesting. Basil also fights organisms that are harmful to the respiratory system.
How to make it: Put 5-6 basil leaves into a saucepan with one and a quarter cup of water. Bring to a boil. Then bring down the flame to low for 15 minutes and let it simmer. Strain into a cup and drink it. You can also add honey and/or jaggery to it.
Mustard Oil
Mustard oil is mostly known for its use in the kitchen. It has nutrients that boost the body’s immunity, promote heart health and encourage hair growth. It also contains several compounds, which have anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties. Rub a small amount of a mixture of Mustard oil and Garlic on the feet and forehead to relieve headaches and a cold. You can also rub it on your chest before sleeping to get instant relief from a blocked nose.
When you rub a bit of mustard oil on your navel in circular motions, it helps the stimulation of gastric and bile juices from the liver and spleen. This then helps the food to get digested faster and easier, keeping the gut going. Application of the oil on the navel is also said to cure discolouration of lips.
Beta Carotene
Long-term exposure to polluted air can cause headache and congested chest. If you’re facing this, you should include foods that are rich in beta carotene. These are foods like sweet potatoes, carrots, dark leafy greens, butternut squash, cantaloupe, lettuce, red bell peppers, apricots, broccoli, coriander, fenugreek, spinach and peas. These foods will boost your immunity and keep all infections at bay.
Beta carotene is needed to control inflammation, caused by the free radicals and pollutants in the environment. This carotenoid is rich in antioxidants and converts into Vitamin A when ingested, which helps in fighting off the pollutants.
Ghee
Have a spoon of warm ghee in your hot drink or just add it to your food. It is claimed that ghee, a class of clarified butter, can reduce the ill effects of pollutants, including lead and mercury, in the air. You can also simply massage your nostrils and feet using some warm ghee.
Considered as a great source of omega 3 fatty acids, it is also anti-inflammatory and a rich source of antioxidant which makes it a must-have. It promotes an alkaline environment in the body, making it difficult for diseases and illnesses to manifest in the body.
Flax Seeds and Nuts
Flax seeds and nuts are rich in Omega 3, which helps boost the immunity of our body. One can roast them and eat by themselves, or try sprinkling them over salads and sandwiches.
Superfoods such as eggs and wheat-grass are also great to help strengthen the body and they are rich in Vitamin E and protein. Eggs, nuts, berries and yoghurt are healthy snacks you can have during the day.
That is it for today, I hope you will find some helpful tips in here. And if by any chance, you happen to have any secret remedy rolled up your sleeves then please, do share it with us. We love to hear from you.
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