Air pollution can impact your health severely. From worsening asthma, causing other respiratory ailments to cardiovascular disease, air pollution has even been linked to a greater risk of dying from Covid-19.
Eating certain foods can help us build resistance against the harmful effects of pollutants.
Doctors recommend adding foods rich in antioxidants and having anti-inflammatory properties, which can help detox your lungs and protect the body from air pollution.
If you are living in a polluted place, here are a few dietary changes that can help protect your lungs. Listed below are foods that will help strengthen your immunity and lower your risk of getting air pollution-induced infection:
1. Ginger
One of the most commonly used home remedies to cure cough and cold, ginger is famous for its anti-inflammatory properties. The root helps in removing the toxins from the respiratory tract. It is rich in vitamins and minerals like magnesium, potassium, beta-carotene and zinc, all of which helps in maintaining lung health.
2. Turmeric
Turmeric helps in reducing inflammation and congestion caused due to respiratory ailments. The active compound in turmeric cleanses the lungs naturally. It also helps in building the immunity and detoxifying the body. You can use raw or powdered turmeric in your milk, curries, salads and smoothies.
3. Honey
Honey is a natural sweetener and is popular for its antibacterial properties that help in reducing respiratory problems. It helps in clearing the air passage and maintaining the health of your lungs. A spoonful of honey in warm water is extremely beneficial for cleansing your lungs. It also helps in relieving cold and cough.
4. Garlic
Garlic has a powerful compound called allicin, which acts as an antibiotic agent and helps cure respiratory infections. It helps relieve congestion and breathlessness. It helps in decreasing inflammation and the risk of lung cancer. Garlic works wonder for asthmatic patients.
5. Green tea
From weight loss to reducing inflammation, green tea has various health benefits. Consuming green tea twice a day can be great in improving any lung condition.
6. Healthy fats
Choose a diet that is lower in carbohydrates and higher in healthy fats in order to clean your lungs. More oxygen is used and carbon dioxide is produced while metabolising carbs than while metabolizing fats.
Tips to cleanse your lungs
Do aerobic exercises
Doing aerobic exercises helps in improving lung capacity. Common examples of aerobic exercises include walking, cycling, running, swimming, dancing, tennis, boxing etc. If you have any lung disease, consult your doctor before starting any aerobic exercise. Practice pranayama to increase your lung capacity.
Invest in an air purifier
Air purifier as the name suggests helps in improving the quality of air in your house, which is ultimately good for your lungs.
