Air pollution can affect your lung health severely. From worsening asthma, causing other respiratory ailments to cardiovascular disease, air pollution has even been associated with a greater risk of dying from COVID-19. All of which makes taking care of the lungs more important than ever. Eating specific foods can help one build resistance against the harmful impact of pollutants. Besides a well-maintained lifestyle, and a good amount of physical workout, adding foods high in antioxidants which have anti-inflammatory properties which can help detox your lungs and protect the body from air pollution, is important.
If you are living in a polluted place, here are a few dietary changes suggested in this blog by India’s eminent Nutritionist and Dietitian, Avni Kaul, that can help protect your lungs. Here is a list of foods that will help you strengthen your immunity and reduce your risk of getting air pollution-induced infection.
Turmeric (Haldi) – Every Indian grandmother’s most trusted remedy. Turmeric helps in lowering inflammation and congestion caused because of respiratory ailments. The active compound present in turmeric cleanses the lungs naturally. It also aids in building immunity and detoxifying the body. One can use raw or powdered turmeric in milk, curries, salads, and smoothies.
Ginger – One of the most popularly used home remedies to cure cough and cold, ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. The root helps in eliminating the toxins from the respiratory tract. It is rich in vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, potassium, beta-carotene, and zinc, all of which help in maintaining lung health. One can add ginger to their tea, salad, curries, and kaadha.
Garlic – Garlic has a strong compound called allicin, which acts as an antibiotic agent and aids in curing respiratory infections. It helps relieve congestion and breathlessness. It also helps in decreasing inflammation and the risk of lung cancer. Garlic works well for asthmatic patients.
Green Tea – Green tea has several antioxidants that help reduce inflammation in the lungs. These compounds further protect lung tissue from the harmful effects of smoke inhalation. **
Honey – Honey is a natural sweetener and is well known for its antibacterial properties that help in reducing respiratory problems. It helps in clearing the air passage and maintaining the overall health of your lungs. A spoonful of honey in lukewarm water is extremely beneficial for cleansing your lungs. It also helps in relieving cold and cough. However, diabetics must refrain from eating it without consulting a qualified nutritionist.
**Source: https:// pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29378037/
**This article has been written by team Nutri Activania**
Special Online Diet Program for Weight Loss and Immune Boosting
Staying fit and developing a strong immune system is the top priority for everyone to protect themselves and their families in these globally critical times. Hence maintaining a healthy body weight, defeat obesity, eating healthy immunity-boosting diets has become the call of the day.
To address some of the issues, India’s top therapeutic Nutritionist and Dietitian Avni Kaul and her team of trained and qualified Dietitians are going to stay connected with you and with your family that will include-
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- Nutritionist Avni Kaul and her team of trained Dietitians will be personally in touch with you to motivate, and monitor your daily health progress be it includes weight management or immune-boosting.
- Easy homemade and healthy recipes would be shared by the dedicated team of Dietitians. These recipes will be developed as per your health improvement for weight loss and immune system development and food culture at home.
