Here's How Delhiites Are Safeguarding Themselves From Pollution

Since the past week, the Delhi pollution has worsened due to the illegal bursting of firecrackers during Diwali adding to the already existing issue. Moreover, the burning of crops around the state has had a severe impact on the Air Quality Index (AQI). The government is seeking possible resolutions to this problem. SheThePeople asked people to share what one can do prevent their health from deteriorating during this period.

Here is what people said…

Neil D'Silva, a prominent author, talks about how his trip to Delhi has degraded his perennially bad throat due to the grey haze of smog surrounding Delhi. He advises people to travel in closed transports and stay indoors as much as they can.

Another essential ingredient in the diet should be Beta Carotene. Foods like dark green leafy vegetables, orange and yellow coloured vegetables and fruits are rich in Beta Carotene.

Apart from the physical harm, Sujata Parashar, a writer based in Delhi, talks about the gloom the pollution brings along with it. She says that she is forced to rethink about her future here. As she spent a whole day outside, it caused her a dry throat and itchiness in eyes. However, she suggests buying omega-three capsules to boost immunity and stay hydrated throughout the day.

Vaishali Mathur, the Editor-in-chief at Penguin Random House Publishing, talks about one of the effective ways to protect oneself from pollution. She recommends drinking jaggery tea, citing that it was used by coal miners to keep their lungs clean.

Also Read: Toxic Cities: How Every Citizen Can Be A Pollution Fighter

Drinking jaggery tea. Apparently coal miners used it for keeping lungs clean. Avoiding exposure to outside as much as possible. https://t.co/WqFebLOeuN

— Vaishali Mathur (@mathur_vaishali) November 1, 2019

One of the most humorous responses to the relentless pollution which does not seem to go away was by Sanjeev, who thinks leaving Delhi is the best option. Another sarcastic remark was by a Twitter user, Sarcastic_Human who believes that everything is free in Delhi, even Asthma and Lung Cancer, which come unwarranted with Delhi's pollution.

There is a thread of people who believe that staying indoors is the best possible option. And others are complaining of headaches, redness, cough and cold, and Delhi looking like a hazy dystopian world.

Well, it seems like an endless cry every winter. Here are some things one can do, which is recommended by doctors.

A good diet

With a proper diet, one can improve their immunity and protect themselves from the ill-effects of extreme pollution. A diet rich in nutrients and food items that help detoxify, are anti-inflammatory and improve immunity are, Vitamin C-rich foods like amla, lemon, oranges. Moreover, Vitamin E rich foods like almonds, peanuts, bran oil, salmon should also be added in the diet.

Another essential ingredient in the diet should be Beta Carotene. Foods like dark green leafy vegetables, orange and yellow coloured vegetables and fruits are rich in Beta Carotene.

Food that can help with allergies

Any food which can cure coughs like green tea, herbal tea and turmeric milk helps in improving respiratory health. Drinking enough lukewarm water and keeping the body hydrated is paramount.

She says that she is forced to rethink about her future here. As she spent a whole day outside, it caused her a dry throat and itchiness in eyes.

Air masks

Air masks are effective up to some extent. These avoid the inhalation of particular materials and are somewhat helpful, and are readily available in markets.

Plants that keep homes pollution-free

Plants help in minimising air pollution. Big trees like peepal, neem, and bargad control the infection; however, indoor plants are great as well when it comes to cleaning the indoor air such Aloe Vera, and spider plant, snake plant, the bamboo palm also get the job done.

Also Read: Water Pollution: Why We Must Consider This Part Of The Water Crisis

Image: The Hindu

Saumya Rastogi is an intern with SheThePeople.TV