Delhi Pollution: Here Are Some Natural Ways To Beat Smog

A heavy layer of smog shrouded the city on Monday morning leaving Delhiites gasping for breath. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi's 24-hour average air quality index stood at 494 at 4 pm on Sunday.

Here are some steps being taken to bring down the pollution levels in the city:

• Schools across Delhi NCR have been shut to protect children from the toxic pollution in the city.
• The Delhi government has also implemented the “odd-even” traffic rationing scheme to curb pollution.
•  Thirty-seven flights were diverted from the Delhi airport due to low visibility caused by the thick blanket of smoke.

A lot of residents even expressed their desire to leave the city and live in a less polluted place. While it is definitely not a feasible option, here is some useful information for you on how to prevent yourself from smog.

What is smog?

Smog is a kind of air pollution. It is originally named for the mixture of smoke and fog in the air. It is hazardous for health as it can cause particular problems for people with existing health problems, including chest, lung or heart complaints.

Yogic techniques like Anulom vilom, Bhastrika, Kapalbhati do wonders in ensuring our lungs' well-being.

Some natural ways to prevent yourself from smog

Eliminate certain foods

Many lung disorders and infections like asthma, sinus and other serious pulmonary disorders are an outcome of the amount of mucus that gets built up in our lungs. This happens because it is our body’s natural defence mechanism to trap certain bacteria and pathogens. It is also suggested that one avoids cucumber and yogurt at night.

Ensure that your exhale is longer than your inhale.

Bring in some foods

There are a lot of foods that work as natural decongestants like bromelain (pineapple extract), cayenne pepper, oregano, cardamom, mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, castor oil, garlic, onion, ginger, black pepper, raw honey. Make it a habit to bring them in your routine.

Plants are the best natural purifiers you can invest in. Go for activated charcoal air filters if you are suffering from breathing problems.

Practice yogic breathing

One major reason behind all lung ailments is the fact that we don't breathe to our full lung capacity. There is a shortage of oxygen in our bodies because we breathe short. This fails to effectively eliminate toxins from our body. Yogic techniques like Anulom vilom, Bhastrika, Kapalbhati do wonders in ensuring our lungs' wellbeing. Also, ensure that you exhale longer than your inhale.

Purify your home

Interestingly, plants are the best natural purifiers you can invest in. You can also take regular steam inhalations with turmeric powder and a few drops of eucalyptus/pine oil. Investing in an air humidifier is a great idea. Exercise regularly to build lungs that can combat winter smog easily. Go for activated charcoal air filters if you are suffering from breathing problems.

Image credit: REUTERS

Info credits: Luke Coutinho