Mallika Dureja
Studies have found a link between air pollution and worse outcomes for people with lung illness. This is because long-term exposure to air pollution can cause certain lung disorders. There is evidence that pollution in the air outside causes lung cancer, and long-term exposure to pollution may cause asthma.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. G. Prakash, Deputy Chief Medical Officer at Jindal Naturecure Institute in Bangalore, said, “Air pollution is linked to a wide range of acute and chronic illnesses, such as lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and heart disease. When you breathe in dirty air, harmful substances can get into your bloodstream through your lungs and make their way to your heart. This makes it more likely that you will have problems with your heart or blood flow. Pollution in the air can hurt your blood vessels by making them narrow and hard.
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He said, “A person can do yoga every day to protect their lungs from the effects of pollution.” Yoga improves the flow of blood and oxygen to the tissues. It makes your breathing muscles stronger while decreasing your sympathetic reactivity. This reduces stress and anxiety, which make CAD worse. You can do these asanas every day to improve the general health of your lungs. Dhanurasana (bow posture), Hasta Uttanasana (raised arm yoga stance), Ustrasana (camel pose), Ardha Chandrasana (half-moon pose), and Chakrasana (wheel pose). It is also recommended to eat foods that are high in zinc and vitamins A, D, and E, which can help prevent asthma. Carotenoids and antioxidant-rich foods, like red, yellow, and orange foods, can help with COPD. Also, a diet that is high in fruits, vegetables, low in sodium, low in trans fats, and high in omega-6 fatty acids will greatly reduce your risk of lung disease.
According to Dr Shuchin Bajaj, Founder Director at Ujala Cygnus Group of Hospitals, following are some tips for reducing the impact of air pollution on lung health using natural methods –
1. Increase indoor air quality: Keep windows and doors closed, use air purifiers, and keep indoor plants to help reduce indoor air pollution.
2. Exercise outdoors: When air quality is good, exercise outside, as physical activity can help improve lung function.
3. Eat a healthy diet: Eating a balanced diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help support lung health and overall health.
4. Quit smoking: Smoking is a major cause of lung damage and can worsen the effects of air pollution. Quitting smoking can improve lung health.
5. Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help remove toxins from the body and reduce the impact of air pollution on the lungs.
6. Reduce exposure to pollutants: Try to reduce your exposure to pollutants by avoiding busy roads, using public transportation, and limiting time spent in high-pollution areas.
7. Practice deep breathing exercises: Deep breathing exercises can help strengthen lung capacity and improve lung function.
Remember, these tips can help reduce the impact of air pollution on lung health but it is still important to reduce exposure to air pollution whenever possible.
