Natural and man-made factors contribute to a highly polluted environment in India. Recently in Kerela, mother nature dumped over a 4000 billion cubic millimeters of rain leaving millions of people affected during and after the flood. Highly alarming levels of fluoride, mercury, beta-endosulfan, and heptachlor were found by authorities in tap and groundwater across these flood-affected states.

Added to this, burning of fuels, carbon-emissions from vehicles, smoke from industrial waste induce harmful chemicals into the air making it very unsafe to breathe around those areas. A recent article in the Indian Express reported that carcinogens or cancer-causing factors have seeped into India’s food, water and air channels due to these toxic pollutants.

This has put people across all age groups in grave danger for developing Cancer. No wonder, Cancer is spreading out like an epidemic in India and a big contributing factor to it is the rise of pollution in India. 14 most polluted cities in the world are in India. It’s high time government intervene and take the right measures to save the environment.

So, what can you do for bracing yourself in the polluted world? In this article, be aware of the steps you can take to save yourself from pollution:

 

  1. Cover your Face

Tying a handkerchief or other cloth around your nostril will give you minimal protection. Respiratory masks like N95 and P100 are more advanced and shield you from breathing polluted air. When you have to head outdoor in deeply polluted areas, always protect yourself from the smog.

  1. Avoid High Traffic Zones and High Polluted Areas

Pollution levels like the weather change at times. This is especially true for metropolitan cities like Delhi, Mumbai and more. Download apps like Breezometer, AirVisual to check the air quality in your location and avoid areas that are more harmful and unsafe.

  1. Ayurvedic Herbs

There are several potent natural herbs that absorb pollutants and help detoxify the effects. Neem is a very powerful herb that help clears the free radicals that are stuck to the skin and mucosal membrane. Also, tulsi leaves offer the same benefit. Other similar herbs that minimize the ill-effects of pollution include Pippali, Guggul, Triphala, Carom seeds.

 

  1. Practice Breathing Right

 

Pranayama and breathing techniques help to combat pollutants. Kapalbhati, Anulom-Vilom, Jal Neti, Bhastrika Pranayama are some techniques you can try to purify your lungs as it can remove the poisonous air from your body and provide an essential supply of oxygen.

 

  1. Eat Clean Cuisine and a Warm Home Cooked Meal

 

Eating a home cooked meal as opposed to Fast food and restaurant meals is very vital. Include spices like Turmeric, Ginger, Garlic, Cayenne Pepper in your preparations. Also, consume ghee as it is very effective in dispelling the toxic effects of harmful metals like lead and mercury. Pomegranate juice, green tea, herbal teas and a diet rich in antioxidants, beta carotene, Vitamin A and C is essential. The foods you consume must be easy to digest and support your lungs in withstanding the effects of pollution.

 

  1. Go Organic

 

Organically grown food can protect you from harmful pesticides that are used nowadays on crops and produce. The mineral content of the soil is also compromised as more chemicals have found its way in the soil.

 

  1. Purify Air at Home

 

It is surprising how harmful contaminants can get trapped inside your homes. Chemicals from cleaning products, detergents, shampoos, carpets and more can cause a major build-up of carcinogens within your home. Increase ventilation, use natural air purifiers like beeswax candles, salt lamps, activated charcoal, dhoop of Guggulu and Aguru and cultivate house plants like Chrysanthemum, Spider Plant, Peace Lily, Bamboo Palm, Aloe Vera to purify the air within your house.

Also, ensure to clean your AC filters regularly and use safe household cleaning items that are not laden with toxins. After all breathing clean air is should be a priority.

 

  1. Steam

 

The best way to remove dirt and debris from the nose down to our respiratory tract is by taking the steam with a few drops of eucalyptus or peppermint oil. It helps to clear mucus congestion and enables safe breathing.

 

  1. Massage

 

A warm message or Abhyanga acts as a powerful recharge and rejuvenates the mind and body. It also acts as a good detoxifier removing all the free radicals from the system.

 

  1. Go for regular detox or Panchakarma

 

An annual naturopathy/Ayurvedic detox can help you to get rid of the toxins from your body. It also helps to increase the inherent cleansing ability of the vital organs, reduces inflammation, and optimizes the process of methylation

 

Shield yourself from pollution by following the above helpful tips. In spite of toxic pollutants causing several ailments from Cancer, lung diseases and more, there are ways you can minimize the ill-effects of this nasty pollution.