Delhi and its neighboring states are enveloped in an ugly smog that is refusing to settle down. Understandably, the toxic air is making everyone cough, causing throat irritation and even spreading viral infections. The condition is worse for people suffering from asthma and cardiovascular issues.
Here is a 10-step guide we have compiled for your well being:
1. Air purifying plants
Air Purifying plants such as Aloe Vera, Ivy and Spider Plant can be placed in the home and offices. They help purify indoor air and minimise indoor pollution.
2. Ventilate your kitchen, bathroom
To avoid indoor air pollution, make sure there is a chimney in the kitchen and an exhaust in the bathroom. This will ensure that the air is recirculated. Not many know that indoor pollution can be worse than outdoor pollution.
3. Restrict outdoor activities for kids
Do not allow your children (less than 8 years to age) to be outdoor. If possible, request school authorities to suspend outdoor activities.
4. Use air-purifiers
Use air purifiers, especially in kids room and the room of elderly (and even pregnant women). They are most prone to the ill effects of this toxic air.
5. Take steam daily
Try to take steam with a few drops of eucalyptus oil every day in the evening to relax your air-passages and help your body remove the harmful particulate substances.
6. Purify your car air
When you start your car in the morning, roll down your window to let the air circulate. Next, run car AC in indoor circulation mode, which will reduce the PM 2.5 level considerably.
7. Ventilate your home
Open your windows and doors between 3 pm – 5 pm and allow the air to circulate. On a bright sunny day, this is the time slot when concentration of PM 2.5 is the lowest in the air.
8. Jaggery to detoxify
Eat jaggery (aka gudd) to flush out pollutants from your lungs. You can simply have it raw or replace it with sugar in your daily preparations.
9. Diet rich in vitamin C, omega fatty acids
Consume fruits rich in Vitamin C, Magnesium and foods rich in Omega Fatty Acids. A healthy diet will help you beat the ill effects of pollution by keeping your immunity up.
10. Herbal tea
Have herbal ginger and tulsi tea. Having this healthy concoction once or twice a day is extremely healthy for minimizing pollution effects!