The World Health Organization has indicated air pollution as the greatest risk worldwide for human health and the environment. The first step in protecting yourself from its effects will be to educate yourself about the risks in your area. Later, you can modify your activities to reduce the effects of pollution on your body and, once these changes are made, you can begin modifying your diet to ensure the body is able to repair itself and prevent free radical damage caused by pollution. of the air.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Find out about Air Pollution in your Area
Step 1. Research your city's pollution levels
You can use the website of the Regional Environmental Protection Agency (ARPA) competent in your area to find out how high the pollution levels are in the area where you live. As these are regional bodies, they are independent of each other, with different websites (listed in the link above).
Step 2. Download specific applications for smartphones or other portable devices
They will help you check the air quality levels day by day.
Step 3. Look for air quality bulletins produced by the municipality or province if you are part of a large metropolitan area
The ARPA of the Lombardy region, for example, publishes an online bulletin on the air quality of the entire regional territory on its website every day.
Part 2 of 3: Protect yourself from pollution
Step 1. Try to make an effort to stay indoors if research shows high pollution levels in your area
Being outdoors in the long term can increase the risk of lung, cardiovascular, asthma and other diseases.
Step 2. Install a domestic air filter that blocks pollutants
Choose a highly effective model rated 9 or higher on the MERV scale. Replace the filter every three to six months, depending on the directions on the product.
Step 3. Use air conditioning or filtered in the car, instead of rolling down the windows to cool the temperature
Fewer polluting particles will enter the car.
Step 4. Exercise in the morning or evening
Air pollution reaches its highest levels with the sun's rays, so training outdoors in fresh air or in an indoor gym will help you avoid exposing yourself too much.
Also fill up with petrol in the evening. The sun's rays also contribute to increasing gasoline emissions during the day
Step 5. Use cycle paths or walking paths that avoid the busiest streets
The air quality is much worse on busy boulevards and high-speed roads than in the streets of quiet residential neighborhoods.
Step 6. Avoid smoking or going to places where people smoke or light fires
Cigarette smoke is one of the worst air pollutants.
Step 7. Replace wood-burning fireplaces with natural gas versions
The air quality should be better indoors and also reduce emissions outside.
Step 8. Replace gasoline-powered machinery, such as lawn mowers and blowers, with their electric or battery-powered equivalents
They produce fewer carbon emissions and are also safer for your lungs.
Part 3 of 3: Eat well to protect yourself
Step 1. Modify your diet to help the lungs resist the effects of air pollutants
Studies have been done showing how vitamin-rich foods can help the body be stronger. These dietary changes do not in the least increase the risks for other diseases and also protect against cancer.
Step 2. Increase your consumption of foods rich in vitamin A and beta-carotene
These nutrients contribute to the formation and maintenance of the mucous membranes that cover the nostrils and intestinal tracts, making them more resistant to infection. Good sources include, sweet potatoes, carrots, margarine, butter and liver.
Step 3. Eat foods rich in vitamin C
Vitamin C helps form connective tissues and strengthen blood vessels, helping you heal faster. Among the foods that are rich in it are oranges, pomegranates, strawberries, mangoes, pulpels, broccoli and papaya.
Step 4. Include substantial amounts of Vitamin E in your diet
This nutrient protects cells from damage, increases their oxygen supply and consequently strengthens the immune system. Try green leafy vegetables, whole grains, vegetable oils, egg yolk and butter.
Step 5. Improve the selenium content in your diet
Selenium protects against free radical damage to the liver and lungs, which can lead to cancers. Eat whole grains, garlic, onions, eggs, and fish.