People are constantly complaining about bad air quality in different regions of India. With the onset of winter, things may get worse soon. Bad air quality will not only affect our mental health but also our lungs and respiratory health. There is a high chance that it may trigger concerns related to your digestive, heart, and neurological systems.
Here are a few points that you must look out for and prepare yourself for the next challenge.
Signs Pollution Is Affecting Your Health
1. Fluctuation in Heart Rate or Pain
Studies show that bad air can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Excessive pollution can cause inflammation in the body or injury to the heart and blood vessels, leading to stroke or heart attack. Airborne particles have the potential to irritate the lungs, harm the arterial walls, and raise blood pressure. Variations in heart rhythm and rate brought on by pollutants may lead to cardiac arrest.
2. Fatigue and Headache
Constant inhalation of impure air particles can even have a bad impact on brain functioning. Hazardous chemicals like carbon monoxide and lead, as well as fine particulate matter, can impair cognitive processes. These chemicals may result in memory issues, problems in concentration, or chronic fatigue. An increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s has also been connected to long-term neurological impacts.
3. Digestive Health Issues
Apart from heart health, bad air is also known to affect digestive health. Your digestive health may be impacted by exposure to pollutants and microplastics in the air, water, and soil. In fact, you may face several health issues like constipation, acid reflux, bloating, etc., due to air pollution. Pollutants may upset the delicate equilibrium of gut microbes, leading to inflammation and digestive problems. Intestinal disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have been linked to extended exposure.
4. Skin Irritation and Premature Aging
Pollutants even have the capability to deplete skin antioxidants, such as Vitamin C. This may further lead to inflammation, dryness, etc. In some cases, you may also notice early signs of aging, such as wrinkles and dark spots. Acne and eczema are among the preexisting skin conditions that pollutants like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide can exacerbate. Extremely polluted surroundings increase the risk of skin cancer by gradually exposing people to dangerous chemicals.
5. Higher cancer risk
One of the most common diseases linked to air pollution is cancer. They are brought on by exposure to airborne particles that cause cancer, like those that are created when fossil fuels burn. Long-term exposure to these harmful compounds in contaminated surroundings increases the risk of developing cancer of the skin, liver, bladder, and lungs.
Natural Ways to Protect Yourself from Unhealthy Air
1. Consume Green Tea
You don’t know exactly when pollution will get back in control but your diet plan is completely your take. So, replace basic tea with green tea. Green tea comprises various antioxidants that may help in overcoming inflammation in the lungs. Even lung tissue may be shielded by these substances from the damaging effects of smoking.
2. Air Pollution Management
Daily air pollution forecasts are provided for each area. Make sure to avoid going out on days that have high red or orange alerts. Stay home and safe from the impure substances.
3. Use Public Transport
We understand that driving from your own vehicle is easy and comfortable but if possible, try to use public transport for some time. Do what you can do from your end to make a better living.
4. Indoor plants
Bring in some beautiful indoor plants at home. They help purify the air by absorbing all the contaminants and impurities in the air.
5. Exercise
Try to exercise frequently to keep your body in an active state. Weight loss or maintenance, strength and muscular development, cardiovascular system development, sports skill improvement, health improvement, or just enjoyment are some of the reasons people do it. The more active and healthier your body is, the better it can fight back bad pollutants.
Conclusion
Air pollution is a growing concern but there is no way we can fight it unless we team up together. It is time to overcome this issue and adopt a few natural ways to reduce pollution levels. If not, it can lead to a serious impact on our health. Start eating healthy food as well so that your body can fight back harmful elements that you are consuming daily. For more such tips, follow our page.