Air pollution affects health in various ways, including the respiratory system. The liver, kidneys, and lungs cleanse and detoxify the body. Certain foods containing specific nutrients support this natural process by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress caused by pollutants.

Herbal teas: Drinking ginger, lemon, mint, and eucalyptus tea can help detoxify the body by soothing the respiratory system.

Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, and other berries are rich in anthocyanin antioxidants, which help maintain lung function. The menthol in mint helps clear nasal passages, shrinks swollen membranes in the nose, opens airways, and thins mucus buildup in the lungs.

Foods with healthy fats: Omega-3 fatty acids, abundant in fish, fish oil supplements, walnuts, almonds, flaxseeds, and chia seeds, are beneficial for maintaining lung health.

Magnesium-rich foods: Whole grains, millet, soybeans, and sesame seeds help maintain lung muscle strength.

Selenium-rich foods: Mushrooms, eggs, brown rice, and sunflower seeds help reduce oxidative stress in the lungs and improve lung function.

Green vegetables: Nutrients in cruciferous vegetables like kale, cauliflower, broccoli, and cabbage help protect the lungs from air pollution, viruses, and bacteria.

Citrus fruits: Eating grapefruit, oranges, lemons, and tangerines can strengthen the body's immune system and reduce the risk of lung cancer.

Vitamin A-rich foods: Dark leafy greens, yellow and orange vegetables, and egg yolks contribute to maintaining the integrity of the lung epithelium and combating inflammation.

Limonoids in citrus peels: Limonoids, often found in air fresheners, protect lung tissues. D-limonene, pinene, eucalyptol, and thymol (in thyme) are commonly used in aromatherapy to activate the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, helping to fight bacteria and eliminate unwanted agents. These compounds, which give flavor and aroma to food, can also loosen phlegm, reduce coughing, have antibacterial properties, and are beneficial for respiratory ailments. They increase mucosal secretions, aid in destroying pathogens, and reduce inflammation by weakening hydrogen bonds in the mucosa.

Drink enough water every day: Water can thin the mucus in the airways and lungs, making breathing easier.

Le Nguyen (According to Hindustan Times)