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But Diwali At night, I was scanning various e-commerce sites for air purifiers when I started coughing and wheezing, thanks to Air quality ‘very poor’ In my city.
As I scrolled, the algorithm threw up an ad for something that, perhaps, I thought I could actually use based on my search terms ‘air pollution protection’ – a lung. detox tonic Which promised to clear all the ‘tar’ coming out of my lungs due to breathing polluted air.
Now, doesn’t this sound like a godsend for all our air pollution woes?
Imagine if an elixir allowed you to cleanse your lungs and get rid of all toxins.
Sounds too good to be true? Because it is, experts say.
‘Lung cleaners’ for air pollution: Do they work?
“There are some tonics that we recommend during chest infections, pneumonia etc. These contain some chemical and naturally occurring substances (like honey, TurmericTulsi) which helps loosen mucus and blockage,” explains Dr Sushila Kataria, senior director, internal medicine, Medanta Gurugram.
But, she adds, “If anyone claims that these tonics can completely eliminate the effects of air pollution, it is a lie.”
“People should not be under any misconception that it (the effects of air pollution) can be cured by taking a few pills.”
Dr Sushila Kataria
Simply put, Toxic particles like PM2.5 in polluted air Are notorious for being microscopically small. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, they are so numerous that they can easily pass the protection of your nose and lungs and enter your bloodstream.
Growing research is confirming how air pollution affects all parts of your body, to your cellsTook a breath once.
“As they get into our airways, they become trapped in the lungs and then travel to other organs. These extremely small particles cannot be removed by any type of lung tonic.”
Dr Sushila Kataria
What about other immunity boosters?
“What people usually claim as immunity boosters are multivitamin, Or some Ayurvedic/herbal preparations. It may help in relieving some symptoms to some extent, but I think the claims are much bigger than the reality,” says Dr. Sushila Kataria.
For one thing, there are no large studies or randomized control trials that provide strong enough evidence.
Now, multivitamin supplements (in small doses) don’t really do any harm, and in some ways even help your overall health. “But, I don’t think they have any specific immuno-booster potential,” says Dr Ashwini Setya, a Noida-based gastroenterologist.
He adds, “There have also been no large randomized control trials to prove this.”
Air pollution primarily causes inflammation and allergic reactions, so, experts say, some anti-allergens can help provide some relief.
“The role of the immune system really comes down to Swelling Air pollution increases the risk of super-infection,” says Dr Setya.
“Since certain natural ingredients like turmeric, basil etc. are known to have anti-inflammatory properties, a homemade decoction with these ingredients can help reduce your symptoms to some extent.”
Dr Ashwini Setya
However, Dr Kataria also warns that, apart from multivitamins, excessive and irresponsible consumption of ‘herbal’ concoctions and unregulated tonics and remedies have also been linked to this. liver damage Or poisoning.
“We see people with liver damage from herbal products. We see liver toxicity from Giloy Farm gourd juice,” she says, “so it’s not like these products won’t cause any harm.”
Is it possible to increase immunity at all?
Before we look at how to build our immunity, it is important to get some clarity on what immunity is.
“Immunity itself is a very broad definition,” says Dr. Sushila Kataria.
“In medical language, when we talk about immunity, we talk about our body’s ability to fight off a specific pathogen.” She further explains that this involves a combination of complex interconnected systems of protection, including your WBCs (white blood cells). hemoglobinAnd your vitamin levels.” So, no silver bullet can boost it all at once.
Additionally, if you somehow ‘boost’ your entire immune system, “it could trigger autoimmunity and other problems,” according to Michael Sternbach, a professor of microbiology at Harvard Medical School.
“Immunity is a complex thing, which needs to be developed by a good lifestyle on a daily basis. There are no shortcuts.”
Dr Sushila Kataria
talking to SuitableDr. Suranjit Chatterjee, Senior Consultant Internal Medicine, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, agrees and says, “There is nothing better than immunity boosting supplements. A healthy lifestyle is the only way to ‘boost your immunity’.”
According to the experts we spoke to, the slow and steady way to build stronger immunity involves,
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regular exercise
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eating a healthy, balanced diet
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Adequate sleep and rest
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managing stress
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vaccination against specific pathogens
(This was first published on November 13, 2023. Published here The QuintRecord on increasing pollution level in Delhi-NCR.)
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