Share
As Delhi’s pollution levels increase every winter season, protecting your lungs is not just about masks and air purifiers alone. What also plays a crucial role is your diet, too. During this time, you should be very careful as to what you eat, as it has a direct effect on your immunity. During high-smog days, when the air is thick and filled with dust, chemicals, and fine particulate matter, these pollutants can impact the body’s detoxification and immune systems. Certain foods, particularly those that increase inflammation or toxin load in the body, can exacerbate tiredness, breathing issues, and digestive problems.
Avoiding such foods helps your organs to focus on cleansing and healing. From deep-fried street food and processed snacks to raw produce that is exposed to pollutants, picking wisely what to eat during the pollution-smoggy days can make a real difference. A mindful, anti-inflammatory diet which is rich in antioxidants, fibre, and hydration can help you breathe easier and keep you healthy amid Delhi’s pollution season.
Fried And Oily Foods
Deep-fried foods, such as samosas, pakoras, and fries, may appear tempting but are particularly harmful during pollution season. Such foods can exacerbate inflammation, which can worsen respiratory problems caused by polluted air. Not only this, oily foods also slow down the digestion process, which can make the body sluggish, decreasing its ability to detoxify in its own way. Choosing boiled or grilled options can help keep your system light and support the lung as well as liver function, important when combating Delhi’s pollution levels.
Dairy Products
Dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and yoghurt, should be avoided during pollution periods if not stored properly. Some airborne pollutants can settle on these items if they are not packed or sealed correctly, which can impact the quality and safety of the product. Reducing dairy intake will help keep the airways clearer and make the lungs more responsive. In place, you can opt for lighter options, such as almond or oat milk, and also include herbal teas with tulsi, ginger, or turmeric, which can help soothe the throat and support better breathing during smoggy days.
Street Food
Street food can be risky to consume during Delhi’s pollution season. The food at open-air stalls is more exposed to polluted air particles, dust, and emissions from vehicles, making contamination unavoidable. Greasy or reheated snacks such as chaat, rolls, and other fried items also burden the digestive system and increase inflammation when your body is already battling pollutants. Consuming unhygienic street food can lead to foodborne infections and lower immunity, making you more susceptible to respiratory and gastrointestinal issues. Opt for freshly cooked, home-prepared meals instead.
Fruits And Vegetables
Raw fruits and vegetables may seem healthy, but they can carry harmful pollutants and residue from pesticides, particularly when bought from open markets. During the pollution season in Delhi, fine particulate matter often settles on surfaces, and alone washing them away does not always remove these toxins. If consumed raw, it can lead to stomach disorders and increased toxin load on the liver. Rather, once you bring the vegetables from the market, thoroughly wash them, peel, or lightly cook vegetables and fruits to maintain their nutritional value while lowering the exposure to pollutants and harmful microbes.
Untrusted Water Sources
Pollution season usually overlaps with higher contamination in water supplies due to mixing of air and ground pollutants. Drinking water from unfiltered or untrusted sources can easily expose you to bacteria, heavy metals, and chemical remains, which can weaken your immunity. Contaminated water not only causes digestive troubles but also adds to the toxin buildup. Always prefer boiled, filtered, or bottled drinking water to ensure purity and protect your body's detox system during high-smog days in the national capital.
