LAHORE, Nov 6: Thousands of citizens of Lahore are complaining of breathing difficulties and irritable eyes as a blanket of thick smog was forecast to persist for several days.
People are recommended to avoid all outdoor physical activity when air quality is rated “severe” like this morning. People with heart or lung diseases, older adults, and children are advised to remain indoors and keep activity levels low. Here we have listed few simple ways to cope with the pollution.
Monitor your commute time
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If at all possible avoid peak hours and public transport at least for some time if you have acute breathing problem. Also drive with your windows rolled up or simply cover your mouth and nostrils with a N95 respirator which almost filters out at least 95% of fine airborne particles.
Reduce outdoor activities
It is advisable to not exercise, walk or play outdoors especially when pollution levels are high which is usually in the morning. But in the most polluted cities spend least time outdoors.
Have food that can help to beat pollution
There are foods that can help fight inflammation and boost immunity especially during this time when you tend to inhale more toxic air. Include more garlic in your food because it contains medicinal compounds such as allicin and sulfhydryl, which gives garlic its pungent smell and also makes it a powerful immune booster and antimicrobial that helps fight infections. Air pollution tends to lower the body’s reserves of vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant found in vegetable oils, nuts, and green leafy vegetables that protect cells against the effects of free radicals, this is the best time to increase the intake of nuts and green leafy vegetables.