The level of air pollution in the capital Delhi-NCR has remained in the 'severe category' for the last week. The average Air Quality Index (AQI) is being recorded between 400 to 500 in most parts of Delhi, which is considered quite challenging for health. An AQI of 400 or more is considered severe, which increases the risk of developing many types of chronic diseases.
Health experts say, that prolonged exposure to air pollution, can lead to problems ranging from diabetes to mental health disorders as well as reduced oxygen levels in the body, which poses a risk of side effects on many organs.
Doctors say, increasing levels of air pollution can cause health problems like difficulty in breathing, sore throat, fever, cough, and asthma. Polluted air may contain trace amounts of carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen oxide, and ozone, which can have negative effects on health. These toxic elements can reduce the normal level of oxygen in the body.
Health complications caused by hypoxemia
Low levels of oxygen in the blood are known as hypoxemia. Studies have found that long-term exposure to air pollution can lead to a decline in lung structure and functionality, causing oxygen levels in the body to drop below normal levels. Symptoms of hypoxemia may include headache, difficulty breathing, increased heart rate, and bluish discoloration of the skin due to lack of oxygen in your blood.
To avoid such side effects, it is important to take measures to keep the lungs healthy and increase the amount of those things in the diet so that the oxygen level in the blood remains normal.
Consumption of things rich in lemon and Vitamin C
Lemon is a rich source of Vitamin C, which acts as an antioxidant that helps develop hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers. Lemon also detoxifies the liver and removes waste materials from the body. Drinking a glass of warm water with lemon on an empty stomach every day can help improve oxygen levels and overall health. Foods containing Vitamin C also help in boosting the immunity of the body.
Pomegranate increases blood flow
Pomegranate contains iron, copper, zinc, vitamins B3 and B6, and choline. It helps in blood flow by increasing the amount of nitric oxide in the body. Studies have shown that consuming pomegranate helps dilate blood vessels. It also has benefits in increasing the hemoglobin level in the body and improving oxygen levels. This fruit is beneficial for the body in many ways.
Carrots and Beetroot
Carrots and beetroot are such foods that can help in supplying essential nutrients to the body. Apart from being a good source of fiber, beetroot is also a good source of folate, manganese, potassium, iron, and vitamin C. Being rich in iron and folate, beetroot produces nitrate in the body, which dilates the veins which helps in maintaining proper oxygen circulation.
Like beetroot, carrots contain phytochemicals, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties along with vitamins. These help detoxify the body and increase the supply of oxygen to the tissues.
(PC: Freepik)
