As of the moment when the author is writing this piece, New Delhi is choking with AQI ranging between 450-500 in several areas. But the sad part of this story is the capital and several parts of North India get enveloped in a thick layer of smog pushing people to breathe pollutants and hazardous elements. Not just that, many reports indicate that toxic air not only affects lunch but also hair, skin, eyes, and mental health. Hospitals in Delhi are also witnessing a rise in the number of patients with breathing issues.
Amid this, everyone’s primary concern is to protect themselves and prevent indoor air pollution. You can wear a mask outdoors but what would you do at your home or inside the bedroom? It is supposed to be the safest place where you can breathe without experiencing a burning sensation in your eyes or a sore throat. To bring you expert advice, Slurrp connected with Mugdha Pradhan, a Pune-based Functional Nutritionist and Healer.
“When the air is dense with pollutants, especially in the morning and evening, you must keep your windows and doors closed. It will prevent harmful particles from coming into your house,” said the nutritionist.
Nutritionist Recommends Tips To Reduce Air Pollution
Nutritionist Mugdha Pradhan added that while you can close all your doors and windows, toxic air can still get inside your house, therefore, an air purifier is crucial to keep the space dust-free, especially a place like your bedroom or home office where you spend a majority part of the day.
You can also get air purifying plants which can be also a good investment and not just for times like these when smog makes it difficult for you to see beyond your window. Among plants, you can get a palm, snake plant, or a money plant. They are good for keeping the air fresh.
Nutritionist Suggests Cooking Techniques To Reduce Air Pollution
While you can get machines and plants to purify the air around the house, you also need to try from your end not to add smoke to the air. According to Mugdha Pradhan, you should avoid deep-frying in your kitchen. It can increase pollutants in the air and make the air inside the house dense.
In the crucial times, the nutritionist recommends steaming, sauteing, and light grilling. If you are fond of cooking outside, especially when soaking in the sunshine or organising bonfire parties, Mugdha Pradhan suggests avoiding it especially if you live in a toxic zone. She added that it can lead to a very small amount of pollutants settling in your food.
“The inhalation of these pollutants is more harmful. Airborne pollutants contaminating your food is a less likely outcome but inhaling them can make things worse for you. Hence, if you stay in an area where the pollution is severe or hazardous, you should avoid stepping out of the house.”