People all around the nation are still suffering negative health impacts from fine air pollution particles since harmful pollution levels have been reached in the air they breathe.
According to the Pollution Control Department, the levels of particulate matter 2.5, or PM 2.5, in Bangkok and the nearby provinces on April 7 ranged from 33 to 57 micrograms per cubic meter of air, with 18 places being designated as orange, signifying levels at which they start to damage health.
Thailand’s safety air quality standard classifies any PM 2.5 concentration above 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air as dangerous.
The department forecasts that due to southerly winds moving the pollution away from the provinces and showers in some locations, the dust situation in Greater Bangkok and its environs would improve from now until April 14.
Limiting outdoor activities, wearing a good mask while going outside, and installing an air purifier in the room where you spend the most time may not be sufficient measures to combat the harmful and cancer-causing smog. According to nutritionists and experts, there are a few natural remedies that might lessen the bad effects of breathing in the airborne toxins. They advocate strengthening oneself from the inside out by consuming nutritious foods rich in antioxidants and nutrients that can boost immunity, fight off infections, and remove toxins from the body. herbs that aid in the body’s detoxification
Vernonia cinerea, often known as small ironweed or ya dok khaw in Thai, is recommended by the experts at Chaophraya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital. They claim that the herb can naturally aid in lung cleansing and detoxification.
According to one study, the plant assisted in lowering the amount of carbon monoxide that smokers who took part in the test had built up in their lungs. Another experiment was done on rats. The findings demonstrated that prolonged nicotine administration in rats improved the respiratory tissue when plant extracts were injected.
Other investigations showed that the flavonoid and terpene-rich tiny ironweed also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
The doctors wrote in an essay that was published on the hospital’s website, “So, the plant could help the body fight infections and relieve some respiratory ailments caused by air pollution.”
The most common way to take this tropical plant is as herbal tea. However, due to the plant’s high potassium content, use of it is frequently dangerous for people with heart and kidney conditions.
They claimed that Thunbergia laurifolia, known as Rang Chued in Thai, which is regarded as the king of detoxifying herbs, also appears to have cleansing properties. The plant leaf extract raised the amount of antioxidant enzymes and shielded human cell lines against the heavy metal cadmium, which is present in particulate matter, in vitro.
Meanwhile, Indian gooseberry, also known as makham pom in Thai, can aid in cough relief by clearing irritants from the airways. According to the specialists, it could also treat bronchitis and asthma.
According to a study, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of this little, green fruit helped reduce the harmful effects of sulfur dioxide, a key ingredient in the haze, in mice.
According to them, the natural component of turmeric called curcumin also has anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and antioxidant characteristics that may help treat lung and heart diseases.
Curcumin has been observed to have a chelating impact on cadmium and arsenic attached to the particulate matter in various animal tests. In other words, it binds to these metals and aids in their removal from the body.
However, they caution that patients with bile duct obstruction and pregnant women may not benefit from the herb.the rainbow as food
Back to the fundamentals now. Meanwhile, to counteract the negative impacts of pollution, nutritionists at the Department of Health’s Bureau of Nutrition advise individuals to include fruits and vegetables of various hues in their diets. This is due to the phytonutrients they contain, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on the body.
They claim that dark green, leafy foods like broccoli, kale, spinach, green apples, and grapes are particularly high in the antioxidants lutein and chlorophyll. They combat the body’s potentially cancer-preventing free radicals that harm genes.
The component found in broccoli and cauliflower called sulforaphane can help the body get rid of harmful contaminants and reduce inflammation, according to nutritionists.
Lycopene and betalains, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and help detoxification, are abundant in red fruits and vegetables including tomatoes, watermelons, and pink dragon fruits. Studies have indicated that these foods lower the chance of developing cancer.
Anthocyanins, which are abundant in purple fruits and vegetables, play a part in cancer prevention.
A potent antioxidant present in yellow and orange vegetables and fruits, beta-carotene can increase the body’s disease-fighting cells and lower inflammation while enhancing immunological function.
White and brown fruits and vegetables include flavonoids that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They aid in defending against oxidative damage, which can cause diseases like cancer and harm human cells. Chinese pears, Job’s tears, mushrooms, radish, Chinese cabbage, and Chinese cabbage are all high in phytonutrients.
The dietitians emphasized that the most important thing is for people to eat 400 grams of colorful fruits and vegetables every day as part of their meals. That can deliver a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that shield the body from the damaging effects of air pollutants.
PM 2.5: Tiny and hazardous
PM 2.5 is hazardous because it tends to hang about in the atmosphere for a longer period of time due to its small size and low weight. This raises the possibility of inhaling them, which poses health hazards. They can pass through the respiratory tract and become deeply embedded in the lungs since they are so little, which is another worry.
According to medical professionals, exposure to PM 2.5 can cause eye and lung discomfort, sneezing, coughing, runny nose, and skin disorders. Additionally, it makes respiratory conditions like asthma worse. Multiple health issues might result from cumulative exposure over time. Additionally, this particulate matter has been connected to lower lung function growth in children as well as early death, particularly in those with chronic heart and lung illness.
