Easily available in your kitchen, these foods will help keep pollution-related ailments at bay

Air pollutants rob skin cells of oxygen, and cause free radical production in the skin. This, in combination with UV radiation, decreases the production of collagen and elastin, causing the skin to thin and lose elasticity, and leading it to sag and cause fine lines and wrinkles.
Dermatologist Dr Nivedita Dadu, founder and chairman, Dr Nivedita Dadu’s Dermatology Clinic suggests stocking up on Vitamin C. “Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can help us fight the devastating effects of pollution. It can rid our bodies of free radicals that cause our cells to age more rapidly. It can also help us breathe easier," she says.
Oranges, pineapples, guavas, papayas, strawberries, amla (gooseberry) are all ideal choices. (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Add herbs like mint, cilantro and basil, flaxseeds to your diet. They all have cooling properties and are nutritious too. (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Ginger helps break down mucus formed around the lungs and helps in easy breathing. It even reduces inflammation in the airways and respiratory tracts. Include sliced or grated ginger in your morning water. (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

To keep dry cough and bronchitis away, one can chew on mulethi stick or liquorice as it helps to keep the throat moist and acts as a natural lozenge. Put a small piece between your teeth and keep chewing on it. (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Tomato is great for lung health as it contains compounds that slow down the wear and tear of lungs. Tomatoes also help in clearing respiratory airways which help reduce conditions like asthma. Include tomatoes in salads, soups and curries. (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Carrots, flaxseeds, and Omega-3 rich foods help boost our immunity and fight respiratory issues that are often felt because of polluted air. (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Sunflower seeds and soaked almonds can also help fight the negative effect of toxic air. (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Jaggery is known to be a cleansing agent that helps to flush out toxins from the body. It is also said to contain anti-allergic properties that make it an excellent remedy for asthma and other respiratory diseases. However, keep in mind that darker the colour of jaggery, the healthier it is. Also, as an iron-rich food, jaggery helps improve the haemoglobin level in blood which can boost one's immunity to fight pollution. (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

As an anti-inflammatory agent, garlic helps clean the lungs. Chew on it in the morning, advises dietitian Lavleen Kaur in a Facebook video. (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Kaur also advises that one must soak a few fenugreek seeds overnight in water and drink the water in the morning. The seeds must also be slowly chewed upon. The anti-inflammatory seeds help in cleaning the lungs. (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Have a glass of lukewarm water with a dash of lemon and cinnamon powder. It helps fight toxins and keep the bowel healthy. (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Increase the intake of water as it is a great way to flush out toxins. (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Green tea carries antioxidants that help in reducing the inflammation caused by inhaling toxic air. (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Ingredients: • Gram Flour (Besan) • Milk • Turmeric (Haldi) Method *In a small cup, add 1 tablespoon gram flour. *A few drops of milk (it doesn't take much) should be added. *Add a pinch of turmeric to the mix. *Mix thoroughly. *If the mixture is too thick, add a few drops of water/ milk at a time until you have a paste. (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Rich in antioxidants, apple helps reduce inflammation of the lungs and also keeps other cardiovascular diseases at bay. (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)