Nutrition and Control of the Effects of Air Pollutants (Dust Particles)

Fine dust particles are a mass of fine solid particles of dust and soot, whose most important effects are irritation of the upper respiratory tract and reduced respiratory capacity.

Having a healthy dietary pattern and following the recommendations below, especially when exposed to these pollutants, helps reduce their effects:

• Drinking fluids, especially warm fluids such as milk, weak tea, and lightly seasoned soups, in order to keep the respiratory passages moist and reduce the risk of respiratory infections

• Reducing the consumption of allergenic foods such as spicy, seasoned, and fried foods

• Moderate consumption of foods rich in omega-3 fats such as fish, walnuts, and vegetable oils such as canola in order to reduce inflammation of the respiratory passages, and consuming foods containing pectin such as apples, citrus fruits, carrots, apricots, and whole grains in order to expel pollutants such as lead

• Consuming foods rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and zinc such as fresh fruits and vegetables, citrus fruits, parsley, carrots, milk, eggs, and legumes in order to strengthen the body's immune system and repair the cells of the respiratory passages

• Using food sources containing vitamin C (fresh fruits and vegetables), vitamin E (walnuts, spinach, kale, olive oil, and wheat germ), carotenoids (orange, red, or yellow fruits and vegetables), and flavonoids (leafy green vegetables, green tea, soybeans, and legumes) in all meals, especially breakfast and snacks

Sources: Ministry of Health, Treatment and Medical Education, Public Health Education