The Dangers of Pollution and How to Protect Yourself

Described as the ‘silent killer’ by the British Heart Foundation, air pollution is on the rise and is taking its toll on our health. There is little escape from pollution today, with even those in the countryside being exposed to a significant about of it. Read on to find out more about the effects of pollution and how to protect yourself!

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A new US study reported by The Independent found that exposure to black carbon, a traffic related pollution, caused a reduction in HDL cholesterol. Often termed ‘good cholesterol’, HDL scavenges and removes LDL (bad cholesterol) as well as fixing the walls of our blood vessels.

When we lack HDL in our bodies, we put ourselves at a far higher risk of heart disease and strokes. The study stated that the negative impact on HDL cholesterol were lower but similar to the sort of positive difference seen when people quit smoking. It was also found that women loss more of the good cholesterol when exposed to pollution then men.

The British Heart Foundation has regularly spoken out about the dangers the UK public are facing due to pollution. Professor Sir Nilesh Samani, the medical director of the charity stated that “there is an urgent need to fund more research…” whilst claiming “This silent killer is related to 40,000 deaths in the UK each year, with eight in 10 caused by a heart attack or stroke.”

Air pollution is also linked to increasing blood pressure, developing asthma and facing other future respiratory conditions.

Hopefully world leaders will continue to work together to reduce our carbon footprint and we will slowly but surely see a reduction in the dangers of air pollution. That of course could take some time, so let’s have a look at some of the ways you can protect yourself from air pollution today!

Plan Your Day

Air pollution is worst during the hottest parts of the day as pollutants from cars, buses and factories react to sunlight. It’s therefore important to do any outdoor exercise in the mornings or evenings, especially during summer.

Small differences can add up too. For example, if you go to a café or shop for lunch and know that at 12pm the traffic is at its worst, push your lunch back to 1pm. Alternatively, you could aim to spend at least one day of the weekend out on country walks rather than heading into the city for drinks. Everyone will be different so it’s important to find out what works for you.

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Commute to Work

If everyone who could walk or cycle to work did, then air pollution wouldn’t be anywhere near as big an issue. We all should really consider if getting in the car every morning is necessary for us.

Many people will argue that hopping on a bike to work means you’re just as likely to breath as much pollution as those in their cars. Even if that is the case, you’re doing your body a hell of favour by exercising through it. Pollution is linked to respiratory conditions but the more you exercise, the stronger your lungs will be to fight against any conditions.

If you’re lucky enough to live somewhere with a scenic cycle/running route to work then you have no excuse, make the most of the beautiful scenes and avoid car fumes at the same time!

If you do have to use your car and find yourself in a traffic jam, switch your AC to the ‘recycle’ or ‘recirculate’ option. This way you won’t be taking in quite as much fumes from other vehicles.



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Diet and Supplements

Although we can’t personally end air pollution altogether, we can build up defences through dieting and supplements.

Vitamin C is a great ally in the fight against pollution. It is regarded as one of the strongest antioxidant for our body due to its ability to remove free radicals (molecules linked to diseases and aging) and helps regenerate Vitamin E, which helps fight off toxins.

You can get your Vitamin C needs from oranges, broccoli, tomatoes, berries etc. Most find it easier to reach their daily Vitamin C needs through a combination of foods and supplements. Our Power C 1000 mg is perfect for those looking to up their Vitamin C intake in an easy way.

Fish oil is also a handy pal to have in our war against air pollution too. It is rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, which reduces heart related diseases.

A study found that those who took fish oil supplements and were exposed to higher levels of air pollution saw little change in their heart rate variability whereas those who took an olive oil supplement saw a significant decrease in their heart rates.

Our scientists have developed an entirely unique Omega-3 supplement, the SensOmega. The purest fish oil with concentrated omega 3 fatty acids (with minimum 280 mg EPA and 190 DHA in a daily dose) that play an important role in heart function.

Our liver is the organ that works the hardest when it comes to dealing with toxins like air pollution. It tirelessly removes toxins from our bodies to ensure we stay healthy and happy. However, when exposed to high levels of pollutants it can start to struggle itself.

It is advised that every so often we go on a liver detox to help rest and rejuvenate our cleansing organ. By cleaning our liver, our bodies will all be far more prepared to deal with the air pollution we consume as well as other toxins from foods and alcohol.

The 100% natural 30 Days Liver Detoxwill have your liver back in working order in no time! It is one of the few cleanse supplements that works day and night to cleanse and revitalise your liver.