Hormone expert explains how to protect your body as Delhi’s air quality worsens

Delhi’s air quality has fallen to dangerous levels again, with the AQI reaching far above safe limits. Thick, polluted air is making people cough, feel tired, and struggle to breathe. Experts warn that the effects are not just on the lungs. Hormone and gut health expert Tanisha Bawa says pollution also affects the heart, hormones, brain, and immune system.

Bawa explained that tiny pollution particles, called PM2.5, can enter the bloodstream and cause inflammation throughout the body. This invisible damage may lead to fatigue, mood changes, low concentration, and other health problems. “Every breath you take today carries inflammation and oxidative stress. You cannot build immunity to pollution, but you can build resilience,” she said in an Instagram post on November 5.

To protect the body, Bawa suggests simple steps like eating foods high in antioxidants, drinking plenty of water, supporting gut health with fermented foods, and practicing stress management. She also advises limiting outdoor activity when the pollution is at its worst and using air purifiers indoors when possible.

Doctors have emphasized that long-term exposure to polluted air increases the risk of heart disease, asthma, thyroid problems, hormone imbalance, and reduced immunity. People in Delhi are encouraged to follow safety measures carefully, such as wearing pollution masks, avoiding peak traffic hours, and keeping homes clean to reduce dust and smog.

Bawa highlighted that small daily changes can make a big difference. Staying consistent with healthy habits, eating well, staying hydrated, and protecting the indoor environment are key to helping the body stay strong against Delhi’s toxic air.