Protection from Air Pollution

Air pollution from industry, vehicle exhaust fumes and smoking make us more susceptible to lung and other cancers. This is partly due to the effect of these substances on your vitamin C levels. Smoking and pollution destroy vitamin C. Each cigarette destroys between 25 and 100 mg of vitamin C. A vitamin C deficiency affects the lungs before other parts of the body making them a likely target for cancer to form. Folic acid and vitamin C are two common deficiencies found in smokers. Chemicals in exhaust fumes, industrial pollution and cigarette smoke destroy lung cells, and causes genetic mutations that lead to cancer.

Cigarette smoke contains over 4000 chemical substances with over 40 known carcinogens such as ammonia, benzene, carbon monoxide, cyanide, nitrosamines, radioactive substances, and vinyl chloride.

The onset of symptoms in multiple sclerosis has been linked to exposure to carbon monoxide found in cigarette smoke and automobile exhaust fumes. Asthma attacks can be triggered by exposure to cigarette smoke and air pollution.

Vitamin C and the amino acid cysteine help to detoxify nicotine and protect the lungs from other chemicals in the smoke. Vitamin C improves lung function. The antioxidants vitamin C, vitamin E and the mineral selenium help to protect the lungs by keeping the lung tissues elastic and preventing the formation of free radicals that can cause cell mutations that lead to cancer of the lungs or sinuses. Folic acid helps prevent precancerous changes in lung tissue.

Vitamin B, vitamin C, along with cysteine help protect the body from the harmful effects of acetaldehyde-an irritating chemical found in cigarette smoke and air pollution. Exposure to acetaldehyde can cause headaches, eye damage, and lung problems.

Vitamin E protects the lungs from damage from the nitrogen dioxide in air pollution.

Important Information.  I am a clinical nutritionist and holistic health practitioner.  I am not a medical doctor.  This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for proper medical treatments or care.  Always consult with your medical doctor before making any changes to your diet, lifestyle, or fitness programs.