Crackers - The Sulphur Burns

It is Deepavali, the festival of lights. Happy Deepavali everyone.

It is also the time when fire crackers are lit throughout the city to celebrate. My city is lit up with crackers donning the skies.

One of the potential side effects is from the fumes of sulphur burning in the crackers.

The sulphur can cause respiratory irritation. Sulphur dioxide irritates the membranes of the nose, throat, and lung. You could experience it as coughing or choking.

If you are already suffering from respiratory diseases, your symptoms could get worse.

Sulphur compounds can cause oxidative stress, overwhelming your natural antioxidant system.

What can you do?

The first is to drink water. Hydration helps flush out the sulphur compounds in your body.

Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables. I know it is the festive season and you are overdosing on food. Add vegetables and fruits where ever you can.

Gluthathione is one of the most abundant antioxidants in the body. It is primarily made by the liver. Temporarily supplement with gluthathione will spare the liver and reduce toxicity.

Garlic, onion and cruciferous vegetables naturally reduce sulphur compounds in the body.

Walk, run, swim cycle. Sweating will help flush your body. If that is hard right now, visit a sauna if you can.

Avoid prolonged exposure as this can cause severe inflammation. Your immune system can get compromised. You could suffer from neurological damage.

Have fun, enjoy the festivities. Do it sensibly and take precautions to detoxify your body both from the crackers and the indulgence in food.

Reach out to me on twitter @rbawri Instagram @riteshbawriofficial and YouTube at www.youtube.com/breatheagain