These antioxidants help strengthen the body to cope with PM 2.5 particles

The PM 2.5 particles generated by fire They cross the natural barriers (nasal and mucosal hairs) to before the environmental contingency in the Valley of Mexico, which now has four days, in addition to the extraordinary measures taken by the authorities, it is also important to strengthen the immune system, said the researcher Gisela Gutiérrez Iglesias, of the National Polytechnic Institute (IPN).

Faced with the contingency generated by these particles and ozone, he stressed that a little antioxidant such as bitter chocolate, cinnamon, carrots, green tea, broccoli, tomatoes, red fruits, grapes, nuts, almonds and peanuts (unprocessed), as well as the consumption of citrus fruits are useful to strengthen the immune system.

"Particulate matter less than or equal to 2.5 microns (PM 2.5) has aerodynamic characteristics that allow them to float easily and avoid both natural barriers and artificial barriers (mouth covers), because their size allows them to cross tiny pores, "he explained.

"Of this form enter without any problems by respiratory way and even orally and deposit, first in the upper respiratory tract, but can reach the lower respiratory tract and lodge in the pulmonary alveoli, which is disturbing because the exchange of oxygen takes place there and through this process can be introduced into the bloodstream and, in this way, deposited in other organs, "warned the professor and researcher at the School of Medicine (ESM).

Faced with extraordinary atmospheric environmental contingency by particles and ozone has been activated in the metropolitan area of ​​the Valley of Mexico (ZMVM)Gutiérrez Iglesias urged the population to follow the recommendations issued by government authorities to avoid health risks, as PM 2.5 particles generated by fires exceed natural barriers (nasal and mucosal hairs) and are 100% respirable.

As part of joint projects with scientists from the Department of Physiology of the National Institute of Cardiology "Ignacio Chávez" and the research department of the National Institute of Cancerology, they appreciated the fact that PM 2.5 particles trigger inflammatory processes and weaken cell endothelium (layer that covers them), which promotes the introduction and removal. "When particle exposure is constant, agglomerates can form and the situation worsens," he said.

He pointed out that even though exposure to PM 2.5 particles is minimal, oxidative stress is favoredthat is, reactive species of oxygen such as peroxides are produced, causing inflammation and cellular damage. Therefore, as a preventive measure, recommended the consumption of antioxidants.

"It is important to know that not all organisms respond in the same way to pollutants and that there are more vulnerable people, such as children, the elderly, people with lung diseases (asthma, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), diabetes or cardiovascular disease., as well as people with a cancerous process, as studies suggest that particles promote metastasis, "he added.

The researcher reiterated his call for the population takes into account the measures recommended, try mainly to stay at home as much as possible and not to practice outdoor activities, in addition to taking advantage of the situation to sensitize the family and take part in actions in favor of the protection of the Environment, such as reforestation, reduced use of the car and increase alertness to avoid the generation of fires.