Dr. Velikova told reporters that winter heating with wood and increased car use during cold months wreck air quality, and fine dust particles like PM2.5 and PM10 mess with immune system function by triggering oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. Pollutants hit the lungs deep and spread through the blood to other body parts, making people more vulnerable to respiratory infections, allergies, and autoimmune diseases. Cities with bad air also block UV rays needed for vitamin D production, which makes deficiency worse for urban residents.
The doc said chronic stress plus pollution creates a brutal combo that suppresses immune cells and antibody production. She recommends eating antioxidant-rich foods like leafy greens and fish, getting enough sleep, staying active, and minimizing exposure to dirty air through better home ventilation.
COVID showed how immune systems can either underreact or go nuclear depending on genetics, and vitamin D supplementation might help but needs more research for pollution-related immune damage.
The doc said chronic stress plus pollution creates a brutal combo that suppresses immune cells and antibody production. She recommends eating antioxidant-rich foods like leafy greens and fish, getting enough sleep, staying active, and minimizing exposure to dirty air through better home ventilation.
COVID showed how immune systems can either underreact or go nuclear depending on genetics, and vitamin D supplementation might help but needs more research for pollution-related immune damage.
