Every winter, millions across northern and western India wake up to a familiar and dangerous sight—a dense grey blanket of smog hanging in the air. From November to February, air quality levels in major cities routinely cross into the “severe” category, with Air Quality Index (AQI) readings touching 400–500. Crop residue burning, vehicular emissions, industrial smoke, and cold air that traps pollutants near the ground together transform the festive season into a silent public health emergency.

This haze is not harmless fog. Medical evidence increasingly shows that prolonged exposure to polluted winter air can damage lungs as severely as years of smoking, even in lifelong non-smokers. Recent research has highlighted a worrying rise in lung cancer cases among non-smokers in highly polluted cities, underlining that air pollution is now a direct and serious health threat.

How Winter Pollution Damages the Body

Polluted air affects the respiratory system in multiple ways. Within hours of exposure, many people experience throat irritation, chest tightness, coughing, and wheezing as harmful gases inflame the airways. Fine particulate matter known as PM2.5 penetrates deep into the lungs, generating free radicals—unstable molecules that damage lung tissue much like rust corrodes metal.

Over weeks and months, this ongoing irritation thickens and scars the airways, leading to chronic cough and mucus production, even in non-smokers. Oxygen-exchanging air sacs begin to break down, reducing lung capacity by as much as 15–20% annually in highly exposed populations. In severe cases, lungs become stiff and fibrotic, making breathing progressively more difficult.

The risks extend beyond breathing difficulties. Toxic chemicals attached to pollution particles can alter DNA, increasing cancer risk. The lungs’ natural defence system—tiny hair-like cilia that sweep out germs—becomes impaired, making infections like colds, bronchitis, and pneumonia more frequent and harder to recover from. Alarmingly, these particles can also enter the bloodstream, raising the risk of heart attacks and strokes, and in children, permanently restricting lung growth.

Can Nutrition Help Fight Back?

According to Satya Dev Tiwari, MD & CEO of Voll Sante, the good news is that the body is not defenceless. “The lungs rely heavily on a strong immune and antioxidant system. Nutrition plays a crucial role in reducing inflammation, repairing tissue damage, and maintaining respiratory resilience,” he explains.

Key nutrients such as Vitamins C and E, Zinc, Omega-3 fatty acids, and high-quality protein help neutralise free radicals, support immune defences, and keep the lungs’ cleaning mechanisms functional. However, urban lifestyles, processed diets, stress, and rising food costs mean that a large proportion of Indians remain deficient in these protective nutrients. Compounding the issue, pollution itself accelerates nutrient depletion, making it harder for the body to cope.

Targeted Nutritional Support

To address this gap, Voll Sante has developed nutrition solutions tailored for people exposed to polluted environments. Voll Pro Respi is a plant-based, protein-powered respiratory support formula designed to ease breathing during high pollution exposure and post-illness recovery. It contains ingredients such as NAC (commonly used clinically to thin mucus), turmeric, ginger, bromelain, and quercetin—compounds known to reduce inflammation, clear airways, and boost glutathione, the lungs’ most vital antioxidant. Users often report reduced coughing, lighter chest congestion, and improved breathing comfort within days.

Complementing this is Vollcee Z, a plant-based daily immunity tablet providing 100% of the recommended Vitamin C from natural amla, along with Zinc and Magnesium. Enhanced with black pepper extract for improved absorption, it supports immune strength when pollution places extra strain on the body’s defences.

Both products are available through the Voll Sante website and major e-commerce platforms.

A Proactive Approach to Winter Health

Winter smog may be unavoidable, but its impact doesn’t have to be. Simple habits—hydration, consuming colourful fruits and vegetables when possible, and adding science-backed nutritional support—can significantly strengthen the body’s resilience. This winter, instead of waiting for cleaner air, give your lungs the internal support they need to cope, recover, and breathe easier.

Disclaimer: This press release is for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult a doctor before making any decisions.