Quercetin
It is November in New York, and also we are dealing with a spike in COVID-19 cases. November, for many, is also the start of a second wave of seasonal allergies, which given the current COVID pandemic, can cause added stress as allergy symptoms may look similar to some COVID symptoms. Allergies can also weaken your immune system, and put at risk for other infections.
I have suffered from seasonal allergies for years, although since having Frankie they have been so much better (I hope I didn’t just jinx myself!). So, today I wanted to share with you a potent antioxidant that I have kept in my arsenal to help combat allergies as well as help support my immune system… Quercetin.
What is Quercetin?
Quercetin is part of the flavonoid family, it is a phytochemical and an antioxidant. It is found in many fruits and vegetables and can also be found in black and green tea, red wine and some herbs such as gingko biloba and St. John’s wort. It is water soluble which means it is not stored in your body and any excess will be excreted out through your urine. It is considered a “plant pigment,” that is why you will find it in deeply colored fruits and veggies.
As an antioxidant Quercetin helps fight against free radical damage therefore helping fight the effects of inflammation and aging. It is said to help with allergies, high blood pressure, heart health, athletic endurance and pain associated with autoimmune conditions. Quercetin can be found in most fruits and vegetables, any type of red, green and purple pigmented plants are loaded with quercetin. Top sources of Quercetin include: Onions, Apples, Peppers, Citrus, Cocoa, Tomatoes, Dark Cherries, Broccoli, Cabbage, Kale, Red Wine, Cranberries, Beans, Spinach .
Quercetin is a natural anti inflammatory and shown to be an antihistamine which makes it effective for lowering and treating seasonal and food allergies. Histamines are released in your body when the immune system detects an allergy or sensitivity, causing an allergic reaction. Quercetin can help lessen the release of histamines which can result in a decrease of allergy symptoms. Allergies are one of the biggest triggers for those suffering from asthma. It’s anti-inflammatory effects are also effective in treating asthma since at it’s core, asthma is an autoimmune disease, and is triggered also by inflammation.
If you have an organic array of fruits in vegetables in your diet then you have a good intake of Quercetin. If however you are suffering from allergies, high blood pressure, heart health or if you are not eating enough fruits and vegetables you may choose to supplement. When choosing a supplement you should choose one that also contains Bromelain which is a plant derived enzyme, that helps quercetin to be absorbed in the intestines. There isn’t a recommended dose of quercetin so dosing will vary depending on the individual and health condition. Common doses are 500 milligrams twice a day however you can experience benefits from a lower dose.
There have been some recent studies on the effects of Quercetin as part of a preventive and/or treatment of COVID-19. Although there is still not enough evidence for clinical recommendation, it poses little risks and seems to be safe for almost everyone, and most studies have found little to no side effects (this is within normal range of supplementation, high doses of any supplement can propose some risk.)
Visit my online dispensary by clicking on supplements to access my trusted brands in Quercetin as well as receive a 15% discount.
** Disclaimer: the information contained in this post is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to substitute professional medical advice. Always consult a medical professional before beginning any supplementation. **