People suffering from allergies know precisely how frustrating it is to deal with the constant sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes and skin. The abrupt sneezes while you are enjoying a movie or the non-stop runny nose while you try to take an important call or trying to make a good impression on a first date. These unexpected small events significantly affect one’s peace of mind.
It is even more irritating when you can not identify your allergy triggers or when you have tried every remedy but have not gotten any relief or you deal with horrible side effects from prescription medication for your allergies that only make you sleepy. A natural solution is Quercetin. Quercetin is one of the top nutrients for immune support and will
Help you conquer your allergies. I refer to it as a hidden treasure and you do not need a prescription.
WHAT IS QUERCETIN?
Quercetin is a naturally occurring compound that is present in plants.
It is a powerful antioxidant. Free radicals are unstable compounds that easily react with the cells in the body, thereby damaging them. Antioxidants neutralize this action of free radicals. Quercetin also possesses anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory properties.
HOW DOES QUERCETIN HELP WITH ALLERGIES?
To understand how quercetin works, it is necessary to know how allergies work. When foreign substances enter our body, the immune system recognizes this intruder and works up a defensive response. Essentially, this is how our immune system wards off harmful bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. However, during an allergic reaction, the immune system goes overboard. The system builds up a defense against innocuous substances such as dust, pollen, pet dander, and food.
Now, what exactly does this system consist of? The immune system consists of a delicate organization of organs, tissues, cells, and substances/compounds. Every component depends on one another, and a misstep can set forth an adverse cascade of events. Histamine is a major player in producing an immune response. The immune cells secrete histamine upon encountering an allergen (whether it is harmful or harmless). Histamine dilates the blood vessels, and also increases their permeability. Ironically, histamine also compresses the windpipe. These actions result in swelling, redness, and itchiness of the skin, and difficulty in breathing. One way quercetin acts are by inhibiting the release of histamine from cells.
Cytokines are proteins that modulate an immune response. There are two types of cytokines, one that promotes inflammation and one that dampens it. Quercetin decreases the release of cytokine, thereby lowering the response of cells to an allergen.
Quercetin is effective for allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma, and atopic dermatitis. Studies show that taking quercetin consecutively for five days can minimize sneezing episodes and reduce nasal itching.
SOURCES OF QUERCETIN
Capers have the highest concentration of quercetin concentration of all found sources. It is present in:
- Apples
- Berries such as cranberries, blueberries
- Onions, fennel, peppers
- Broccoli, kale, sweet potato
- Teas such as green tea, black tea
- Ginkgo Biloba, St. John’s wart
- Red wine
Even though quercetin is found in many vegetables, fruits, and herbs, consuming these foods does not mean that we will be reaping the full benefits of quercetin. Food preparation also determines the quality and quantity of quercetin that remains. For this reason, quercetin supplements are more beneficial. These supplements provide you with adequate levels of quercetin from which you will be able to receive maximum benefits.
When choosing a quercetin supplement, opt for the one that also contains bromelain and or papain. These are plant-derived enzymes that increase the gut absorption of quercetin. Bromelain is also present in pineapples.
The minimum effective dose of quercetin is 250-mg/per day. A higher dose intake is safe up to 1 gram per day.
Quercetin supplements are well tolerated when consumed in appropriate amounts. Extremely high.
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS OF QUERCETIN
- May lower high blood pressure
- Improves cardiovascular health: cardioprotective effect after cardiac injury
- May boost exercise/athletic endurance
- May play a role in cancer prevention
As you can see, in addition to preventing an exaggerated allergic reaction, quercetin also has numerous other advantages. Perhaps the answer that you’ve been seeking for so long lies within quercetin. And what if, in addition to ending your allergies, taking quercetin supplements may also provide you with its surprisingly distinct benefits. I take it every day as part of my immune balanced regimen.
Find my favorite Quercetin supplement here.
