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Do I Need To Take Quercetin?

Do I Need To Take Quercetin?

Once allergy season comes around, the annoyance is real – running nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes are no fun. This is why we love this natural antihistamine with potent antioxidant properties, quercetin.

Antioxidants for anti-aging

Quercetin belongs to a group of plant pigments called flavonoids that give fruits, flowers, and vegetables their gorgeous colors. Flavonoids are a particular chemical in plants, called phytonutrients, and have a wide range of health benefits. Phytonutrients have anti-inflammatory properties, and may also enhance immunity and intercellular communication, detoxify carcinogens and alter estrogen metabolism.

Flavonoids, such as quercetin, are antioxidants. Antioxidants are little health powerhouses that scavenge free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules in the body that can increase the risk of disease, damage cell membranes, tamper with DNA and speed up the aging process. Antioxidants can neutralize free radicals and even help prevent some of the damage free radicals cause. Many different factors can contribute to more free radicals, including: pollution, cigarette smoke, radiation, medication, and chemical toxins.

Stop the sneeze

Research shows that quercetin can have anti-allergic and antihistamine properties. In one animal study, researchers found that quercetin could reduce the respiratory effects of allergies in mice by lowering airway inflammation.

Quercetin can also help stabilize the cells that release histamine in the body and thereby have an anti-inflammatory and antihistamine effect. Quercetin is one of the most common and well-researched flavonoids to date.

What foods contain quercetin?

We can’t make quercetin in our bodies, but fortunately many fruits and veggies contain it.

Some of our favorite quercetin-rich foods include:

● grapes

● berries

● cherries

● apples

● citrus fruits

● onions

● buckwheat

● broccoli

● kale

● tomatoes

● red wine

● black tea

Reducing oxidative stress

Quercetin may help to prevent neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease. Oxidative stress contributes to the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance of free radicals in the body (remember those little guys that antioxidants take care of).

Research on rats showed that quercetin could protect against oxidative stress. It also showed quercetin could protect against the toxic effect of certain metals on the nervous system. This is especially important in today’s modern world where we are exposed to heavy metals in our environment through the foods that eat, the water that we drink, and the air that we breathe.

Antibacterial protection

We know how important the right kind of bacteria are, enter: probiotics. We also know that not all bacteria are good and can cause symptoms, inflammation and sickness. Quercetin has antibacterial properties, which are effective against almost all types of bacteria, particularly those linked to the stomach and intestines, skin, respiratory, and urinary systems.

Generally speaking, taking supplements of quercetin will work better in the treatment of allergies than eating foods that contain it because foods contain significantly lower levels than supplements. Quercetin is generally safe for most people. Always check with your healthcare provider before starting a new supplement.

Natural antihistamine supplements

Insider tip: Vitamin C also acts as a natural antihistamine. According to a 2018 study on vitamin C in the treatment of allergies, oxidative stress plays a key role in allergic diseases. As vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, it may act as a treatment for allergies. Another study from 2000 suggests taking 2 grams (g) of vitamin C daily to act as an antihistamine.

Our Guard is an ultra-potent vitamin C with 1,000 mg of vitamin c per serving. If you’re struggling with allergies, you’ll definitely want to check this out.

Written by Hannah Aylward

If you enjoyed this article, you might also like An East-West approach to immune health

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