Natural supplements for allergies - bioflavonoids and quercetin

Natural supplements for allergies - bioflavonoids and quercetin

Bioflavonoids

A bioflavonoid is a pigment found in plants and fruits that acts as an antioxidant to protect against damage caused by free radicals and excess oxygen. In the body, bioflavonoids enhance the benefits of vitamin C and are often formulated with this vitamin in supplement form. Originally called vitamin P (until 1950), these vitamin C “helper” substances include citrine, hesperidin, rutin, quercetin, epicatechin, flavones, and flavonols. When taken with vitamin C, bioflavonoids increase the absorption of vitamin C in the liver, kidneys and adrenal glands. As antioxidants, they also protect vitamin C from destruction by free radicals. Bioflavonoids also have a unique ability to bind and strengthen collagen structures, which are critical to connective tissue integrity in allergy-induced arthritis.

There are more than 4,000 classified bioflavonoid compounds found in different types of foods. The bioflavonoid called anthocyanidin gives blueberries, blackberries, cherries, grapes and hawthorn berries their deep red or blue color and increases the release of anti-inflammatory prostaglandins in the gastrointestinal system. This could prove useful in combating leaky gut syndrome and gastrointestinal reactions.

Food Sources: Fruits such as grapefruit, lemon, oranges, apples, apricots, pears, peaches, tomatoes, cherries, blueberries, cranberries, black currants, red grapes, plums, raspberries, strawberries, hawthorn berries and other berries; Vegetables such as red cabbage, onions, parsley, rhubarb; herbs like milk thistle and sage; Wine peels, pine bark, red wine and green tea. Supplementation with all types of bioflavonoids is recommended for allergy sufferers and sensitive people. However, quercetin has shown particular promise in reducing symptoms.

Quercetin

Quercetin is a bright yellow pigment with excellent anti-inflammatory properties that are useful in treating allergic inflammation. Quercetin is a natural bioflavonoid and antioxidant that stabilizes mast cells and basophils, thereby suppressing the release of histamine, leukotrienes and other substances that cause inflammation in allergic reactions. Quercetin helps correct intestinal permeability (leaky gut syndrome) and associated food allergies. It has also been shown to be effective in treating nasal/ocular symptoms of allergic rhinitis as it corrects metabolic abnormalities in essential fatty acids and other fats required by lymphocytes. Quercentin also supports the function of vitamin C.

Food Sources: Onions and green tea. Dietary supplement: Quercetin works best in combination with the enzyme bromelain. Therapeutic dose: 200-1,000 mg daily.

Inspired by Daniel E Feldman