RSS
Home
Quercetin relieves allergy symptoms naturally
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
freeclipartnow
You can attack your allergy symptoms this season before they attack you, and you can do it naturally with quercetin. This potent phytonutrient (plant-based nutrient) is found in abundance in red wine and other sources, including apples, grapefruit, green vegetables, beans, onions, and tea, but to take full advantage of this antioxidant’s anti-allergy powers, supplements are the way to go.
How quercetin helps allergy symptoms
Quercetin takes on allergy symptoms from several fronts. Key is its ability to prevent and modulate inflammation. As any allergy sufferer knows, inflamed nasal passages and eyes are a source of great discomfort. Quercetin inhibits the production of cytokines, substances that cause inflammation. It also has a suppressive effect on two inflammatory enzymes, cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipooxygenase (LOX), which in turn results in a decrease in inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes.
Quercetin also helps prevent the release of histamine, which means it acts like a natural antihistamine.
A double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in March 2009 in International Archives of Allergy and Immunology reports on the impact of a quercetin supplement on individuals with allergy. The researchers found that subjects who took the supplement experienced improvement in symptoms such as itchy eyes, runny eyes, nasal congestion, and overall symptoms.
Quercetin supplements
Many health-care practitioners recommend that patients take quercetin when signs and symptoms of allergies first appear. Initial doses should be 400 to 600 mg, three times daily, for the first five to seven days. Relief from symptoms usually begins within a few hours. After seven days, a dose of 200 to 400 mg daily should be sufficient throughout the allergy season.
Quercetin is considered safe and well tolerated. Talk to your health-care provider before taking any supplement, especially if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
Quercetin supplements are available at many health food stores and pharmacies, including the Natural Medicinary, which is associated with and located next to the Southwest Naturopathic Medical Center in Scottsdale.
Want to read more articles by the Phoenix Alternative Medicine Examiner? Please subscribe at the top of this column to receive e-mail updates.
Previous articles by the Phoenix Alternative Medicine Examiner
Related Articles:
Comments
