Coughing, tired and very short of breath: this is how I react when I suffer from hay fever. As an asthma patient, the periods when pollen floats through the air are not the nicest moments. To limit the misery somewhat, I use an inhaler daily. I also use it in periods when it is quiet in terms of pollen and this helps prevent that I immediately become very stuffy in the spring. Does the pollen radar turn red? Then I also start taking anti-allergy pills. Unfortunately, even then it can happen that I get a lot of complaints. I am therefore open to any possible solution or support that I can find.
That’s how I came across a Japanese study on quercetin. The double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled study showed that hay fever patients who use quercetin daily have 96 percent less histamine in the bloodstream. This ensures a huge decrease in allergic reactions. This triggered me! What is quercetin and what foods contains it?
What is Quercetin?
Quercetin is a flavonol that comes from plants. It is a natural dye that can occur in plants (and therefore also in food). For example, you can find it in high quantities in capers and lovage. But you will also find the substance in apple, chives, kale and onions. Quercetin is one of the most powerful natural antioxidants. Antioxidants are suspected to play a role in protecting cells against free radicals. In addition, quercetin might have an anti-inflammatory effect and would have a positive effect on the resistance and immune system. Add to this the results from the Japanese study and you can imagine that I would like to use it.
What does quercetin contain?
You can therefore get quercetin from food, but if you want it to be dosed a bit higher and more precisely, you can also opt for a supplement. It is certainly advisable to read a little more about quercetin and health yourself. And if you are unsure whether the use of quercetin is appropriate for your health situation, we advise you to contact your doctor.
Use of supplements
Personally, I definitely want to try it, especially in view of my allergies. I really hope that I can get through the upcoming hay fever season with fewer complaints. Especially the shortness of breath and fatigue have a lot of influence on my daily life. Of course I will also continue to use my own medication. It is not recommended to stop without consulting a doctor. Another thing I think is important when using supplements is that they are not a substitute for a healthy diet. Therefore, use it only as a supplement to a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
Join the conversation
Did you already know quercetin? Have you perhaps used it before and do you recognize the results of the studies? I am very curious. Talk to us in the comments below this article. We always find it very cozy!
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