Treating Seasonal Allergies With Quercetin

I hate to say it but I’m afraid that allergy season is on the way.  I’m looking forward to some spring weather, however, the same cannot be said of the allergy symptoms that often tag along.  While we still have some time yet before the season is in full swing, now is the time to get prepared!  So let’s talk about seasonal allergies and a treatment called quercetin.

What are Seasonal Allergies?

Seasonal allergies are the result of an exaggerated immune response to allergens (pollen) in our environment.  Whether due to grass, tree, plant, or mold, seasonal allergies can present with many typical symptoms.  These include runny nose, itchy and red eyes, post nasal drip, as well as cough. No matter the cause or symptom, seasonal allergies can be one of the most troublesome and uncomfortable concerns during an otherwise wonderful warm weather season!

It is our immune system’s job to protect from harmful things in our environment.  Sometimes, however, our body reacts unfavorably to benign materials (trigger) and this can result in an allergic response.

When you come across a trigger, such as pollen, your immune system reacts and launches a chain reaction to defend you.  One of the first things it does is send a chemical signal to release histamines from special cells in your skin, lungs, nose, mouth, and gut.  Histamines increase blood flow in the area of your body the allergen affected (eyes, nose, throat) and creates inflammation. This leads to the typical symptoms of seasonal allergies

To treat seasonal allergies it’s important to either control the histamine response, or it’s influence on histamine receptors.

Treating Naturally With Quercetin

There is no quick fix when it comes to treating seasonal allergies with natural medicine.  Time is of the essence, however, and getting treatment started before allergy season begins can be the difference between manageable and unmanageable symptoms.

Quercetin  is a bioflavonoid found in red wine, grapefruit, onions, apples, and many other fruits and vegetables.  Research shows that the use of this bioflavonoid is an effective treatment  for seasonal allergies.  Quercetin  inhibits histamine release and promotes a decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines, helping to reduce many allergy symptoms. 

As many natural medicines can take some time before they begin to work, starting a treatment before the onset of allergy season may be an ideal way to enter the spring season.  

If you suffer with seasonal allergies, try increasing foods high in quercetin as well as supplementing with a quality quercetin supplement to see if it might help reduce your symptoms.  Speak to your healthcare provider to determine what treatment is right for you. 

Spring and summer are so short!  It’s a shame that so many individuals suffer with seasonal allergies. Talk to your Naturopathic doctor to determine how to reduce your allergy symptoms., and enjoy more of these awesome seasons.

For more information on treating seasonal allergies, on whether quercetin is right for you, or on how Naturopathic medicine may be able to help with your health concerns, please contact Dr. Linda Shih, ND, at Spine Stretch Studio. I look forward to helping you on the road to wellness.

Author: Linda Shih

Dr. Linda Shih, ND is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor who is passionate about preventative and personalized health care, always striving to understand the root cause of her client’s conditions and concerns. She hold an Honors Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Toronto, a Diploma of Naturopathic Medicine from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, Toronto, and is a member of the College of Naturopaths of Ontario.
Naturopathic Doctors are considered primary care physicians, and while Dr. Linda Shih maintains a wide scope of practice in her family clinic, she has a special interest in pain management, infertility, as well as digestive concerns.
Using a variety of different modalities, including acupuncture, botanical medicine, and nutritional counseling, Dr. Shih, ND, always aims to help her clients achieve their best health, both now and for the future.