Quercetin: The Great Healer and Then Some
By: Dr. J. Renae Norton
Quercetin is a naturally occurring dietary flavonoid that is well known for protecting against chronic diseases and delaying the aging process. It breaks records in several important areas:
I. Neuroprotective
There is good data showing that Quercetin offers neuroprotective benefits due to its ability to defend the brain against oxidative stress and inflammation, leading to potentially less risk for cognitive conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
II. Antiviral
Quercetin is a potent antiviral, which may be another reason it helps protect against Alzheimers, given that many studies since the 1980s have suggested a viral connection with Alzheimers, although the mechanism has never been identified.
Since I started taking Quercetin, my anomia, (which is the inability to recall the names of everyday objects and from which I have suffered all my life) has improved significantly.
During Covid, Quercetin’s antiviral properties made it a must have in the prevention and treatment of Covid. (The other three vitamins found to be helpful when it comes to coronavirus prevention were vitamin D3 (directly from the sun) vitamin C in the form of Camu Camu and zinc. But quercetin was the winner as it actually prevented Covid!
III. Antihistamine
Quercetin is so effective against allergies, that it has also been called an antihistamine. In fact, it acts as an antihistamine by stabilizing mast cells, which prevents them from releasing histamines. Instead of blocking the histamine receptors like Claritin or Benadryl, Quercetin limits the initial release of histamine from immune cells. Without going into the biology, this is much more efficient.
IV. Anti-inflammatory
In summary, Quercetin acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory. It works by blocking the genetic “switches” that trigger swelling, heat and pain. Instead of masking the symptoms like most medications do, it actually stops the inflammatory chemicals released by the body at their source. Wow!
Finally quercetin is simply an all-around great supplement. The only contraindication is if you are on thyroid medication or if you have thyroid issues as it can act a thyroid disruptor. I have mild hypothyroidism, which I treat with Np thyroid. To prevent interference, I take no more than 500 mg per day of the quercetin and separate doses of Np thyroid, and Quercetin by at least four hours. Seems to be working really well. Thyroid, improving and no allergies, cholesterol improving and most important of all cognitive function improving… In fact my cognitive functioning is the best it has been in years.
In addition to the above examples, patients and practitioners with whom I interact also report using Quercetin to fight other conditions, including:
- Hardening of the arteries
- High cholesterol
- Heart disease, and circulation problems
- Insulin resistance and diabetes
- Cataracts
- Allergies, asthma, and hay fever
- Stomach ulcers
- Cognitive impairment
- Gout
- Viral infections
- Inflammation of the prostate, bladder and ovaries
Although Quercetin is known for its positive impact on the brain, for its anti-aging characteristics and as an antihistamine, it is not well known for as its ability to reduce muscle damage from over exercising. Incredible for athletes!
One last thing, Quercetin works better when Fisetin, a potent antioxidant and ‘Senolytic’ (cleans the body of old “zombie” cells) is part of the formulation.
Bottom line: Quercetin is a Super Supplement!
