bioflavonoids
A bioflavonoid is a pigment within plants and fruits that acts as an antioxidant to protect against free radical damage 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 citrin, 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. Acting 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 vital for connective tissue integrity in cases of allergy-induced arthritis.
There are more than 4,000 classified bioflavonoid compounds found in different types of food. The bioflavonoid called anthocyanidin gives blueberries, blackberries, cherries, grapes, and hawthorn their deep red or blue color; it increases the release of anti-inflammatory prostaglandins in the gastrointestinal system; this could be helpful in combating leaky gut syndrome and gastrointestinal reactions.
Food sources: fruits such as grapefruit, lemons, oranges, apples, apricots, pears, peaches, tomatoes, cherries, cranberries, cranberries, black currants, red grapes, plums, raspberries, strawberries, hawthorn berries, and other berries; vegetables such as red cabbage, onion, parsley, rhubarb; herbs like milk thistle and sage; grape skins, pine bark, red wine and green tea. It is recommended to supplement with all kinds of bioflavonoids for allergic and sensitive people; however, quercetin has shown particular promise in reducing symptoms.
quercetin
A bright yellow pigment, quercetin has excellent anti-inflammatory properties useful in treating allergic inflammation. Quercetin, a natural bioflavonoid and antioxidant, stabilizes mast cells and basophils, suppressing the release of histamine, leukotrienes, and other substances that cause inflammation in an allergic response. Quercetin is useful in helping to correct intestinal permeability (leaky gut syndrome) and associated food allergies. It has also been found to be effective in treating nasal and ocular symptoms of allergic rhinitis by correcting metabolic deficiencies of essential fatty acids and other fats needed by lymphocytes. Quercetin also supports the function of vitamin C.
Food sources: onions and green tea. Supplements: Quercetin works best when combined with the enzyme bromelain. Therapeutic dose: 200-1,000 mg daily.