Quercetin and COVID-19 Recovery
by Dr. Stephen Thompson DC DACM BCTMB
Since the pandemic, COVID-19 has redefined how we look at treating common health complications from the viral infection. Many of the common acute and chronic symptoms associated with COVID-19 include brain fog, muscle fatigue, body aches, headaches, shortness of breath/difficulty breathing, inflammation, and heart issues like myocarditis, arrhythmia, and worsening of pre-existing cardiovascular conditions commonly seen in ‘long COVID.’ Long COVID is the condition where people continue to experience ongoing symptoms or develop new symptoms related to COVID-19 that have continued weeks, months, or years after the initial infection has resolved. There are several naturally occurring chemicals that may positively impact Long COVID recovery, one of those is the plant supplement Quercetin.
Quercetin is one of the molecules being heavily studied that may be very helpful in managing symptoms of COVID-19, and particularly, symptoms of Long COVID. Quercetin is a flavonoid found in fruits, vegetables, grains, and herbs. It is well-known and well-researched for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which contribute to various health benefits and contribute to the vibrant colors of many fruits and vegetables. Top foods rich with quercetin include apples, red onions, parsley, sage, red wine, olive oil, dark cherries, blueberries, and tea.
Some potent COVID-19 related health benefits of quercetin include:
1. Antioxidant Activity: Quercetin is a powerful antioxidant that helps neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, thereby protecting cells from oxidative stress and damage. Oxidative stress occurs when there's an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) or free radicals and the body's ability to neutralize them with antioxidants which leads to premature aging, inflammation, DNA and cellular damage, cardiovascular and metabolic disorder, and eye diseases.
2. Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Quercetin has been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce inflammation in the body and alleviate symptoms associated with inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.
3. Heart Health: Quercetin may have protective effects on the cardiovascular system by improving blood vessel function through cell wall protection and anti-platelet aggregation, reducing blood pressure through increasing the effect of nitric oxide whose main function is to widen blood vessels so more oxygen and nutrients can get to organs and tissues vital to overall health, and lowering levels of LDL cholesterol through inhibition of LDL oxidation.
4. Immune System Support: Quercetin, known to be antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral, has been suggested to enhance immune function by modulating the activity of immune cells and reducing inflammation, which may help in fighting off infections and diseases.
5. Allergy Relief: Quercetin may help alleviate allergy symptoms by inhibiting the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators, potentially reducing symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and nasal congestion.
6. Cancer Prevention: Some studies suggest that quercetin may have anti-cancer properties by inhibiting the growth of cancer cells and inducing apoptosis (cell death) in certain types of cancer cells. However, more research is needed in this area.
7. Brain Health: Quercetin has been researched for its potential neuroprotective effects and its ability to improve and maintain cognitive function. It has been shown to protect against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease and has been shown to reduce brain fog and stabilize mood disorders.
8. Exercise Performance: Some research suggests that quercetin supplementation may enhance exercise performance and reduce fatigue in peripheral muscle by promoting increased mitochondrial biogenesis (cellular energy), thereby increasing endurance, and promoting recovery after strenuous physical activity.
It’s important to note that while quercetin shows promise in providing various health benefits related to Long COVID, more research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms of action and effectiveness. Additionally, quercetin supplements are available through Stockheart Whole Health, but it’s always best to obtain nutrients from whole foods whenever possible. If considering supplementation, it is advisable to consult with your providers at Stockheart Whole Health to determine the appropriate dosage and ensure safety, especially if you have any existing health conditions or are taking medications.
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