https://youtu.be/b8nx9FiaLHU

The Root Cause of Seasonal Allergies

Are you looking for natural allergy relief? In 2021, seasonal respiratory irritation and hypersensitivity affected about one-quarter (25.7%) of all adults in America. According to Ayurveda, the cause is not the pollen, pollutants, or seasonal irritants. Seasonal hypersensitivities are due to an imbalance in the gut and respiratory tract environment, including the sinuses. The lining (or inner skin) of the respiratory and digestive tracts comprise the mucus membranes. This inner skin is much like our outer skin turned inside out. On the inside and outside of the gut and respiratory tracts, there are lymphatic vessels that remove toxins and carry immunity.

A healthy diet and upper digestive strength will maintain a healthy microbiome and lymphatic function. This supports robust gut and respiratory immunity. When the microbiome is altered, immune defenses break down. Then, undigested foods, pollens, pollutants, and opportunistic microbes can irritate and proliferate in both systems… This changes the function of gut and respiratory immunity. The microbiome of the gut and respiratory tracts are now understood to be bi-directional. This means that if one is altered, both are changed.

Eat Bioflavonoids for Inner Skin Health

Bioflavonoids are a class of natural plant antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables. They are engineered to protect the inner skin and lymph drainage from the gut and respiratory tract. I have written a few articles on the foods with the most bioflavonoids, which are found in the peels of many fruits and vegetables, mainly citrus fruits.

See also Why We Should be Eating Fruit + Vegetable Peels to Boost Both Gut and Respiratory Immunity  

In Ayurveda, drying and grinding the peels of oranges, pomegranates, mangoes, and others are popular. These fruit peels were used as medicines to support heart health and lymphatic circulation. Studies show that not only do bioflavonoids find their way into the lymphatic system, but they also support its repair and optimal function. This support comes mostly in helping with immunity and detoxification. When the lymphatic system is not properly draining irritants from both the respiratory and digestive tract, it can lead to seasonal respiratory issues and food intolerances.

Specifically, two bioflavonoids (diosmin and hesperidin) have been shown to dramatically support healthy microcirculation and lymph and vein function. 

See also The Effect of Diosmin and Hesperidin on Lymphatic Function 

Quercetin: The Respiratory Bioflavonoid

While more and more research is being done on the importance of bioflavonoids, quercetin has been considered one of the super-flavonoids. Quercetin (and most flavonoids) are found in onions, apples, berries, brassica vegetables, nuts, wine, and black tea.

As one of nature’s most potent antioxidants, quercetin has been studied to:

• support immunity
• support against seasonal respiratory irritation
• support a healthy inflammation response
• boost exercise performance
• boost cognitive function
• support healthy blood pressure
• support healthy cell aging and replication

Both food intolerances and seasonal respiratory issues are more likely when the inner skin and microbiome of the respiratory and digestive tracts break down. The undigested foods and airborne irritants enter the lymphatic vessels, triggering an immune event known as a histamine reaction. These lymphatic drainage vessels drain the digestive and respiratory systems.  Research shows that bioflavonoid quercetin inhibits lymph-based histamine release, eosinophil recruitment, and proinflammatory cytokine activity. Like many other flavonoids, quercetin has relatively poor absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, causing limited bioavailability and often a lack of clinical effectiveness.

At LifeSpa, we have sourced a powerful form of quercetin that we call AllerRest.  This form, technically quercetin phytosome, absorbs as much as 20 times more than the standard quercetin capsules. Quercetin phytosome is considered a superior form of quercetin because of its increased bioavailability compared to standard quercetin. Phytosome technology combines botanicals like quercetin with phospholipids, improving solubility and enhancing absorption. This improved bioavailability allows for better uptake by the body, which is essential for efficacy. 

One study conducted a randomized, crossover clinical trial on Quercetin Phytosome in healthy volunteers under fasting conditions. One dose of quercetin (500 mg) and Quercetin Phytosome (500 mg) were compared. The 500 mg of Quercetin Phytosome was approximately 20-fold higher than the standard OTC quercetin capsule. 

Using Quercetin for Respiratory Support

A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study explored the impact of Quercetin Phytosome (AllerRest) in Japanese adults with eye and nose discomfort. Researchers conducted evaluations using Japanese Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire scores and other tests. Over 4 weeks, those consuming 200 mg a day of Quercetin Phytosome experienced significant subjective improvements in sleep and severity of symptoms, such as sneezing, ocular itching, and runny nose, compared with the placebo group.

Human studies also demonstrate the benefits of Quercetin Phytosome in individuals with early-stage respiratory illness. In addition to standard care, subjects taking doses of 500 to 1500 mg daily of Quercetin Phytosome demonstrated better clearance, improved resolution of acute symptoms, reduced illness progression, and reduced serum inflammatory biomarker levels compared with those receiving standard care alone. 

AllerRest is scientifically formulated to support the respiratory system, including nasal passages. It features Quercefit®, a highly absorbable Quercetin PhytosomeTM, combined with nettle extract and antioxidant compounds to target immune-system−related pathways connected to respiratory symptoms.

See also The Ancient Science of Seasonal Allergy Support: Understanding the Causes of Imbalance