Err With Caution When Measuring Quercetin

Don’t Overdo!

Quercetin is a popular supplement that comes from fruits and plants. It is a natural anti-inflammatory and a natural antihistamine, as well as being a strong antioxidant. Quercetin can be used for a wide variety of health benefits, including the prevention of cancer, cardiovascular benefits, relief from prostate problems, cataract prevention, a reduction of symptoms of depression, anxiety and Alzheimer’s, pain relief, and a reduction of asthma and allergy symptoms.

Quercetin is naturally occurring in berries, apples, onions, red wine and tea. When consumed in these natural products, it does not cause side effects; however, over-consumption of quercetin as a supplement can be problematic.

Even though, when taken in the right amounts, quercetin can relieve allergy symptoms, if overdone, it can cause them. People who have consumed too much quercetin have reported swelling of the throat, lips and tongue, problems breathing, wheezing, hives, mouth sores, rash, and general itchiness.

Consuming too much quercetin can cause dizziness, nausea and vomiting. If you have a weak stomach, you should be very careful about how much quercetin you take. It can lead to stomach problems such upset stomach, indigestion, heartburn and acid reflux. Of course, these symptoms are even worse if the supplement is consumed on an empty stomach. To avoid stomach problems with quercetin supplements, it is best to take them between meals when the stomach is neither full nor empty.

In the wrong dosage, or if taken over a prolonged period of time, rather than being an anti-oxidant, quercetin can act as a pro-oxidant. In this case, rather than reducing inflammation, it would increase the problem. In cases of joint inflammation, this could cause a great deal of pain.

Although quite rare, consuming very high doses of quercetin has been known to cause kidney infection. For this reason and all of the reasons listed above, it is very important to consume this supplement responsibly and to know the right amount of the supplement for you.

When To Consult Your Physician

Care should be taken when using quercetin in conjunction with any form of hormone therapy because this supplement can cause an increase of the sex hormone known as estradiol. When this happens, other forms of estrogen are weakened and the hormones may be thrown out of balance. This could also cause hot flashes, flushing and sweating as well as migraine headaches and dizziness.

Likewise, care should be exercised when taking quercetin in conjunction with antibiotics because this supplement can interfere with the functioning of some types of antibiotics. This is especially known to be true of the fluoroquinolones.

Furthermore, quercetin may interfere with the functioning of some blood pressure medications and should be used with caution by those who have or are treating high blood pressure.

Of course, as with all supplements and drugs, women who are pregnant or nursing a baby should also obtain the advice of a physician before using this supplement.

What Is The Right Amount Of Quercetin to Take?

It is best to meet your quercetin needs primarily through natural means (i.e. fruit and plant sources) however, it is also safe and desirable to supplement quercetin in small amounts. It is best not to take more than 1500 milligrams of quercetin powder daily. You can break your doses down into 500 milligram increments to avoid stomach upset and to get the most benefit from the supplement. To further assist digestion, it is a good idea to combine quercetin with a bioflavonoid such as bromelain, hesperidin or rutin. In this way, your system will absorb your small doses effectively and make the most of the supplement.

Err With Caution When Measuring Quercetin by Arianna Mendez