Purely Nourished

Ashwagandha is best known as an adaptogenic herb for stress. But did you know that it also shows promise for thyroid health? Studies have shown ashwagandha to improve blood levels of TSH, T3, and T4 in patients with subclinical hypothyroid. Other ways Ashwagandha helps thyroid dysfunction relates to its ability to help fight off that awful feeling of brain fog which leaves one feeling spaceyand disconnected by helping with cognition and increased mental stamina.Ashwagandha... has been reported to improve cognition and memory in those with chronic illness.While many find themselves having to resort to caffeine to get through the day, a combination of adaptogenic herbs and nutrients including ashwagandha can help with brain function and energy without the negative effects of coffee. How does Ashwagandha help the nervous system?Ashwagandhahas GABA-mimicking activity.For those who feel like they are constantly on the go and running on adrenaline (common in thyroid disorders). GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps your body pump the brakes, helping the body shift into relaxation mode. As shown in studies, Ashwagandha also helps by lowering cortisol levels (stress hormones). Several studies reveal that Ashwagandha may be a good choice for those struggling with "wired and tired" stress induced insomnia.One Study of64 individuals with chronic stress, found those in the group that supplemented with ashwagandha reported a 69% reduction in anxiety and insomnia.Additionally several studies confirm ashwagandha helps with symptoms of both anxiety and depression. One studyfound that 88% of people who took ashwagandha reported a reduction in anxiety, while another studyreported a 79% reduction in severe depression symptoms. #ashwagandha #adrenalsupport #thyroidhealth #hypothyroidism #hashimotos #chronicillness #autoimmunity #adaptogenicherbs #holistichealth #functionalmedicine #functionalmedicinepractitioner #adrenalhealth #nervoussystem #thyroiddysfunction #brainhealth #chronicfatigue #spoonie #insomnia #gaba #cortisol #wiredandtired #rdapproved #foodismedicine #herbalism #thyroidhealing #thyroidawareness #naturalresearch #naturalantidepressant

Quercetin is an anti-microbial/anti-viral flavonoid found in many fruits, vegetables, and plants. While quercetin is more often known to manage mast cell activation syndrome, allergies and histamine intolerance. It is now thought to also be a beneficial nutrient in the prevention and treatment of co - vid. Quercetin has been shown to have positive effects on immune function and reduces inflammation by regulating the expression of genes related to cytokine production. It promo...tes SIRT2 which then inhibits the NLRP3 inflammasome assembly involved in the COVID 19 infection and response to inflammation. When added to cell cultures, quercetin exerts antiviral and antibacterial properties, including inhibition of influenza A strains H1N1, H3N2 and inhibition of H5N1 entry. Quercetin can act as a stabilizer of Sirtuin function and inhibit mTOR activity, providing a challenge to the replication of the virus. During the 2003 SARS outbreak Chinese researchers found quercetin bound to the spike protein of the virus, interfered with the virus’s ability to replicate and infect host cells. Research also suggests that taking vitamin c with quercetin can have a synergistic effect of enhancing quercetin's effectiveness due to vitamin c's ability to recycle oxidized quercetin.

Here is a list that I compiled with all of the foods with the highest concentration of quercetin. In my previous post I talk about the benefits of quercetin in terms of it’s anti-viral properties and ability to reduce inflammation. It is a powerful phytonutrient to consume in high amounts during this pandemic. Apples Apples have a wide range of flavonoids and polyphenols. A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study of 33 patients suggests that apple polyphenols (found... in the apple peel) are effective in alleviating symptoms of persistent allergic rhinitis. Onions Onions are an important prebiotic food that have been shown to inhibit histamine release, stabilize mast cells, and even lower histamine levels extracellularly in blood plasma. One study suggests that quercetin derived from onions, is a promising candidate as an effective mast cell inhibitor for allergic and inflammatory diseases. In two clinical trials, quercetin significantly decreased contact dermatitis, photosensitivity, and skin conditions that did not respond to conventional treatment. Watercress Watercress is a nutrient dense cruciferous vegetable. A study showed that watercress inhibits 60% of all histamines released from mast cells. Of the 15 compounds isolated, flavonols and megastigmanes significantly inhibited the release of histamine. Capers Capers have an exceptionally high concentration of quercetin. Pickled capers are the richest known natural source of quercetin, with a maximum reported concentration of 520 mg/100 g for canned capers, compared to a maximum of 323 mg/100 g quercetin for raw capers. In a recent 2020 study, Quercetin found in pickled capers was shown to activate proteins required for normal human brain and heart activity, through the modulation of potassium ion channels in the KCNQ gene family. As funny as it sounds capers may offer therapeutic value for the treatment of epilepsy and abnormal heart rhythms.