How to Help Autoimmune Disease Naturally with Quercetin
Conventional medicine offers symptom management treatments for autoimmune diseases but doesn't address the root causes, including environmental triggers, gut health, and inflammation. A functional medicine approach helps reduce symptoms and address the underlying contributors to immune dysregulation.
A functional medicine doctor has more tools in their toolkit, including supportive bioflavonoids supplements, including quercetin, a well known flavonoid (plant pigment) found commonly in red wine, onions, green tea, apples, and berries, as well as some dietary supplements.
Today's article will dive into the roots of autoimmunity and how to help autoimmune disease naturally. Keep reading as we cover:
- What are autoimmune diseases?
- How to help autoimmune disease naturally with a functional medicine approach
- The role and effects of quercetin in autoimmunity
- Liposomal quercetin
What is Autoimmunity?
There are currently over 80 identified autoimmune diseases affecting up to 50 million people in the United States, primarily women. (Source 1)
Autoimmune diseases arise from a complex interplay of genetic risk and environmental factors where the immune system gets confused and begins making autoantibodies (antibodies to self-tissue.) This process results in inflammation and tissue destruction. (Source 2)
"There are currently over 80 identified autoimmune diseases affecting up to 50 million people in the United States, primarily women."
At the core, autoimmunity is immune system dysfunction and dysregulation, yet the medicine defines each disease by the area of the body it affects. Not all autoimmune patients see the same doctor. An endocrinologist manages type 1 diabetes and Hashimoto's thyroiditis, while someone with rheumatoid arthritis sees a rheumatologist for treatment. A gastroenterologist manages inflammatory bowel disease, and a neurologist sees patients with multiple sclerosis. Typically, people with autoimmunity require long-term treatment.
How to Help Autoimmune Disease Naturally with Functional Medicine
A functional medicine approach to autoimmunity is a helpful adjunct to conventional autoimmune management because it addresses the root causes of immune dysregulation. While we can't change genetic predisposition, we can work to understand gut microbiome imbalances, environmental toxins, nutrient deficiencies, and other contributors that affect autoimmune disease development and progression.
A functional, root-cause approach is tailored to each individual and may include anti-inflammatory nutrition, lifestyle changes, alternative therapies, and supplements. Quercetin is one such supplement that researchers are studying for preventing and treating autoimmune diseases due to its anti-inflammatory effects and antioxidant effects.
"A functional, root-cause approach is tailored to each individual and may include anti-inflammatory nutrition, lifestyle changes, alternative therapies, and supplements. Quercetin is one such supplement that researchers are studying for preventing and treating autoimmune diseases."
Quercetin for Autoimmunity
Phytonutrients (plant nutrients) are known for their role in reducing chronic disease risk. No matter the dietary philosophy, most nutritionists and doctors agree that eating more fruits and vegetables helps prevent disease.
Quercetin is a phytonutrient in the bioflavonoid category, found in apples, onions, capers, cranberries, dill, cilantro, and other plant foods. (Source 2)
Quercetin has many properties that make it a promising choice for autoimmune diseases; quercetin is:
- Anti-inflammatory (promotes anti-inflammatory signaling and decreases inflammation)
- Antioxidant (protects the body and immune cells from free radical damage and oxidative stress)
- Neuroprotective (protects the brain and nervous system)
- Antihistamine (reduces histamine levels, supports allergies)
- Anti-microbial (kills unwanted microbes)
- Anti-tumor (inhibits tumor formation and growth)
- An immunomodulator (helps balance the immune system) (Source 2)
Because of these benefits, animal and human studies are showing promise for the use of quercetin in multiple sclerosis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis), and other autoimmune diseases. However, more studies and clinical trials are needed to evaluate its benefits fully. (Source 2)
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system (CNS); specifically, the immune system attacks the myelin sheaths that encompass neurons. Bioflavonoids, including quercetin), can cross the blood-brain barrier and enter the brain and CNS. Animal models of MS and pre-clinical studies suggest quercetin protects neurons, reduces neuroinflammation, and can protect and restore the myelin sheath, making it a promising adjunct strategy for people with MS. (Source 3)
Liposomal Quercetin Supplements
Quercetin supplements are widely available and relatively inexpensive. In human quercetin trials looking at autoimmunity, side effects or toxicity from supplements has not been reported, making it a safe option to try. (Source 2)
If you have an autoimmune disease or other medical condition or take any medication, we recommend discussing supplements with your functional medicine provider.
Despite the safety of quercetin, most preparations have poor solubility and absorption rates, requiring very high doses (up to 1 or 2 grams daily) to see effects. (Source 4, 5)
Core Med Science Liposomal Quercetin is different. Because of the liposomal delivery system, which mimics the body's cellular membranes, absorption rates are much improved, and you'll benefit from more reasonable dosages. One study suggests that liposomal quercetin increases quercetin levels in the body by as much as 20 times. (Source 5)
"One study suggests that liposomal quercetin increases quercetin levels in the body by as much as 20 times."
Our product contains 200 mg of quality liposomal quercetin per serving, and it's allergen-friendly and made in the USA.
While quercetin might not be the first thing you think of with autoimmunity, it may be a very beneficial compound to support a healthy, balanced immune system. Science continues to discover more benefits of this mighty molecule every day!
References:
- NIH National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. Autoimmune Diseases. Accessed 4/29/24 at: https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/conditions/autoimmune
- Pisetsky DS. Pathogenesis of autoimmune disease. Nat Rev Nephrol. 2023;19(8):509-524. Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10171171/
- Javanbakht, P., Yazdi, F. R., Taghizadeh, F., Khadivi, F., Hamidabadi, H. G., Kashani, I. R., Zarini, D., & Mojaverrostami, S. (2023). Quercetin as a possible complementary therapy in multiple sclerosis: Anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and remyelination potential properties. Heliyon, 9(11), e21741. Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10638059/
- https://examine.com/supplements/quercetin/
- Riva, A., Ronchi, M., Petrangolini, G., Bosisio, S., & Allegrini, P. (2019). Improved Oral Absorption of Quercetin from Quercetin Phytosome®, a New Delivery System Based on Food Grade Lecithin. European journal of drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics, 44(2), 169-177. Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6418071/