Apples, grapes and nuts help keep the doctor away
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Q: Can you please tell me what is quercetin? I have read a few articles on it, but would rather have your thoughts and a bit of an explanation? Can you get quercetin from food or is it just a supplement? Is it safe? Is it effective against cancer? I am not a computer person to research this myself so if you could help me out, I would really appreciate it.
A: Quercetin is a phytochemical (a plant substance considered to have beneficial effects on human health) and a powerful antioxidant that is found in apples, grapes, red onions, green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds and red wine.
Quercetin has been studied scientifically for more than 30 years and has been documented as safe with very low toxicity.
According to a Mayo Clinic study, the compound is currently used in therapeutic treatments for allergic conditions such as asthma, hayfever, eczema and hives. It is also used clinically to treat inflammatory conditions such as gout, pancreatitis and prostatitis. A Mayo Clinic study, conducted by Nian Xing, PhD, a research fellow in the Urology Department at Mayo Clinic, was the first to determine that quercetin had significant activity against the androgen receptor in the human prostate cancer cell lines.
While it is almost impossible to consume enough foods rich in quercetin to benefit the body, it has been isolated and is now available in supplement form.
Q: I have gluten intolerance and have dramatically changed my diet and lifestyle, which has helped tremendously. However, I still have a few issues and I wonder if I am using something that is aggravating my system that I am unaware of. Thank you for any suggestions.
A: Gluten (a protein found in grains) intolerance, can leave you bloated, constipated, fatigued and with abdominal pain/gas, indigestion, headaches and joint pain. Gluten intolerance is on the rise because of how wheat is now grown and processed.
As a result, the genetically modified wheat crops have a much higher gluten content, which can overburden the digestive system because the system cannot break down the gluten protein.
It is very important to read all labels to determine products that may contain wheat, rye, barley or triticale, which are used in canned soups, french fries, processed meats, soy sauce, seasoned potato chips, supplements and two products that you may not suspect-toothpaste and lipstick.
Also, if your child has a gluten intolerance, it is important to keep Play-Doh out of the toy box. If the product label is not clear about its ingredients or if you are unsure, contact the manufacturer for clarification.
There are many gluten-free products available that are healthy and great gluten-free wheat substitutes including quinoa (pronounced keen-wa), millet, amaranth and nut flours.
Phylis B. Canion is a doctor of naturopathic medicine and is a certified nutritional consultant, e-mail her at doc.phyl@yahoo.com. This column is for nutritional information only and is not intended to treat, diagnose or cure.
