SKIP THIS FIRST BIT IF YOU READ MY PREVIOUS SUPPLEMENT BLOG
The simple answer is: “lots of things” – I’ve experimented for decades and have a long list of favourites BUT, and this is an important point, I do NOT take them all, all the time.
So what do I do? I energy test, or dowse, to see what my body NEEDS that particular day, for a specific problem (e.g. lung function) or general maintenance. Some days, I give my body a rest and take nothing at all.
A sensible word of caution here: if you are on medication, please double check with your health specialist as SOME supplements do not react well, or counteract, certain medicines. It's advisable for pregnant or nursing women to consult a healthcare provider when considering taking any supplement. What might be great for you as a fully grown adult, may NOT be beneficial to your baby.
Can’t energy test or dowse? Visit my blogs (www.madisonking.com) for simple instructions on how to do both and if you are not comfortable with those – make a set of ‘supplement’ oracle cards. Use this link to a class I recently did on this subject, it's a pdf document with a video replay link on the first page.
Of course you can use your knowledge or intuition, but on days when those desert you, these are three tools that can take the guesswork out of supplemental support and spotlight EXACTLY what is going to deliver the optimum benefits that day.
With each blog over the coming weeks, in no particular order of importance, I will give a short overview of ONE of the bottles in my kitchen cupboard …. Actually, I have to confess they are not IN a cupboard but ON my worksurface … sitting there reminding me in the morning to make my choice.
I have no affiliation with any brand – but purely for your interest I will name the brands that are on my worksurface at the moment – I do experiment, always in search of THE best one for my body.
So, I'm not recommending per se, simply sharing what I do and hopefully it will encourage you to
enjoy experimenting to find what makes a difference for you.
Maddie
So, what's so special about this 'dynamic duo'?
I first came across Quercetin about 30 years ago when I had an inflamed tooth abscess that was throbbing like mad. At the time I was assisting an amazing naturopath (Dr Michael Burt) who immediately suggested I break a couple of capsules, mix with a tiny bit of oil and put on the area... repeatedly. This I did (he had a supply at the clinic) and by the end of the morning, the abscess had gathered then departed!
I was an immediate fan!
I have used that topical application, in the form of a poultice, on inflamed, stiff or sore joints with consistent success on myself and others over the years.
In the world of natural health, many compounds offer a wealth of benefits when consumed alone. But sometimes, pairing two ingredients can create a powerful synergy, amplifying their individual effects. One such combination is quercetin and bromelain.
Whether you're focused on boosting immunity, reducing inflammation, or improving cardiovascular health, this duo could offer profound advantages.
What is Quercetin?
Quercetin is a flavonoid known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it's abundant in foods such as apples, onions, berries, and leafy greens.
A flavonoid is a type of plant compound known for health-promoting properties. They are responsible for giving plants their vibrant colours and play a crucial role in defending plants against environmental stressors, such as UV rays and pathogens. When consumed by humans, flavonoids have numerous health benefits, primarily due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting effects
Key Benefits of Quercetin:
1. Antioxidant Power: Quercetin helps neutralise free radicals in the body, reducing oxidative stress. This, in turn, can help prevent cellular damage and combat the effects of aging.
As a Contented Crone this grabbed my attention fairly early on!
2. Anti-inflammatory Effects: By inhibiting certain enzymes that trigger inflammation, quercetin can reduce symptoms related to chronic inflammatory conditions, including arthritis and allergies.
3. Immune System Support: Quercetin boosts immune function by modulating immune response and acting as a natural antiviral. It's particularly helpful in preventing and managing upper respiratory infections, again of interest to me as my lungs need extra support nowadays.
4. Cardiovascular Health: Studies show that quercetin can reduce blood pressure, improve circulation, and support overall heart health by preventing the oxidation of LDL cholesterol.
5. Allergy Relief: Quercetin stabilizes histamine-releasing cells, providing natural relief from allergy symptoms, including hay fever, hives, and asthma.
What is Bromelain?
Bromelain is a digestive enzyme primarily found in pineapples. While it's best known for aiding digestion, bromelain has a range of benefits that go beyond just breaking down food.
Key Benefits of Bromelain:
1. Anti-inflammatory Properties: Like quercetin, bromelain reduces inflammation. It's commonly used to help reduce pain, swelling, and bruising, particularly after surgeries or injuries.
2. Digestive Support: Bromelain helps the body digest protein more effectively, which can improve gut health and alleviate digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and indigestion.
3. Improved Recovery: Athletes and individuals recovering from surgeries often use bromelain for its ability to speed up recovery, reduce swelling, and promote tissue healing. I would say here that if under hospital care PLEASE check with your surgeon before taking ANY supplement.
4. Respiratory Health: Bromelain can reduce mucus build-up in the sinuses and lungs, making it a natural remedy for respiratory issues such as sinusitis or bronchitis. So really useful when we enter the flu and cold season.
5. Immune Boosting: Bromelain enhances the body's ability to absorb quercetin and other nutrients, amplifying their effects and boosting overall immune function.
The Synergy of Quercetin and Bromelain
While both quercetin and bromelain offer impressive health benefits on their own, their effects are amplified when used together. This is why they are commonly paired in supplements and why I call them a dynamic duo.
Here’s how they work in tandem:
1. Enhanced Absorption: Quercetin is not easily absorbed in the body when taken alone, but bromelain helps your body absorb and utilise quercetin more effectively, ensuring you get the maximum benefits.
2. Stronger Anti-inflammatory Action: Both quercetin and bromelain possess anti-inflammatory properties, but their combination produces a more potent effect. This duo works on multiple inflammatory pathways, making it especially useful for reducing pain and inflammation associated with chronic conditions like arthritis or after physical injury.
3. Improved Allergy Relief: Quercetin’s ability to stabilise histamine release is heightened when combined with bromelain’s anti-inflammatory and mucolytic properties. Together, they provide more effective relief from seasonal allergies, asthma, and sinus congestion.
4. Enhanced Immune Function: Quercetin and bromelain together offer enhanced immune support. Quercetin acts as a natural antiviral and antioxidant, while bromelain supports nutrient absorption and tissue repair. This combination makes your immune system more robust, helping the body fend off infections, reduce recovery time, and prevent chronic illnesses.
5. Respiratory Health: The combination of quercetin and bromelain is particularly effective in promoting respiratory health. Quercetin helps regulate the immune response, reducing the severity of colds and infections, while bromelain breaks down mucus, reducing congestion in the lungs and sinuses.
Why do I take it?
As you can see so far, this duo is a powerhouse for reducing inflammation, supporting the immune system, and promoting respiratory health. All of which impact my health......
The female line of my family have always suffered from severe osteo arthritis and from my 40’s I have held it at bay with hydration, the right diet and of course, energy medicine …. I even wrote a little book on it : Stiff Joints (available on Amazon). This duo has been in my support repertoire for years for arthritis inflammation and then later for respiratory support. In today's environment, anything that can boost immunity is worth a look.
What brand do I use at the moment?
Higher Nature Everyday Essentials tablets – Quercetin & Bromelain with Vit C
New Leaf Quercetin High Strength 500mg capsules I use for topical application or to boost dose orally if my joints feel particularly stiff or sore.
Usual dose (I do test so it can vary) – 1 tablet on an empty stomach, which is said to support the anti-inflammatory effect of this duo.
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