 Cold and flu season is approaching fast! We offer a selection of supplements tailored to address viral, allergy, and sinus issues.
One standout option is Quercetin 20× Plus Quercetin Phytosome−Antioxidant Complex by Xymogen. Quercetin is a flavonoid found in medicinal plants and various foods like onions, apples, berries, brassica vegetables, nuts, wine, and black tea. This particular form of Quercetin is more bioavailable than others, meaning your body can absorb it more effectively. Research indicates that Quercetin can block histamine release, reduce eosinophil recruitment, and inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokine activity. A study from Japan found that Quercetin significantly improved sleep and reduced allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, itchy eyes, and a runny nose, compared to a placebo. Additionally, another study showed that Quercetin, when used alongside standard care early in the respiratory process, led to better infection clearance, improved acute symptoms, reduced illness progression, and lower blood inflammatory markers. N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) is an essential building block to glutathione, a potent antioxidant that shields the body from free radicals, which can contribute to aging and serious health conditions such as cancer and heart disease. Taking NAC supplements can restore antioxidant levels, especially when your immune system is weakened, thereby improving your recovery. Additionally, NAC acts as a natural mucolytic agent, aiding in mucus clearance from the airways similar to Mucinex. It helps reduce oxidative stress in the lungs, increases glutathione levels, lowers inflammation, and diminishes airway sensitivity. SOURCES: 1. Huang H, Liao D, Dong Y, et al. Nutr Rev. 2020;78(8):615-626. doi:10.1093/nutrit/nuz071 2.Yang D, Wang T, Long M, et al. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2020;2020:8825387. doi:10.1155/2020/8825387 3. Leyva-Soto A, Alejandra Chavez-Santoscoy R, Porras O, et al. Food Res Int. 2021;142:110101. doi:10.1016/j.foodres.2020.110101 4.Mlcek J, Jurikova T, Skrovankova S, et al. Molecules. 2016;21(5):623. doi:10.3390/molecules21050623 5. Jafarinia M, Sadat Hosseini M, Kasiri N, et al. Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol. 2020;16:36. doi:10.1186/s13223-020-00434-0 6. Riva A, Ronchi M, Petrangolini G, et al. Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet. 2019;44(2):169-177. doi:10.1007/s13318-018-0517-3 7. Yamada S, Shirai M, Inaba Y, et al. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2022;26(12):4331- 4345. doi:10.26355/eurrev_202206_29072. PMID: 35776034. 8. Di Pierro F, Iqtadar S, Khan A, et al. Int J Gen Med. 2021;14:2807-2816. doi:10.2147/IJGM.S318949 9.Di Pierro F, Derosa G, Maffioli P, et al. Int J Gen Med. 2021 8;14:2359-2366. doi:10.2147/IJGM.S318720 10.Di Pierro F, Khan A, Iqtadar S, et al. Front Pharmacol. 2023 13;13:1096853. doi:10.3389/fphar.2022.1096853 11.Blesa S, Cortijo J, Mata M, et al. Eur Respir J. 2003;21(3):394-400. doi:10.1183/09031936.03.00039602 12.Aldini G, Altomare A, Baron G, et al. Free Radic Res. 2018;52(7):751-762. doi:10.1080/10715762.2018.1468564 13. Ghezzi P. Int J Gen Med. 2011;4:105-113. doi:10.2147/IJGM.S15618 14. Shi Z, Puyo CA. Ther Clin Risk Manag. 2020;16:1047-1055. doi:10.2147/TCRM.S273700 15.Bhusal KK, Magar SK, Thapa R, et al. Heliyon. 2022;8(6):e09717. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09717 16.Roschek B Jr, Fink RC, McMichael M, et al. Phytother Res. 2009;23(7):920-926. doi:10.1002/ptr.2763
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 Why do we check your homocysteine level?
Homocysteine is an amino acid produced as a byproduct of our body's normal metabolic processes. To break it down and remove it, our bodies rely on essential nutrients such as folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12. A deficiency in any of these vitamins can lead to elevated homocysteine levels in the blood.¹ This is significant because high homocysteine levels can irritate blood vessels and increase the risk of heart disease. Elevated homocysteine may also exacerbate high blood pressure and contribute to inflammation throughout the body,² further increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. To help maintain healthy homocysteine levels, it's important to consume foods rich in folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12. Make sure to get your yearly physical checkup with bloodwork to monitor your homocysteine levels and determine whether supplementation is necessary to protect your heart. Foods that Contain Homocysteine-Lowering Vitamins Folate: avocado, broccoli, eggs, Leafy green vegetables Vitamin B6: avocado, banana, chickpeas, spinach Vitamin B12: salmon, tuna, eggs, Lean beef By Caroline Berry, PA-S UTHSCSA Graduating December 2025 SOURCES 1.Kumar A, Palfrey HA, Pathak R, Kadowitz PJ, Gettys TW, Murthy SN. The metabolism and significance of homocysteine in nutrition and health. Nutr Metab. 2017;14:78. doi:10.1186/s12986-017-0233-z 2. Ganguly P, Alam SF. Role of homocysteine in the development of cardiovascular disease. Nutr J. 2015;14:6. doi:10.1186/1475-2891-14-6 |
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