Photo by April King

Tomorrow, February 2, is Groundhog day. Since the 18th century this furry fella has ventured out of his burrow to help predict if winter will last another six weeks or if spring will come early. While there is no validity to the prediction, the truth is that in many parts of the world, spring has been coming earlier. NPR recently reported that spring comes a few days earlier than it did a few decades ago. A few days does not seem like much, but when you look at the effects on the ecosystem, it is profound. Similarly, if you suffer from asthma or allergies, it can be a serious problem.

Last year many cities reported record or near record pollen counts. If you suffer from asthma or allergies, you know that this translates into having to use more medication. Over 80% of those with asthma have allergies to airborne substances, so obviously pollen should be on their radar. So what can you do if you suffer from asthma and allergies and want to add something more natural to your arsenal? Adding quercetin to your diet may help. Quercetin belongs to a family of compounds known as flavonoids. These compounds give fruits and vegetables their rich vibrant color. They have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Quercetin also has anti-allergy properties. While there is still some controversy, it appears to act as a mast cell stabilizer. Mast cells are specialized cells in our body that release histamine.

Here is a short list of foods that are high in quercetin:

• Apples
• Broccoli
• Capers
• Cherries
• Citrus Fruit
• Cranberries
• Leafy Green Vegetables
• Raspberries
• Red Grapes
• Red Onions
• Tomatoes
• Nettle tea

There are also many quercetin supplements available, but you should contact your doctor regarding dosing. So, if the groundhog sees his shadow or not, be prepared for an early spring and consider adding quercetin to help battle allergies and asthma.