Post Viral Fatigue (or what some call 'Long COVID') and POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) share overlapping symptoms, including fatigue, brain fog, tachycardia, dizziness, and gastrointestinal (GI) issues.
Emerging evidence suggests these symptoms may be linked to overactive mast cells releasing excessive histamine, which can dysregulate the autonomic and central nervous systems. Quercetin, a natural flavonoid, shows promise as a histamine regulator, potentially offering relief while supporting overall histamine balance.
The Role of Mast Cells in Post Viral Fatigue and POTS
Mast cells play a crucial role in the immune response, releasing histamine to combat perceived threats like viruses. However, in some cases, viral infections can trigger mast cells to overreact, releasing excessive histamine near nerve endings. This can lead to autonomic dysfunction, causing symptoms such as:
- Fatigue and Brain Fog: Linked to central nervous system dysregulation
- Tachycardia: An abnormally high heart rate, common in POTS
- Dizziness and Near-Fainting Sensations: Resulting from autonomic instability
- GI Symptoms: Such as bloating, diarrhoea, or nausea
How Quercetin Supports Histamine Regulation
Quercetin is a natural mast cell stabiliser, preventing the excessive release of histamine. It also exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, helping to mitigate symptoms tied to histamine overload. Specifically, Quercetin works by:
- Inhibiting Mast Cell Degranulation: Preventing the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators
- Blocking Histamine Receptors: Reducing the impact of histamine on nerve endings
- Suppressing Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines: Quercetin lowers levels of cytokines like IL-6 and TNF-α, often elevated in these conditions
Studies have also highlighted quercetin's potential to influence the NLRP3 inflammasome and NF-κB pathways, critical in controlling inflammation and immune response.
Holistic Support for Histamine Balance
While Quercetin can be a powerful tool, other lifestyle and dietary approaches can support histamine balance and improve symptoms:- Stress Reduction: Chronic stress worsens mast cell activation. Techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, and deep breathing can help calm the nervous system.
- Hormone Balancing: Hormonal imbalances can exacerbate mast cell activity, making it vital to address any underlying issues.
- Gut Health: Resolving gut imbalances, such as Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), can reduce histamine production and improve overall digestion.
- Low-Histamine Diet: Avoiding high-histamine foods (e.g., aged cheese, cured meats, and fermented products) can help reduce the histamine burden.
The Promise of Quercetin
Research supports the use of quercetin for mast cell-related conditions, including "Long COVID" and POTS-like symptoms. For instance, studies show Quercetin’s ability to stabilise mast cells, reduce inflammation, and even inhibit viral replication, making it a multi-faceted approach to these challenging conditions.
By addressing histamine regulation in these ways, you may find significant relief from the debilitating symptoms of Post Viral Fatigue and POTS when you incorporate Quercetin into your routine - ensuring that you are combining it with other supportive strategies of course.
