A flavonoid found in onions, apple peel, cabbage, gingko biloba, tea and red wine. Studies indicate that it can help to prevent cataract formation. Quercetin may also help allergy-related problems such as hay fever, asthma and eczema by stabilizing mast cell membranes, inhibiting histamine release (by inhibiting calcium channels in the mast cell membrane, thus preventing the influx of calcium and resultant mast cell degranulation) and decreasing the synthesis of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins. Quercetin is structurally related to the anti-allergic drug disodium chromoglycate. It can be synthesized by intestinal bacteria from rutin.

Quinoa

A nutty South American seed which is sometimes cooked and eaten by food allergy sufferers as a substitute for rice or other grains to which they may be allergic.

Raw food diets

Raw food diets used to be very popular with naturopathic practitioners, and were often the mainstay of naturopathic treatments. Mainstream naturopathy has now moderated its views somewhat, and naturopaths who still rely mainly on this form of treatment are now known as Natural Hygienists.

Although many individuals feel that a raw food diet makes a substantial contribution to their sense of health and well-being, others do not. In particular the condition of individuals with chronic muscular weakness, severe fatigue and other debilitated conditions may deteriorate on such a diet. Cooking food breaks down and softens the tough, indigestible walls of plant cells, making the starch available for enzymes to work on in our intestines.

Oriental medicine does not advise individuals suffering from any of the conditions mentioned above, or with fluid retention or 'cold' conditions of the body to eat more than a small amount of raw food. On the other hand raw food diets may be extremely beneficial for individuals who suffer from hot, inflammatory conditions.