How To Eat Bee Pollen
Using Bee Pollen to Combat Seasonal Allergies
People can use bee pollen in various ways, such as a topping on cereals, yogurt, or salad, or in smoothies or similar drinks. It is also available as a supplement.
However, take care when using pollen products may cause allergic symptoms, including shortness of breath or
Some traditional medicinal practitioners use bee products, such as pollen, as a form of medicine. Using bee products to benefit health is known as apitherapy.
Bee pollen contains many active compounds that may have antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
How Do I Take Bee Pollen
Start gradually a day and work your way up to 1-3 tablespoons by the end of four weeks. I usually take a spoonful with my breakfast or add it to my morning smoothie recipe. It’s best to take with food, especially fruit. The fruit fibers will activate the pollen faster and cleanse your colon simultaneously. Gut and immune health are closely linked in regards to severity of allergies.
If you think you might have a sensitivity to pollen or a history of hay fever, try this simple test. Place a few granules in your mouth and wait 2 minutes. If you experience no symptoms , chew slowly and swallow. Wait another 24 hours and monitor your body for any symptoms. If you don’t experience any, gradually increase as stated above.
How Much Fresh Bee Pollen Should You Be Taking
Hey there,
Thanks for your continued support of our blog! Today we’re going to answer your questions on how much bee pollen you should be taking.
We always, always, always recommend that you start slow when taking bee pollen for the first time. And by slow, we mean only a couple of granules of pollen at a time.
The pollen that the bees gather is an incredibly concentrated version of the pollens that float through the air after a fresh bloom. Instead of dispersing through the air, the bee takes the pollen from a flower and compacts it to create a tiny granule, similar in size to a sesame seed.
If a bit of pollen debris in the air can cause you to sneeze, then you can imagine what a spoonful of compacted dust might do. This doesn’t mean that if you have allergies, you can never take fresh bee pollen; this only means that you will have to get your body’s immune system slowly introduced to the bee pollen before you take a giant scoop!
If it is your first time taking fresh bee pollen, we suggest that you take 2 – 3 granules per day for one week. After one week, slowly increase the granules of bee pollen by 4 -5 per day. The goal should be to work your way up to taking anywhere from one teaspoon to one tablespoon of pollen per day.
As when trying any new supplement, always consult a medical professional before taking.
How To Deal With Allergies: Can Bee Pollen Help
Last Updated: May 20, 2020 References
This article was co-authored by Zora Degrandpre, ND. Dr. Degrandpre is a Licensed Naturopathic Physician in Vancouver, Washington. She is also a grant reviewer for the National Institutes of Health and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. She received her ND from the National College of Natural Medicine in 2007. This article has been viewed 7,933 times.
If you suffer from seasonal allergies, then you know what an inconvenience they are. You might even be willing to try products that arent proven to see if they help. Bee pollen is one of those products. Proponents claim that because harvested bee pollen contains small amounts of the allergens that cause allergies, it can gradually improve your symptoms until theyre gone. While pollen does contain many helpful nutrients, there are no studies proving that it works as a health supplement or allergy treatment.XTrustworthy SourceMedlinePlusCollection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of MedicineGo to source However, as long as you dont have an allergy to pollen and check with your doctor first, then trying it out as a supplement shouldnt cause any harm. Give it a try and see if your allergies improve within a few weeks.
Sorry Snacking On Ragweed Doesnt Work Either
This ones a rumor, too. Theres no evidence it works at all. Youre better off not munching on ragweed, because you might get a big surprise: an allergic skin reaction called dermatitis.
Dermatitis occurs when your skin touches something youre sensitive or allergic to, such as poison ivy, perfume, or a cleaning product; after which your skin can become red, itchy, or swollen.
Natural Solutions For Easing Your Pollen Allergies
Ahhh-choo! Yes, its that time againflowers blooming, bees buzzing and lots of sneezing the all-too-familiar sights and sounds of spring.
If you have pollen allergies, spring and summer can be miserable times. You can suffer with itchy eyes, a runny nose, congestion, sinus problems and sneezingor you can numb your brain and reflexes with over-the-counter or prescription drugs. Maybe its time to consider an alternative. Making some minor modifications to your eating habits and taking certain supplements can do wonders to ease allergy symptoms.
Pollen allergies are a misguided immune response to harmless substances. Forty years ago, allergies and asthma were relatively rare conditions. An article in the;Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology;now estimates that half of all Americans have allergies, and the most common symptom is rhinitisthat is, nasal symptoms.;Furthermore, people with pollen allergies are three times more likely to develop asthma.
Why has the prevalence of allergies skyrocketed over just a couple of generations? Scientists have theorized that it might be related to incomplete immune programming because of the use of immunizations, antibiotics and antiseptics. However, they may be overlooking the obvious cause: a change in the foods people consume, leading to a decidedly pro-inflammatory shift in immune responses.
Using Bee Pollen Safely
While bee pollen is generally safe for supplement use and shows few interactions with other drugs, there are still some health concerns. The main one is an allergic reaction, which could be potentially life-threatening if you’re allergic to pollen. XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source Like with all supplements, consult your doctor before you start taking bee pollen. They can tell you whether or not this is safe for you.
1) Test to make sure you arent allergic to bee pollen before using it. The main concern with bee pollen is an allergic reaction. Always see an allergist and get tested for a pollen allergy first, because these reactions can be serious if you have one. XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source
2) Check with your doctor if youre taking warfarin. Bee pollen can amplify the effects of this blood thinner, meaning you might bruise or bleed more easily. Ask your doctor if taking bee pollen is safe while you’re on warfarin. XTrustworthy SourceMedlinePlusCollection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of MedicineGo to source
3) Follow all of the dosage instructions that come with the pollen. Never exceed the dosage or frequency recommendations for the product you use. The effects of a pollen overdose are not currently known. XResearch source
Supplements To Ease Asthma
More than 23 million Americans have asthma, which causes sudden episodes of shortness of breath, wheezing and a feeling of suffocation. Asthma attacks may result from exposure to any number of allergens and other triggers, including pollens, cigarette smoke, aspirin, sulfite , cold air and exercise. Emotional stress can also induce asthma attacks, and being overweight predisposes people to developing asthma. Several supplements may be of particular benefit:
Vitamin D
Several studies have linked low levels of vitamin D to asthma.1Take at least 1,000 IU of vitamin D daily at least 2,000 IU daily during the winter.
Omega-3 fish oils
Omega-3 fish oils, in high concentrations, may help dampen your asthma symptoms.1 In one study, large amounts of fish oil capsules reduced the severity of exercise-induced asthma attacks, as well as the need for medicated inhalers.1;Try 1 to 3 grams daily. Add 200 to 400 mg of gamma-linolenic acid, which also has an anti-inflammatory effect.
Magnesium
Carotenoids
Particularly beta-carotene and lycopene, may reduce the severity of asthma attacks.; Try 25 mg of natural-source beta-carotene or 30 mg of lycopene daily.
Taking Bee Pollen Supplements
How to buy the best bee pollen:
1) Speak to your doctor before you take the supplement. Because the health benefits of bee pollen have not been confirmed or supported by the medical community, talk to your doctor about any possible side effects before you take a bee pollen supplement. Your doctor may be able to give you information on other medically confirmed treatments for your condition or issue. She may also suggest lifestyle or dietary changes that may be more effective than bee pollen supplements. If you have allergic asthma or any blood disorders or liver disease, bee pollen may not be safe for you to take. Your doctor can advise you if this is the case. XResearch source
2) Find out about drug interaction. If you are taking any other supplements or any prescription medication, speak with a doctor or pharmacist about drug interaction. Some medications and supplements, when taken together, can produce unwanted side-effects. If anything you are taking has a potential interaction issue with bee pollen, your doctor or pharmacist should be able to tell you. XResearch source
3) Start with a small dose. If you do decide to use bee pollen, you should begin by taking a small dose to ensure you will not have an adverse reaction. You can increase your dose gradually to make sure it is safe for you. You can begin with 1/8 teaspoon per day, increasing by 1/8 teaspoon up to six teaspoons.
What To Do If You Are Sensitive To Bee Pollen
Signs and symptoms that you may be sensitive to pollen include:
An itchy throat; Respiratory issues; Stomach/bowel distress
If you experience one or all of these symptoms, the most important thing to do is to stop taking the bee pollen for the time being. ; If you have had a severe reaction you should see your doctor.
But consider this if your reaction is more mild. ;There are some experts out there who feel that with continued exposure, you’ll develop a tolerance or re-balancing of your immune system and over time will be able to tolerate pollen very well. As always, if you feel weird or unsure, check with your doctor first.
Simply cut back your dose and slowly up it until you experience no symptoms at all. When you reach this point, you’ll know that your immune system has adapted to the pollens. This is the first step in treating your allergies.;
Is Bee Pollen Safe
Bee pollen appears to be safe for most people, at least when taken for a short term. But if you have pollen allergies, you may get more than you bargained for. Bee pollen can cause a serious allergic reaction — including shortness of breath, hives, swelling, and anaphylaxis.
Bee pollen is not safe for pregnant women. Women should also avoid using bee pollen if they are breastfeeding.
Bee pollen may cause increased bleeding if taken with certain blood thinners like warfarin. Check with your doctor before taking bee pollen if you take any medications, over-the-counter medicines, or herbals.
How Should I Take Bee Pollen
When considering the use of herbal supplements, seek the advice of your doctor. You may also consider consulting a practitioner who is trained in the use of herbal/health supplements.
If you choose to use bee pollen, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Do not use more of this product than is recommended on the label.
Do not use different forms of bee pollen at the same time without medical advice. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose of bee pollen.
Do not take topical bee pollen by mouth. Topical forms of this product are for use only on the skin.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
Bee Pollen Recipes Which You Can Easily Prepare At Your Home :
Milk with bee pollen and juices. Prepare 17 fl Oz of lukewarm milk, one freshly squeezed orange juice, half of the freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1.7 Oz of honey, 0.35 Oz of bee pollen powder. Put bee pollen and honey in lukewarm milk, stir well, let it cool and then add orange and lemon juices. This multivitamin drink will improve your immune system.
Sour milk with bee pollen. Take one and a half cup of sour milk or plain yogurt and add one tablespoon of bee pollen powder to it. Stir well. I suggest this recipe especially to older people as it is able to improve liver, heart and endocrine system functions.
Sour milk with honey, bee pollen, and carrot juice. Take one and a half cup of sour milk or yogurt, add one freshly squeezed tangerine juice, two tablespoons of carrot juice, a tablespoon of honey and tablespoon of pollen powder. This drink is exceptional for kids because of improves appetite and fights against anemia
Sportsmen drink. Prepare 34 fl Oz of milk, add 7 Oz of honey, 1,7 Oz of bee pollen, one egg, freshly squeezed lemon, tomato, and orange. The sportsmen should take this drink half an hour before the match, a couple of tablespoons. This drink contributes to the necessary psychological concentration and improves physical strength.
The Health Benefits Of Bee Pollen Are Actually Pretty Surprising
Is bee pollen healthy? Heres the truth behind this small-but-mighty food.
Bee pollen is a health food thats been around for centuries in Eastern cultures, but just recently started to appear in Western health stores and online. Theres been a lot of buzz about the health benefits of these tiny golden granulesfrom aiding in weight loss to helping with seasonal allergiesbut is there any real truth behind them?
How To Take Bee Pollen For Allergies
Bee pollen is actually a food, which is high in protein and also contains antioxidants and vitamins. It is also one of natures super foods. It comes in pill, powder or liquid form. It is best to consume the actual granules that the bees make. These granules are sweet and powdery in texture, which can be used for smoothies, sprinkled or oatmeal or yogurt, or combined with granola. The bee pollen reduces the number of mast cells activation in a dose dependent manner. The mast cells trigger the release of histamine which leads to symptoms of allergy. The bee pollen reduces the amount of histamine produced by mast cells and hence the allergy symptoms are reduced. A lot of randomized controlled studies and trials are present supporting this theory of usage of bee pollen for allergies.
This is a form of immunotherapy which deals with basically introducing small and controlled amounts of known allergen into the system and allowing the body to slowly adapt and build up a self-resistance. Hence using bee pollen as an effective treatment for allergy is very popular. It gradually desensitizes the body to the allergies.
Bee Pollen For Weight Loss
Studies have shown that pollen helps in the recovery of muscle protein and energy metabolism in old rats exposed to severe food restriction, proving that its useful in the prevention or recovery of malnutrition.
But what about weight loss? Is bee pollen a metabolism booster?
Pollen helps regulate hormones, and it possesses metabolic activity containing amino acids that help increase your metabolism by dissolving fat cells in the body. We also know that pollen contains an enormous amount of essential vitamins and minerals, helping nourish the body of people with poor eating habits. It only takes a small amount to receive these nutrients, and an ounce of bee pollen is only about 90 calories.
Many manufacturers make bee pollen pills or supplements that claim to help you lose weight fast, but there is little scientific evidence proving this to be true. In fact, the FDA had to recall Zi Xiu Tang bee pollen capsules because it found it contained undeclared sibutramine and phenolphthalein, weight-loss drugs that are no longer used in the U.S.;because they;may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.
The FDA reported that it received more than 50 adverse event reports associated with the use of tainted bee pollen weight loss products from customers and health care providers.
Here Are Some Ways How To Properly Prepare And Consume Pollen:
How to Take Bee Pollen the Right Way
Take one teaspoon of bee pollen and mix in the lukewarm water and leave the min. 8 hours. After that period, you can sweeten, stir and drink. If you sweeten it with honey and add up to 15 drops of propolis, you get an extraordinary and complete preparation.
Pollen can also be dissolved in yogurt because it is known that lactic acid better dissolves the celluloid membrane then water.
You can also mix bee pollen with lukewarm water but add freshly squeezed lemon juice in order to improve the dissolution of pollens membrane
You can mix bee pollen grains even with honey but in that case, you have to leave the jar with this mixture to rest for at least 3-4 days and you should stir a few times per day. Bee pollen is lighter than honey so it will come up to the surface. It is very important to soak bee pollen in the honey in order to crack the pollens membrane. After 3-4 days store this mixture in the fridge and consume it on a daily basis
The best time to consume bee pollen is late summer and fall so you can prepare yourself for cold, winter days which usually bring a different kind of infections and other health issues.
Let me give you one example so you can understand how bee pollen is important and extremely healthy Bee pollen is the basic material from which young bees create royal jelly highly nutritious food for the queen bee. Due to the lack of pollen in the hive, the queen bee will stop producing eggs and the bees will not be able to make wax and build honeycomb.
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