The Side Effects of Bee Pollen
Although it is a food, it is still important to talk about the side effects of bee pollen. Some people are sensitive to it and can develop a slight reaction. This will happen especially if one takes too much of it or increase their intake too fast. For example, some have an “over stimulated, super sensitive” immune system and are sensitive to any foreign substance, while others have “guts of steal” and can eat practically anything without a flinch. Any foreign NEW substance entering the blood stream is considered an invader and the immune system is sent in to investigate and defend. Then the body makes immunoglobins (link) to protect you so that the next time the same substance comes in, you won’t be as reactive. It is the people who's immune systems overreact that tend to experience the perceived side effects of bee pollen. Bee Pollen IS NOT a drug. However, it is possible that you could be sensitive to it the same way you are sensitive to food. This sensitivity can manifest itself as a side effect of bee pollen. Hypersensitive? Here's How to Minimize the Side EffectsRemember, for best results, bee pollen is taken gradually at first and then daily up to 1 TBSP or more daily. To find out your sensitivity to bee pollen, first take one kernel and place it under your tongue. Leave the pollen particle there until it is absorbed completely into the mucous membrane. The components of the bee pollen will go directly into your blood stream. This will rule out hypersensitivity and the side effects of bee pollen.Possible Symptoms and Side Effects:• Headache • Runny Nose • Sneezing • Tearing Eyes • Fever • Sweating • Rash • Other allergic reactions such as an itchy throat or hayfever symptoms. Any of the above reactions are likely transitory. We call this a “healing crisis.” Bee Pollen is bringing your body into adjustment faster than your immune system can comfortably tolerate. Eventually these symptoms disappear and your immune system is stronger because of it!
The Side Effects of Bee Pollen: A TestimonialHere is an example of an email I received from a gentleman who took to much pollen too fast. While extremely rare, those who are sensitive to pollen need to be careful and start out with very small amounts or else end up in a situation like the gentleman below."I started taking bee pollen and got a serious allergic reaction. At first I started with a couple granules and it didn't bother me. Then next day I took a teaspoon and all was well. Last night I experienced an adverse reaction after having a tablespoon and had to go to the emergeny room. This happened after about the fourth day of taking it. At first it started with stomach pain then hives, nasal congestion, rashes, and fast heart rate and swelling to the face." When to Stop Taking Bee PollenObviously, if you experience symptoms like the gentleman described above, stop immediately.If you feel that you cannot tolerate the symptoms or reactions you are getting from Bee Pollen, by all means stop! I am not here to diagnose or intend to claim any false cures. This signals that you should either not eat bee pollen or your present immune system and state of health are unable to adapt. (However, some people PUSH FORWARD with these symptoms knowing that they are working to improve their immune system and igniting it will bring on possible undesirable symptoms) My husband is a classic case of this. When to Keep Taking Despite SymptomsIf you find that the beginning sensitivity symptoms are manageable or if you find no sensitivity, then try 2 grains, then 3 and so on. Keep increasing the number of grains until you feel that there is no sensitivity present to bee pollen in your immune system.Or work through the symptoms you have slowly. What will happen is that you will normalize the metabolic activity of the substance (pollen granule) which will eventually assist you in restoring your body chemistry if you can stand the beginning sensitivity symptoms. Eventually your beginning symptoms will disappear and not come back again. This decision has to be made by your own evaluation or even better, through the advice of a naturopathic doctor. Ways to Decrease the Side Effects of Bee Pollen:1. Start slowly2. Ingest Bee Pollen after a meal 3. Start taking it in the winter or non-allergy season when other pollens are not as present in the air. 4. Take daily
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