Updated: 10th February 2020
Here, we look at the theory and evidence for using bee pollen for allergies – especially food intolerance.
Food allergies and intolerance are often associated with incorrect balance of bacteria (microflora) in the stomach (or gut flora).
The gut contains both ‘good’ bacteria and ‘bad’ bacteria. According
to research, helpful bacteria may assist in the prevention of allergies
(1).
Thus, some people recommend bee pollen for allergies, because it contains beneficial microflora, which may therefore help with the prevention of allergies.
But......others argue that if you are going to use bee pollen at all, it is important to note that bee pollen loses many of these beneficial qualities once it is dried, and only fresh bee pollen contains them (2).
Fresh bee pollen is more difficult to get hold of than dried bee pollen supplements - it is also quite an expensive way of increasing the levels of beneficial microflora.
It’s not necessary to take fresh bee pollen for allergies. There are other ways to increase the level of beneficial microflora in the gut:
(1)Björkstén
B, Sepp E, Julge K, Voor T, Mikelsaar M (October 2001). "Allergy
development and the intestinal microflora during the first year of
life". J. Allergy Clin. Immunol. 108 (4): 516–20.
(2) The Healing Powers Of Bee Pollen by Patrice Percie du Sert
(3)http://www.infobarrel.com/
Probiotic_Probiotics_Good_
Bacteria_Lactobacillus_Bifidobacterium_and_Yogurt
(4)http://coolinginflammation.blogspot.com/2010/04/
antibiotics-gut-flora-food-intolerance.html
See these further sources of information about bee pollen:
Bee pollen and Weight Loss
A look at the arguments and evidence for using bee pollen to aid weight loss.
Health Benefits of Bee Pollen
Not only are some advocating bee pollen for allergies, there are a
number of claims made about the benefits of bee pollen to health,
including claims about its use for eye sight and improving athletic
performance. This page looks at some of the scientific research around
the claims and asks whether they contain any real substance, or is it
just hype.
Bee Pollen And Nutrition
A look at the nutritional content of bee pollen, versus ordinary food.
Bee pollen is not inexpensive, so is it nutritionally worthwhile to
include it in the diet?
Bee Pollen Side Effects
An allergic reaction to bee pollen can be serious. Here’s how to
recognize signs of an allergic reaction, and when to seek medical
assistance.
What's the real difference?
Pssst ... spread the word!