Seasonal Allergy Secret Weapon
Two years ago my body decided that it wanted to find out what all the fuss was about with seasonal allergies - and BAM, as soon as the trees started to bloom I felt like was hit by a Mack Truck. I felt exhausted, loopy, had a constant headache, and was dealing with a relentless, gross runny nose. I had noticed a sensitivity to tree pollen in the past, but this year took it to a whole new level.
I tried what felt like millions of different natural remedies looking desperately for some relief, and came up empty. My symptoms lasted over a month, and they were super distracting.
Then the next year came, and I was fully determined to prevent allergy season from bitch slapping me again - so I did lots of research in the winter to prepare. The general consensus was that taking local bee pollen daily was the natural route that worked best for the majority of people.
It made perfect sense to me - allowing myself to build up an immunity to pollen found in my local area would desensitize my body to allergens once spring rolled around.
So I skipped on down to Whole Foods to check out what they had to offer, and I found this gem by Maine Medicinals (they also make some seriously awesome syrups and elixirs - check them out here).
If you live in the Northeast, this is the bomb. They collect pollen from ecologically managed hives in Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rode Island - and then have them tested by a 3rd party for purity. (I'm also a sucker for good packaging/branding, but that's neither here nor there.) This ensures that your immune system is able to build up antibodies for the pollen in the entire region that you live in - which helps preventing you from feeling like bubble boy trapped in your immediate vicinity for fear of your head imploding. FREEDOM!
I started taking about 1/8 tsp of these magic little gold nuggets daily in March (I actually sprinkled them on top of my morning ACV shot), worked my way up to about 1/4 tsp after a few weeks, and I have not experienced a seasonal allergy symptom since.
If reducing/eliminating seasonal allergy issues isn't reason enough to incorporate local bee pollen into your diet, let me explain all of the other ridiculously awesome aspects of this stuff.
Almost all nutrients required by the human body can be found within each granule
Bee pollen is the richest source of vitamins found in nature in a single food
The protein, found in the form of amino acids, in bee pollen is extremely bioavailable (i.e. easily absorbed by the body)
Increases capacity for exercise and physical activity by boosting energy and promoting strength with its regenerative properties
Prevents premature aging and stimulates skin cell growth
Helps to regulate digestive function and cleanses gut flora
Combats bacteria with antibiotic properties
Regulates cholesterol and triglyceride levels
High antioxidant content boosts immune system and protects body from free radical damage
Stimulates ovarian function, reducing issues related to infertility
Strengthens blood by increasing red and white blood cell counts
A couple of tips for selecting and storing:
Make sure the pollen is collected in your local area and is free of pesticides or other contaminants
The more variation in the color of the pollen granules, the better - these ensure your maximizing your nutrient intake by consuming pollen collected from different plants
Store in your fridge to extend shelf life (heat and sun are not bee pollen's friend)
I used these for spring-related seasonal allergies, but if allergies attack you in other seasons it's effective across the board.HUG A BEE! Okay, don't because it will likely hurt them and you - but maybe just blow them a kiss when you see them flying by. They make some pretty rad things.
HEALTH NOTE: If you're allergic to bee stings, or have ever experienced anaphylactic shock, you're going to want to avoid bee pollen in any form. As with all changes to your health and supplement regime, it's a good idea to check with your doctor if you have any questions.