Bee Pollen Dangers

Bee pollen containing the male reproductive gametes of flowers and the digestive enzymes of bees is an excellent antioxidant and also considered to be rich in vitamins, minerals, enzymes and amino acids. This is why it is most often touted as the richest and most complete food on earth. It is often used to combat gastric discomfort and to ease digestion. Bee pollen for allergies is known to be an effective remedy for allergic reactions like hay fever and other ailments like bronchitis and migraine headaches. In addition to that bee pollen is also believed to be an effective anti aging supplement and is also used to increase the energy levels of athletes. As a nutritional supplement, bee pollen is usually consumed as a pill or capsule that ranges from 500-1000 milligrams in consistency. However, even this herbal, all natural product is not without its side effects. Here are some bee pollen dangers to watch out for.

Dangers of Bee Pollen

The pollen in flowering plants is created by the male part of the plant. Bees which flit from one flower to the other carry pollen along with it. This process also aids in cross-pollination and fertilization of the plant. Some of the flower pollen make it back to the beehive where bee keepers collect it to prepare nutritional supplements. However, there are certain bee pollen dangers which cannot be ignored.

Allergies: For people who are prone to allergies from bee stings or people suffering from asthma, bee pollen might result in certain allergic side effects. This might sound a bit ironic since one of the uses of bee pollen is to relieve allergic symptoms. While a mild allergy may result in wheezing and rashes, severe cases may cause an allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Other symptoms of mild bee pollen allergies include:

• Itchy throat
• Wheezing
• Facial itching
• Coughing
• Hives
• Skin flushing

A severe bee pollen allergy may result in the person going into an anaphylactic shock. This may also cause certain repercussions like:

• Breathing problems
• Convulsions
• Unconsciousness
• Death

Toxins: Since bee pollen originates from various flowers, some of which are located in environmentally hazardous areas, ingesting them could result in the intake of certain toxins into the body. Another reason is that farming techniques include the spraying of insecticides, pesticides and other chemical fertilizers. This may lead to the contamination of the pollen grains with unnatural, toxic elements.

Nausea: One of the milder bee pollen dangers include nausea or upset stomach. However, if the nausea is persistent for several days, stop consuming the bee pollen.

Pregnancy: Pregnant and nursing women should not take bee pollen supplements as the possible effects of pollen have not been studied on the growing fetus.

Appropriate Dosage of Bee Pollen

People who are allergic to bee stings are advised not to consume bee pollen as it may result in a severe allergic reaction. Before intaking bee pollen, try taking just a little pollen at first to see if you have any of the tell-tale allergic symptoms. In the absence of any obvious symptoms you can continue consuming bee pollen based on the appropriate dosage guidelines. Most manufacturers stipulate safe dosage recommendations on their packaging. So people who are not allergic to bee pollen and take the dosage specified by manufacturers, should not be any worried about bee pollen dangers.

Did you know that bee pollen is one of the world's oldest health foods, of which references are found in Ancient religious books like the Bible, the Koran as well as ancient Chinese and Egyptian texts. While its apparent health and healing benefits are well-known, it is important that you buy high quality bee pollen to avoid the side effects. Some bee pollen have been found to be contaminated with harmful toxic chemicals, ingesting which may cause several, unknown health risks. So to minimize the bee pollen dangers and to reap the health benefits of bee pollen it is advised that you look for bottles that have a certificate of analysis on them. This indicates that the bee pollen has been checked for contaminants. As a cautionary note, before consuming nutritional supplements take the advice of a competent health care practitioner.