* Extreme hay fever measure

One of the best ways to help minimise the effects of hayfever and allergies is to make sure your immune system is in top working order, according to nutritionists. Eating healthily & supplementing your diet with nutrients that boost the bodies natural defences helps minimise symptoms.

BEE Prepared immune support is ideal not only for helping boost immunity BUT it’s ingredients are  bursting with natural anti-histamine properties. Elderberry, for instance, is loaded with quercetin, a top natural remedy for hay fever.

Here’s an interesting article by nutritionist Erin McCann (published in Natural Pharmacy Magazine Feb 2012):

Treating and Managing Hay Fever With Natural Products

Seasonal allergies affect millions of people in the UK each year with aggravating symptoms such as sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, running nose, and itchy skin.  These hay fever symptoms are the result of the immune system’s reaction to harmless pollen particles in the same way it would respond to harmful antigens.  In this immune response, immunoglobulin E antibodies (IgE) detect the pollen ‘antigens’ and activate mast cells and T helper cells (specifically type 2 or Th2 cells).  The increase of Th2 cells and the mast cell histamine release in the mucosa and peripheral blood result in inflammation, hay fever symptoms and atopic conditions.

Conventionally, hay fever is managed by using anti-histamine drugs to reduce symptoms.  However, a more holistic and curative approach to treating hay fever is to modulate the immune system, reduce the histamine response and to focus on reducing inflammation. Certain nutrients and natural remedies can be helpful in achieving these therapeutic goals and in creating a long term, effective treatment for hay fever and other atopic conditions.

Elderberry has been used medicinally for centuries in the UK and in Europe.  Elderberry is widely known for its effective use in treating viral infections.  Elderberry is also rich in Vitamin C and the bioflavonoid quercetin, both of which are powerful antioxidant and anti-histamine nutrients. These actions can help to reduce mast cell histamine response and reduce mucosa inflammation.  Recent clinical studies have found elderberry effective at treating allergic sinusitis and rhinitis.

Reishi mushroom has been used historically as an immune tonic in Traditional Chinese Medicine.  Scientific researchers in the western world are now beginning to understand the active constituents that are responsible for the mushroom’s immune supporting actions.  Reishi contains the bioflavonoid triterpene which inhibits histamine release. It also contains oleic acid and cyclooctasulphur compound which have antihistamine actions.  In addition to these anti-allergic actions, reishi contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phytonutrients which may be helpful in reducing hay fever symptoms.

Astaxanthin is a carotenoid found naturally in algae.  Studies have shown that astaxanthin is effective in modulating the immune system, specifically siting its role in balancing the Th1 and Th2 cells.  By rebalancing these T helper cells, astaxanthin aids in reducing the hypersensitivity to pollen allergens.  Astaxanthin is also a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrient.  These actions may help to reduce the symptoms related to the inflammation of the mucosa.

Bee propolis contains a broad spectrum of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients.  Bee propolis also has significant immunomodulating and anti-inflammatory actions. Propolis is one of nature’s most potent anti-oxidant substances, exceeding Vitamin E in anti-oxidant actions.  Propolis also has been found to effectively modulate the immune system without over stimulating it.  The combination of these actions may be helpful in creating a long term treatment for hay fever.

When treating hay fever naturally, it is best to start supporting the individual’s immune system a few months before allergy season.  By starting natural therapies in advance, it enables the remedies to aid in modulating the immune system and to regulate histamine responses before the reactions are acute and heightened with pollen exposure.  For best results, try to begin natural therapies for hay fever during the winter months leading up to the spring allergy season.

A great natural product range for your shelves, which combines all of the above ingredients & more is BEE Prepared immune support which was voted ‘Best Supplement 2011’ in the Your Healthy Living Awards. www.unbeelievablehealth.co.uk

Erin McCann NT mBANT

Nutritional Consultant

Being-Balanced.com

These babies are simply spectacular. The pollen is optional but if you suffer from hay fever taking bee pollen is said to help plus it’s packed with vitamins & minerals. This recipe (concocted by our director, a serious foodie) was published on Gwyneth Paltrow’s GOOP newsletter: goop.com/newsletter/170/en

These truffles have even been test run on some of the pickiest palates ever- children! They attacked these choccies like a pack of hungry wolves. You will like them we think.

Raw Chocolate Truffles with Honey & BEE Pollen

By Sarah Orecchia

These truffles are ridiculously easy to make & take almost no time.

• 1 Cup good quality cocoa powder
• 1 Cup medjool dates chopped finely
• 4 Tablespoons honey (manuka honey may be used if desired)
• ¼ Teaspoon sea salt
• 1 Teaspoon bee pollen granules (soak in 1 teaspoon of water for 10 min) *optional

• Cocoa powder or powdered sugar for dusting. In the picture some granules have been added on top. They can also be rolled in ground nuts.

Blend all ingredients together in a bowl & mash well with a fork. Roll into balls of approximately an inch in diameter & roll in cocoa powder, powdered sugar etc.

Makes approximately 16 truffles.

* NOTE: Bee pollen, along with honey & other bee products is not advised for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Speak to a health professional before taking bee pollen if you suffer from allergies or bee stings.

 BEE Pollen:

Bee pollen, one of the world’s great natural superfoods, is also one of the oldest natural remedies. It has numerous benefits through its unique combination of minerals, vitamins, amino acids and enzymes. 

From Natural News by William Rudolph      (An excerpt on BEE Pollen for allergies)

A look at bee pollen’s nutritional composition shows that it is comprised of approximately 35% protein, including all 22 known amino acids found in the body. It is also rich in vitamins, (particularly B vitamins), all 28 minerals found in the body (especially zinc), and is loaded with health-promoting enzymes.

One nutrient of particular importance is quercetin. Known for its ability to minimize or neutralize the histamine response, quercetin may be a primary reason for bee pollen’s capacity to alleviate inflammation caused by hay fever or other common allergy-causing substances.

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/028571_bee_pollen_allergies.html#ixzz1kSQ89JLu

* or just hairy knee sacks for hauling pollen?

Who has not, at some point in their existence on the planet earth, wondered the same? We saw this universal question posed by the The Naked Scientist who reports:

Do Bees have knees? We’ve all heard the expression “the bee’s knees.” What I’d really like to know is, do bees really have knees? Penny

This is a really good question and in fact they do.  Bees do have segmented legs, consisting of parts called a coax, a trochanter, a femur, a tibia and a tarsus.  The joint between which must be considered to be ‘knees’. There’s been some discussion on the Naked Scientists’ forum about this and Turnipsock suggests that perhaps the expression “The Bee’s Knees” comes from the fact that they store pollen in these hairy baskets on their knees.  They have hairs on their knees which are used to collect pollen.  So, this could look like something very big and spectacular, hence the expression.

Crap brekkers=unwanted power nap

Eating junk for breakfast is not a clever way to start the day. You’ve probably read the articles about the piles of sugar in breakfast cereals and sugar is a killer! It’s aging, affects your memory and can make you feel like a basket case after the initial 15 minute buzz. Why start the day on wobbly footing? Get a healthy buzz that lasts for hours. Eat things that are full of life force! Fruit, oats & and wholesome items without sugar. These bars are perfect. Plus if you use manuka honey they might even help boost your immune system some!

Oat, Pecan & Manuka Honey  Breakfast/Snack bars

1 Cup porridge oats

1 cup pecan halves

10 dates chopped finely

½ Cup pumpkin seeds

2 teaspoons cinnamon

1 teaspoon sea salt

1 Tablespoon maple syrup

3 Tablespoons manuka honey (or regular honey)

1Tablespoon  olive oil

1 Tablespoon melted butter

1 beaten egg

Blend ingredients together in a bowl with a fork & mash until well mixed. Spread in the bottom of a non-stick or buttered small baking tray (approx 6 x 8 inches or smaller). Bars should be about 3/4 in thick. Bake at 140c for about 20 minutes or until golden. Let cool & slice. Share with family & friends or be a greedy bee and eat them all yourself.

Best Vitamin Supplements Category

We are happy that our wellness formula, Bee Prepared immune support was selected as a finalist in the Best Supplements category in the Beauty Shortlist awards. BEE Prepared is amongst some great company- it’s an impressive cornucopia of natural products which made the shortlist & the finals. Well done Beauty Shortlist! Check them out for yourself- lots of great ideas for spending your hard earned cash whilst supporting natural brands. See here for full list of winners: http://thebeautyshortlist.com/about/

Quote from Beauty Shortlist founder:

Bees are crucial to human survival. Many people don’t know that bees pollinate 1/3 of the food we eat plus grasses that cows & other animals eat. Due to pesticide use & other reasons bees are on the decline. We all know how gorgeous they help make our planet by pollinating flowers, plants & trees but did you know that thanks to bees we can enjoy coffee, chocolate & cotton?

GP’s newsletter: http://www.goop.com/newsletter/170/en

Urban legend has it that Einstein noted  ”if the bee disappears from the surface of the earth, man would have no more than four years to live”. That’s a little extreme & it is doubtful that they would ever disappear completely but bees are facing some serious issues & there are ways that we all can help. See how here: http://www.unbeelievablehealth.co.uk/bee-info

Many thanks to Gwyneth & her glorious & aptly named assistant Eliza Honey (!!) for putting together such a lovely & informative newsletter about bees & giving our BEE Prepared immune support thumbs up. They even included some of our fave recipes using honey & bee pollen. GP & Miss Honey are the bees knees.

One was Source Natural’s WELLNESS FORMULA, which in the days before our own immune boosting products were created, was a medicine cabinet immune support staple of ours to help fight off colds and flu.

In the meantime if you were a fan of Source Natural’s WELLNESS FORMULA, why not consider our BEE Prepared immune support DAILY DEFENCE wellness formula which combines Bee propolis, black elderberry, olive leaf & beta glucans or Bee Prepared immune support MAX STRENGTH which is more concentrated and also contains astaxanthin (the most powerful antioxidant known to exist) as well as reishi mushroom extract. Both pack a serious punch and contain only the highest quality, naturally sourced ingredients.

All these tight restrictions on natural & herbal remedies is all a bit mad & unfair we feel. If you want to learn more about it click here:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1382135/Herbal-medicines-banned-EU-directive-comes-force.html

This is also a brilliant article by our pal Soroya at Optibac Probiotics with all the basic info of what is happening with these EU regulations restricting claims on natural health products!

http://www.optibacprobiotics.co.uk/blog/289-take-action-stand-up-for-natural-health.html

If you want to get involved somehow to help ensure regular old vitamins & food supplements aren’t next, click here to learn what The Alliance for Natural Health Europe are up to:

http://www.anh-europe.org/about-us

Cabin air, yikes....

We all know how easy it is to pick up nasty lurgies when traveling, what with the crowded airports & train stations, the recycled airplane air seething with germs… you know the drill. Who wants to arrive at their destination, be it for business or pleasure, feeling poorly?

BEE Prepared immune support fans have been writing to us that BEE Prepared immune support wellness formula is a travel MUST have (see testimonials tab).

Make sure to help boost up your immune system & support your body’s natural defences before & during travel by eating healthy & considering supplementing your diet with some of mother nature’s natural remedies. BP’s natural immune boosting heros; bee propolis, black elderberry, olive leaf & beta glucans work wonders. New MAX strength Bee Prepared also contains reishi mushroom & astaxanthin along with more concentrated amounts of the four original ingredients when you need an extra boost. Both products are bursting with anti oxidants as well.

Keep your immune system in top flight shape!

ALSO:

• Drink plenty of water before & after your trip.
• DON’T booze it up! Alcohol can weaken your defences & intensify jetlag.
• Eat healthily. Avoid the temptation to eat airport fast food. Make sure you have nuts or  healthy snacks at hand.
• Avoid sweets! Bacteria & viruses replicate faster when there is an abundance of sugar in the system.
• Get plenty of rest, which of course we all know, but sometimes don’t do whilst traveling. Crucial!

We are delighted to have had our wellness formula, BEE Prepared immune support  selected as a ‘Janey Loves’ product. As far as immune boosters go, it doesn’t get more natural than BEE Prepared immune support’s combination of bee propolis, black elderberry, olive leaf & beta glucans. The new more concentrated MAX strength version also adds reishi mushroom & astaxanthin, one of nature’s most powerful antioxidants to the mix. The supplements are made in the UK from the highest quality food sourced ingredients.

BEE Prepared immune support products are great to help keep colds & flu at bay & are also helpful for hay fever symptoms. Many swear by it before & during travel as well so as not to pick up more than luggage!

Janey Lee Grace is also a big fan of bees so we really look forward to working with her & her team on continuing to help raise awareness about how important bees are & how we can all help halt their decline. Check out Janey’s site:

http://www.imperfectlynatural.com/Janey_Loves/supplements.htm

http://www.imperfectlynatural.com/Home.htm

1. Lemon juice! It restores alkali balance in the bod. Bacteria thrives in an overly acidic system. Have it in water, tea, salad dressings etc.

2. Avoid caffeine, it dehydrates you. Try herbal teas instead or hot lemon &  honey (try manuka).

3. Eat more protein. ‘Huh?’ I hear you say. That’s right, carbs spike sugar levels in blood which stresses the immune system.

4. Go easy on over the counter remedies. They often contain the same things like acetaminophen (as in tylenol etc). An overload can damage the liver.

Also read the label! Several cough syrups we found contain chloroform (EEWW!) not to mention ingredients that have been shown to be carcinogenic. Now you’re not guzzling it I hope but still…I don’t want to consume any of that stuff or think of children doing so. Remember all the cough syrup recalls? There are lots of better natural remedies out there that do no harm and could provide more than just helping you feel better temporarily like most OTCs do.

5. Exercise. Research has shown that those who exercise regularly have half as many sick days due to colds and flus. Just because it’s winter that’s no excuse to lounge around on your backside. You may end up paying a price!

6. Eliminate refined white sugar. It’s hideous and a top cause for immune stress and other body calamities. Use natural sweeteners like stevia or agave. Artificial sweeteners can be just as bad.

7. Dare we say it? Have a good immune support supplement at hand to take at the first instance of a nasty bug rearing it’s ugly head or if you are feeling run down. It’s the ONE supplement you don’t want to be without in the winter months.
A well functioning immune system is the best insurance you can have when it comes to helping fight off illness.