Bee pollen is nature’s superfood, but how bee pollen is collected as well as where can have a decided impact on the nutritional value of the product.

It may seem strange to talk about pollution in the same breath as the collection of bee pollen, but the environment that the bees collect their pollen is very important, especially when it comes to nutritional content.

What is bee pollen? As you are most likely aware, bee pollen is collected when the bees select various flower pollens and carry them back to their hive, but what many people don’t give much thought to, is how the quality of the environment that the bees live and work in affects the quality of the pollen that is collected.

Bee Pollen Contamination

The bees can be the most industrious bees anywhere, but if the pollen that they are collecting is tainted with chemicals blown in from ad

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joining farms that use chemical fertilizers or is in the path of fallout from heavy pollution areas, or nearby to a major highway or other high-traffic area, then the nutritional content of the pollen may be lowered, or even compromised by the effects of the toxins and pollutants that will find their way into the flowers the bees are collecting pollen from.

And then, of course, there is the issue of quality when it comes to how bee pollen is collected.  Large corporations that collect bee pollen are focused solely on quantity of product.

This means that they don’t necessarily care how they get the bee pollen, as long as they can collect the most bee pollen possible so that they can be assured of a tidy profit.  If this means harming the bees in the process, or even robbing the nests of the food they will need in order to survive the winter, then so be it.  There have also been reports of some pollen collectors who will ‘cut’ the pollen collected with filler so as to get more money for products that are not 100% pure pollen.

Collecting bee pollen is done by a small device that is placed at the entrance to the hive.  This device collects some of the pollen from the bee’s ‘pollen baskets’ as the bees walk across it.  What gets past the device is used by the bees themselves to feed their larva and to make royal jelly for their princesses.  This safe and effective method ensures that not all the pollen is taken and that the bees are not traumatized in any way.

How bee pollen is collected is very important, and if you want the very best in quality when it comes to bee pollen, then you will want to opt for local bee pollen; pollen that has been collected safely and humanely so that the bees are not physically harmed or traumatized and that sustainable methods have been used to collect the pollen so that enough will be left for the bees to use for themselves.

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Many people are resorting to exercise regimes in a bid to becoming fit and thus improving their health. One of the easiest, cheapest and most enjoyable exercise routines to pick up is biking. There are many reasons why biking should feature prominently in your quest to keep fit. They include:

- Improves cardiovascular health

Riding a bicycle causes increased blood flow, making your heart stronger. This means that a consistent biker has a lower probability of suffering a heart attack.

- Reduces cholesterol levels

Excess cholesterol is deposited around the major organs and along the inner linings of the blood vessels. The blood is therefore forced to travel through a smaller opening and at the same time the heart’s beating is obstructed. The end result of this is hypertension. Consistent biking will cause these deposits to be eliminated as more energy will be required by the muscles. The end result is improved blood flow and therefore healthier life.

- It is easy to morph into daily activities

If a person is too busy to set time aside for a short biking session, there is the option of biking to and from work. This could be a way of saving time and money with your morning commute. At the same time you get healthier every day. Also, a person that loves being outdoors can combine a biking session with a short hiking trip. In this case, a pair of men’s sports sandals would be a viable investment. They are sturdy enough for hiking and biking and the open design lets air reach your feet while you bike, keeping you cool.

- It is a cheap solution

Unlike other exercise regimes like weight lifting, biking requires only a bicycle and open space to practice. No special equipment or personal trainers are needed. It is advisable for a biker to carry a hydration backpack. It contains water or a sports drink that will give a biker a way to keep hydrating himself all through the biking session. There is a danger of fainting from dehydration if a biker goes for too long without water.

- It is a great stress reliever

It is scientifically proven that stressed people have shorter life spans and lead lower quality lives. To avoid wasting your precious life in this fashion, include regular biking in your fitness regime. The cool breeze, sunshine, sight of people and natural scenery is the single most effective stress relieving activity known.

In a nutshell, regular biking sessions will increase the quality of your life by making you fitter and healthier without costing you a fortune.

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There are many types of allergies.

There are indoor and outdoor allergies, seasonal allergies, hay fever, food allergies, and allergies to cleaning and household products, plants, animals and so forth. Some children are even photosensitive meaning they need to avoid the sun. If one or both parents have allergies the odds are that their children will too, particularly the oldest one.

An allergy is caused by a strong immune system.

 When the body mistakenly believes that a substance may be harmful to the body it causes an allergic reaction in that individual. The item that causes the reaction is an allergen. The body’s immune system release chemicals into the bloodstream, one of which is called a histamine.

Symptoms may include:

• Congestion
• Cramps
• Dark circles under the eyes
• Difficulty breathing
• Frequently breathing through the mouth rather than the nose
• Hives
• Recurrent ear problems such as ear infections
• Runny nose and/or eyes
• Sneezing
• Swollen tongue
• Vomiting

Choose your child’s medications wisely. 

The best way to deal with an allergen is to avoid it, then there will be no allergic reaction, but sometimes allergens are unavoidable such as grass or pollen. To avoid allergy symptoms such as runny noses, red itchy eyes, sinus headaches, itching from rashes and so forth parents sometimes rely on over the counter medications such as Benadryl.  Benadryl is not always practical though as it causes drowsiness which may help the child sleep but is not practical for daytime relief.

Always monitor a child for reactions and effectiveness of medications.

There are over the counter medications which do not cause drowsiness and there are also prescription medications, but any medication also poses the risks of side effects so a child should be monitored to determine the medications effectiveness and safety. Some medications used are:

• Allegra
• Claritin
• Epinephrine
• Flonase
• Nasonex
• Rhinocort Aqua
• Singulair
• SinuCleanse
• Zyrtec

Image of a dust mite

Avoiding triggers can help to better manage allergies. 

Remember that a high humidity will encourage the growth of mold so running a humidifier will increase the amount of mold and dust mites in the home. Some of the most common triggers are:

• Animal dander – Note a child may be allergic to a long haired cat or dog but not a short haired cat or dog and so forth. Testing is needed to narrow down the cause before deciding upon an appropriate pet.
• Cockroaches
• Dust mites
• Indoor mold spores
• Outdoor mold spores
• Pollen from grasses, trees and weeds

Eliminate exposure to allergens by pinpointing what they are by keeping a diary or getting your child tested. Once the culprit is found avoid the triggers whenever possible. Read product labels to avoid reactions if the allergy is to a chemical or food by avoiding products containing those allergens. If the allergy is to dust or dust mites, a special vacuum should be used one that consists of a cleaning system that allows one to remove the dust from the home and not just store it in the vacuum to reenter the air next time it is used. Remove heavy drapes and use special pillow and mattress covers which are made just for those with allergies, keep the windows closed when pollen levels are at their highest (if the allergy is to pollen), and  if the allergy is to mold avoid damp areas of the home such as the basement. One may want to consider having a home with only hardwood floors or tile rather than carpet to avoid dust mites also. 

Sometimes the best course of action is to undergo allergy shots.

If after pinpointing the cause of the allergies, avoiding allergens does not work, parents may want to take their child for allergy shots in order to stop the allergy from progressing to allergic asthma. Allergy shots work to actually prepare one by reducing the allergic reactions by injecting small amounts of the allergen into the system until there is eventually a change in the way their system reacts to the trigger.

Some allergic reactions can be life threatening.

Severe allergic reactions can cause anaphylaxis and may result in asthma attacks. Some are advised to carry an epinephrine injection and are taught how to give themselves a shot, usually in the thigh so as to not sustain anaphylactic reaction.

Asthma restricts the airways in a manner very similar to this picture: 

During normal breathing periods the air goes through the nose and windpipe and into the bronchial tubes without restriction. During an asthma attack there are three main things which happen:

• The bands of muscle surrounding the airways tighten and cause a narrowing commonly referred to as bronchospasm.
• The airway linings become inflamed and swollen.
• Cells lining the airways produce more mucus which is thicker than normal.

In conclusion there are many types of allergies some much more serious than others. Some allergic reactions are avoidable while others are not so preparing ahead of time is highly advisable. Allergies and medications must be monitored and a health care professional’s assistance should be sought.

Besides sharing his view on blogging, Luke Mathews loves reading free ebooks He would like to recommend people to download free ebooks and educate them self’s even more!

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Hair loss is the most common cause of concern among today’s men and women. Only a lucky few survives the distressing cause that has been around as a prevalent factor since ancient times. Hair fall, as a problem has only assumed a greater focus in today’s changing lifestyle and habits. Environmental issues, hectic lifestyle, stress, etc are seen as the common causes of hair fall. Now, if there is a problem, there is a solution too. Keeping in mind the rising concern, hair experts are continuously bringing out new Hair Treatment products to fight the odds. From medicated, surgical, to natural ways – the treatments are varied, all you need to do is identify the actual cause and fight accordingly.

Fighting Hair Loss

Hair loss or hair fall, even it starts with a low rate initially should never be avoided. You should consult the Hair Treatment experts immediately to find out the reason behind your problem. Hair loss, if ignored for long can lead to premature baldness. Treating the cause will leave you with multiple options; the choice however lies in your hands. Here is a look at the common Hair Treatment suggestions that are offered by the medical experts in fighting the odds of hair loss -

The Medicated or the Surgical Method

Hair transplantation stands as one of the widely chosen Hair Treatment procedures of growing hair and fighting the problems of hair fall. This treatment being a surgical procedure is a one-time treatment and guarantees effective results. However, the surgical treatment that is applicable for both men and women also carries risks.

Going on medication is another way of resolving hair loss problems. Medicines like, Propecia and Minoxidil are often prescribed by medical experts to fight the cause of hair loss. However, these medicines do not offer a permanent solution and are usually not prescribed to women.

The Natural Way

Natural care is often considered the best way to take care of your hair and treat the problems of hair loss, as it comes without any side effects. Homemade prescriptions and some daily routine can help in maintaining long and shiny tresses. Here is a look at some of the common Hair Treatment solutions -

• Message your hair with homemade oil solutions
• Apply homemade conditioner made of curd, egg white, and lemon juice
• Rub the bald patches with onion, until it becomes red and then shampoo
• Keep your scalp always clean, shampoo and condition your hair at regular interval

Proper Hair Treatment in fighting the regular causes of hair loss can offer you with long and shiny tresses – your key to good looks.