Foods to Avoid if You Have an Allergy to Bee Stings
An unexpected bee sting may cause serious allergic reactions in some people. Besides avoiding bees, there may be foods you should not include in your diet. These foods may cause the same allergic reaction as a bee sting, according to Michael Murray's "The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods". If you are allergic to bee stings, complications may be severe causing difficulty breathing and shock to occur. Besides avoiding bees, know what foods to not include on your daily menu.
A jar of honey on a wooden table. (Image: Serbogachuk/iStock/Getty Images)Honey
Honey is the most common form of food associated with bees. Those allergic to bee stings suffer a reaction to the bee venom. If you are allergic to honey it is because of the pollen found in the honey. However, strong precautions are made if you suffer from bee sting reactions, as your reaction to honey may be severe and life threatening. Honey may be found in cakes and pastries. Cereals and candies may be sweetened with honey instead of sugar.
Bee Pollen
Pollen has a high incidence of allergic reaction, even when small amounts have been consumed. Drugs.com states the use of bee pollen and positive results have not been reliably verified in scientific trials, and little evidence exists to its effectiveness. Still, the website states people consume the substance to treat fatigue, constipation and even prostatitis. People consume pollen in its raw form, and it is often added to sports and energy bars, found in health food stores and pharmacies.
Royal Jelly
Royal jelly is another product created by bees. Worker bees create the milky liquid to feed to the queen bee. It is a mixture of honey and pollen, as well as bee enzymes. According to Murray, the substance is commonly used as a nutritive tonic. Royal jelly may be added to health food smoothies or foods often found in specialty stores. Remember, if you are allergic to bee stings, you may be allergic to all bee products. If a reaction occurs, immediate treatment is required.
Propolis
According to Murray propolis resembles a waxy resin substance, and is collected by bees as they travel by leaf buds and the barks of trees. Combined with beeswax, the substance is used to build the hive as well as protect it against any viruses and bacterium. The antimicrobial effects of propolis is used to treat common colds, stomach infections and enhance ones immune system. The waxy substance is occasionally included in butters, spreads and jelly. Recently, propolis has surfaced in mouthwashes and toothpastes.
