EcoNugenics

Premium quality natural supplements uniquely targeted to specific health focus areas. www.econugenics.com

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Tips for Trouble-Free Traveling

Finally, you get to go on your first real vacation in quite some time. Flights are booked and your hotel room is reserved. You’ve even splurged on a new outfit for a night on the town. It’s going to be perfect…

…just as soon as you actually get there.

Whoever said, “life’s about the journey, not the destination,” probably never spent time on a cramped plane or in a crowded airport. Let’s make sure your journey is as perfect as your destination, so you can enjoy your hard-earned trip to the fullest.

Tip #1: Support Your Circulation

Good circulation is essential for delivering oxygen and nutrients throughout your body. When you sit in one position for a long period of time – especially a cramped position as is usually the case on a plane – your circulation, particularly in your legs, becomes impaired. Combined with air pressure from flying, sluggish circulation in your legs can result in swollen feet and blocked blood flow.

Here are a few ways to support healthy circulation while travelling:

Move around: If you’re on a plane, opt for an aisle seat so you can get up, stretch and move around from time to time.

Hydrate: Dehydration can thicken the blood and slow circulation, so drink plenty of water before, during and after your trip.

Eat some curry: Turmeric, a common spice in curry, has in it a phytochemical called curcumin which is known for a variety of health benefits, including circulation support.* Both turmeric and curcumin can also be found in supplement form.

Drink ginger tea: The wonderfully warming ginger root is known to support circulation. It also promotes healthy digestion and occasional nausea, which is a plus for those of you who experience travel sickness!* Bring some fresh slices with you so you can add them to tea or plain hot water.

Padma Basic®: This comprehensive Tibetan herbal formula has decades of research showing its support for healthy cardiovascular, immune and circulatory systems.*

Circutol®: The Nattokinase and medicinal herbs in this formula support healthy circulation and overall cardiovascular health.*

Tip #2: Prevent Jet Lag and Exhaustion

Your body doesn’t understand it: Even though it may only be 8pm where you came from, it isn’t 8pm where you are now. Help your body adjust to the time differences when you arrive at your destination and when you return home.

Harmonize your sleep: Small amounts of melatonin can help you get to sleep at the right local time, to help re-set your internal clock. In addition, HonoPure® 98% pure honokiol is a gentle way to help you relax and get some rest. HonoPure also has the added benefit of supporting a healthy mood and reducing occasional anxiety, which can be helpful when you’re navigating new ground.*

Tip #3: Reinforce Your Immune System

The average airplane carries 150-200 people. Chances are pretty high that at least one of those people you’re sharing precious air with is carrying something contagious that will make your perfect vacation a whole lot less…perfect.

A strong, healthy immune system is important all year long, but especially when you travel.  Be sure to stay hydrated with lots of filtered water to flush your body and keep your immune system running smoothly. Get enough rest before and during your trip. In addition, the nutraceuticals listed below have been shown to offer targeted support for your immune system, to help keep you healthy and energized throughout your trip.*

PectaSol-C® Modified Citrus Pectin: In addition to cellular support, this compound helps maintain immune health.*

MycoPhyto Complex®: This potent medicinal mushroom formula contains 6 botanically-enhanced mushrooms, grown on a medium containing immune supporting herbs that support seasonal wellness and immune health.*

Men’s and Women’s Longevity® Formulas: All three Longevity Formulas (Men’s Longevity® Essentials Plus, Women’s Longevity® Rhythms and Women’s Longevity® Rhythms Gold) include antioxidants and nutrients shown to support healthy immune function.*

Tip #5: Protect Yourself Against Cosmic Radiation

No matter how you may try to avoid it, we are all exposed to radiation – both natural and man-made. Natural radiation comes from components of the Earth’s crust, x-rays, outer space and more.  So why should you be concerned about radiation while traveling?

There is a large amount of radiation in outer space (known as cosmic radiation) that reaches the Earth. Normally, the Earth’s atmosphere protects us significantly from the effects of cosmic radiation. However, as you increase in altitude, the Earth’s atmosphere becomes thinner, decreasing its protective abilities. As a result, air travel exposes us to much higher levels of radiation. This may be of particular concern to airline workers and frequent flyers.

Protect yourself from radiation with these proven detoxification and antioxidant formulas:

PectaClear® Detox Formula: This clinically proven combination of PectaSol-C Modified Citrus Pectin and Algimate® modified alginates from seaweed helps remove radiation, heavy metals and toxins from the body.*

Detox Complete®: This comprehensive herbal formula offers powerful detox and antioxidant support which is important when exposed to radiation.*

  Tip #5: Protect Your Digestion

Foreign locations often expose us to foreign bacteria, parasites and fungi that the immune system is not used to. Strengthen your digestion and create a protective internal environment to help avoid any unexpected digestive discomfort.

Protect against parasites: Ingredients such as clove, black walnut, garlic, pumpkin seeds, goldenseal, MSM and others can kill parasites directly and create an inhospitable environment for them, while helping to maintain your overall health.

Probiotics: Probiotics are live beneficial organisms, such as bacteria and yeast, which are known to protect the health of intestines, assist digestion and support the immune system, among other benefits. Probiotics can be found in yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut and other foods, as well as in supplement form.

Integrative Digestive Formula®: This formula contains botanicals, enzymes and nutrients to support the health of your digestive system.*

Happy Travels!

You’ve worked hard to earn your vacation. Follow these travel tips to ensure your trip is magical and wonderful – after all, you deserve it!

[econugenics-blog]

JULY IS DANCE APPRECIATION MONTH! Dancing is a fun way to get in shape & improve your health. So get your boogie on wherever you can - join a zumba class, go out to a club or just turn on some music at home & add a little swing to your daily chores. Learn more here: http://ow.ly/n8NpI  And if you get a little carried away and experience some soreness the next day, HonoPure can reduce normal exercise-related inflammation. Read the full article here: http://ow.ly/n8NLO

[econugenics-blog]

July is National Ice Cream Month! For a healthier, non-dairy ice cream, try blending frozen bananas. They make a delicious creamy treat with a consistency that matches dairy ice cream! Add almond butter, dark chocolate chips or fruit for different flavors. Since July is also National Blueberry Month, try adding fresh or frozen blueberries to your banana ice cream - yum!

[econugenics-blog]

Why Dental Health Really Matters

Remember how exciting it was to lose a tooth when you were a kid? For children, losing teeth means growing up and, more importantly, a profitable visit from the Tooth Fairy! Some even tried hard to make those stubborn teeth come out – wiggling them, twisting them, pulling them…

But now that you’re an adult, chances are you’re not too thrilled with the idea of losing any more teeth. Even so, statistics suggest that most people do expect to lose teeth as they grow older and accept this as a normal part of life. And as it turns out, tooth loss is becoming the norm: A survey from the American Dental Association (ADA) shows that nearly 25% of Americans over the age of 60 have had all of their teeth removed. Only about half of Americans brush their teeth twice a day, and nearly a quarter of the population never flosses.  A study published in the Journal of Dental Research showed that 70% of adults over 65 face a significant risk of losing all of their teeth.

Even though tooth loss seems like a fact of aging, it’s not. You can keep every tooth in your mouth for the rest of your life – as long as you take proper care of them. For most of us, that means more than just brushing and flossing – we also need a healthy diet and targeted supplements.

The good news is this: Supporting oral health with integrative approaches can have a significant impact on overall wellness, particularly in the areas of cellular and cardiovascular health.*

Whole Body Health

This holistic approach to health has been slow to catch on in conventional care. For example, most dentists don’t discuss cardiovascular health with their patients, and cardiologists rarely recommend dental care for their patients — even though research shows that these two areas of health are closely related.  Case in point: Normal dental plaque can enter into the blood stream and are shown to affect the cardiovascular system.*

Cellular health is also closely related. According to research, supporting dental and oral health significantly reduces cellular health risks.* Yet many people are unaware of these connections. Could this be one reason why cellular health and cardiovascular health are such common issues today?

Metabolic health is also important. By supporting oral and dental health, we also support metabolic balance, which in turn promotes healthy oral immunity. This cycle also works the other way, so it’s important follow a low glycemic diet and support glucose balance for oral, metabolic and overall health.*

How to Properly Care for Your Teeth

How about those of you who do brush and floss regularly? Is brushing twice per day and flossing every day enough to maintain optimal dental health? For a few, the answer is yes. Some aren’t so lucky.

The most obvious answer is to visit your dentist for a professional cleaning every six months. Tartar build-up is the first step toward tooth loss, and tartar removal is not something you can do at home. It takes professional tools (and a professional behind those tools) to remove this hard layer of minerals that naturally builds up on teeth over time.

Ditch the Soda

A study published in General Dentistry showed that soda drinks are as corrosive to your teeth as battery acid and that corrosion begins within the first three minutes of drinking the soda.

Want to try a fun experiment? If you have any baby teeth hanging around that you don’t mind parting with, try this: Put a glass of water next to a glass of cola and drop one tooth into each glass. After a week, check out those teeth and prepare to never drink soda again. This is an especially great experiment to do with children.

Take Probiotics

Probiotic supplements and cultured foods (such as yogurt, sauerkraut and miso), supply friendly bacteria which support immunity and maintain a healthy ecological balance throughout the body, including the mouth.*

Oil Pulling

Oil pulling involves swishing ½ to 1 tablespoon of oil (sesame, olive or raw coconut) around in your mouth for 5 – 20 minutes, being sure to get it between your teeth and around your gums, and then spitting it out.

The oil binds with bacteria and toxins from your mouth so you can eliminate them. DO NOT swallow the oil after– this would mean ingesting everything you’re trying to get rid of! Afterward, you are left with your teeth feeling clean and smooth, and your gums refreshed. This is an ancient Ayurvedic dental practice which also supports immunity and overall health.*

HonoPure® 98% Pure Honokiol Extract and Padma Basic® Tibetan Formula

Padma Basic and honokiol extract have both been shown to actively promote a healthy oral environment and support tooth and gum health.* They also support overall health with their powerful antioxidant actions and cellular health benefits.* Padma Basic boasts over 30 years of clinical research and is shown to support immunity, antioxidant activity and cardiovascular health, safely and naturally.* HonoPure honokiol extract is 98% pure honokiol, a powerful active ingredient also shown to support cellular health and relaxation through multiple mechanisms of action.*

Learn more about HonoPure.

Learn more about Padma Basic.

[econugenics-blog]

Friday Fun Fact: Citrus Pectin is a naturally occurring carbohydrate found in the white pith and seeds of oranges, limes and other citrus fruits. Pectin helps the walls of adjacent cells bind together and helps maintain firmness and shape in ripening fruit.

[econugenics-blog]

Mr. Amazing’s Secrets for Men’s Health and Vitality

Meet Mr. Amazing. Three days per week, Mr. Amazing and his buddy walk 2 ½ miles on the beach and up 14 flights of stairs to their gym, work out for 45 minutes, then walk back down the flights of stairs and across the miles of beach. He can do 10 pull-ups and leg press 185 pounds. He spends 30% of the year traveling all over the world. In the last 5 years, he’s been to Italy, Vietnam, China, Peru, Australia and throughout the U.S. When he’s not traveling or working out, he spends much of his time cruising around on his boat or getting into various types of trouble (which won’t be disclosed here) with his friends. He adores his wife and three daughters, and he always keeps them on their toes with his razor sharp wit.

Here’s the kicker: Mr. Amazing will be seventy-two years old this January.

How many people of any age do you know who can do ten pull-ups? The activity in this man’s life, from the regular long beach walks to the extensive amount of traveling, would wear most people out for weeks. So what’s his secret? How does this amazing man keep his health so strong that he can physically outlast his three daughters and his grandchildren too?

It’s actually a simple equation: healthy living = living healthy. Your health can actually increase with age! What an amazing idea! Here are some of the keys to Mr. Amazing’s success:

Nutrition

Even when away on vacation, Mr. Amazing religiously eats oatmeal with dried cranberries every morning for breakfast. If you take a peek in his refrigerator, you will find it packed to the brim with fresh vegetables, fruits and lean meats like chicken or turkey breast. One of his favorite snacks is raw mixed nuts. While he does splurge on a not-so-good-for-you treat from time to time, he is very careful that those unhealthy foods are few and far between.

Exercise

What helps you exercise? Exercise. It sounds a little weird, but it’s true. Getting started may be a bit trying, but the more you work your body, the easier it gets. Not only does exercise become easier, just about everything else in your life gets better, too: daily energy, mood, concentration, weight management, cardiovascular health and more. Mr. Amazing has so much energy that his son-in-law once wore himself out simply following Mr. Amazing through a normal day!

State of Mind

Mr. Amazing has a lot of friends. Why? Because happy people are fun to be around. Joy is infectious. Mr. Amazing is always cracking jokes, smiling and generally living his life in a joyous, jovial mood. Sure, like everyone else, he has his stress. And, when he does, he actually feels his health being affected: in his digestion, muscles, energy level and more. Living life in a positive frame of mind without allowing stress to take over truly supports health and wellbeing, not to mention daily energy and general happiness.

How does Mr. Amazing handle stressful situations? He jokes about them. Sure, he takes things seriously when necessary, but always with an edge of humor. And, of course, there is the cycle of love and support flowing from Mr. Amazing to his friends and family, which is returned to him to increase his health and happiness. Being loving and supportive towards others is the best way to receive love and support when you need it most.

Vitamins and Nutrients

No matter how healthy your diet, it’s difficult to consume all the nutrients that your body requires for optimal vitality. Mr. Amazing takes vitamin and nutrient supplements every day to make sure his body has everything it needs to do everything he wants it to.

EcoNugenics Men’s Longevity® Essentials Plus is a great addition to a healthy diet. This daily supplement, developed by integrative pioneer Isaac Eliaz, MD, MS, LAc, offers 46 ingredients to boost men’s health, including essential vitamins, minerals, herbs and antioxidants.* With precise combinations of substantiated natural ingredients, Men’s Longevity Essentials Plus delivers unparalleled support for men of all ages.*

This unique formula works to promote vitality, stamina, immunity, hormone balance and overall health, throughout all stages of a man’s life.* In addition to the essential vitamins and minerals in this formula, Men’s Longevity Essentials Plus includes four unique herbal/nutrient blends to support key areas of men’s health:*

Detox and Liver Support Blend*

Vitality, Metabolic and Endocrine Support Blend*

Prostate and Endocrine Support Blend*

Antioxidant Blend*

To celebrate Mr. Amazing and all fathers, EcoNugenics is running a Father’s Day Special on Men’s Longevity Essentials Plus. Click here for $5 off this comprehensive formula. This special ends June 18, 2013.

Are You (or Someone You Know) Like Mr. Amazing?

We are always interested in learning what people do to maximize their wellbeing. Please share your tips, tricks and personal stories with our online community, about how you keep your health at its prime.

How Do You Celebrate YOUR Mr. Amazing?

This week is National Men’s Health Week, with Father’s Day on Sunday. How will you be celebrating the Mr. Amazing in your life?

** Mr. Amazing, by the way, is a real-life person who continues to inspire people with amazing health and vitality well into his golden years.

[econugenics-blog]

Are You Doing Enough to Support Your Pet’s Health?

Has your dog ever stood you up? Has your cat ever complained about your quirks? Probably not. Dogs and cats stick with us through all the good and bad, highs and lows. When you need a hug and nobody’s around, Fluffy curls up on your lap and lets forth that mesmerizing purr that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. When you need an excuse to go outside and enjoy a beautiful day, Fido is always up for a walk or a game of fetch. They comfort us, go running with us, play with us, make us laugh and, above all else, love us unconditionally.

There are tons of studies showing that having pets supports our health in a variety of ways – both physical and emotional – but their unconditional love is the reason we go to such great lengths to keep them vibrant and full of life. We read the ingredients before choosing a pet food and we search for treats that will improve their health in some way – through dental care, joint maintenance and more. We take them to the vet and are willing to pay through the nose if it means we can keep them happily in our lives a little longer.

We do everything we can to keep them healthy… or do we?

The teary eyes, increasing lethargy and other changes you’ve noticed in your pet and just associated with age may be signs that their health could be better supported.

Most of us have supplements and vitamins that we take every day to support our own health and wellbeing. Did you know that some of the supplements you already use can also benefit your furry friends? We want to support their health in any way we can. Here are a couple ways you might not have thought of:

PectaSol- C Modified Citrus Pectin

Modified Citrus Pectin (MCP) originates from the white pith of citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, limes and grapefruit. In its natural form, regular, unmodified citrus pectin is like a locked treasure chest of health benefits – locked because the size of pectin molecules is too large to be absorbed and used by the body. However, regular pectin can be modified to create MCP, which has a lower molecular weight that isabsorbable and highly bioactive throughout the body. This modification process is what unlocks pectin’s wealth of benefits, now being demonstrated in multiple studies.*

Like us, our pets are exposed to heavy metals and other environmental toxins in the water, air, food and earth. These toxins often bioaccumulate, meaning they build up in our pets’ bodies over time, just as they do in ours. Accumulation of toxins can cause a whole variety of health concerns, ranging from mild, such as fatigue or poor skin/hair quality, to serious, such as cellular health issues.*

Have you heard of Galectin-3? Galectin-3 is a well-researched protein found in all mammals. Research has shown that elevated levels of Galectin-3 can have a negative impact on cardiovascular and cellular health.

PectaSol-C MCP is a natural ligand for Galectin-3, heavy metals and environmental toxins, meaning that it binds to these unwanted substances and safely carries them out of the body through your pet’s natural elimination systems, thereby gently detoxifying your pet and maintaining a healthy level of Galectin-3.*

Instructions for feeding PectaSol-C MCP to your pet: Mid-sized and large dogs may take 1 scoop daily. Cats and small dogs should take only ½ a scoop. Sprinkle it right into their food or, for additional digestive support, mix it into some canned pumpkin – they will lap it up before you can say “Modified Citrus Pectin.”

MycoPhyto Complex Botanically Enhanced Medicinal Mushrooms

Just like all living creatures, dogs and cats have active immune systems at work every day to fight harmful invaders. The healthier and stronger your pet’s immune system, the healthier and happier your pet will be.

Medicinal mushrooms are safe, natural and hugely beneficial to Fluffy’s and Fido’s health. Like in people, medicinal mushrooms act as powerful support for your pet’s immune system, helping it to maintain strong, healthy function. The medicinal mushrooms in MycoPhyto Complex are grown on immune-supporting herbs, and they naturally absorb many of the properties of these herbs for even greater support.*

Instructions for feeding MycoPhyto Complex to your pet: Mid-sized and large dogs may take 1 scoop daily. Cats and small dogs should take only ½ a scoop, as they are smaller. Mix in hot water and let it cool, or sprinkle on their food.

What’s Your Story?

We animal people sure do love our pets. We all have funny stories to tell, or tips and tricks for training, health and more. Share your stories and advice below, and tell our growing community how much you love your furry friends!

[econugenics-blog]

15 Reasons Mister Rogers Was the Best Neighbor Ever

When people are truly dedicated to bringing good into the world, change is made. Mr. Rogers was, and still is, a wonderful positive force. Who is your greatest influence? Who moves you to promote good?

[econugenics-blog]

A Story of Tibetan Herbalism

Imagine being young, at home with your parents. One day, your family is visited by some very important people – and they’re there to see you. After playing a few fun games with these visitors, you learn that the games were actually tests – tests that you passed!

What happens now? Now, you leave your home and family. But your parents are not upset about it. In fact, they are very, very proud and so are you. You have been chosen to begin training for a career of incredible importance and significance both socially and spiritually – you are going to be a Tibetan herbalist, one of the most important positions in your society.

Brief History of Tibetan Herbalism

The primary intention of the Buddhist path is to liberate all beings from ignorance, the source of all suffering. According to ancient Buddhist texts, the Buddha often taught this principle using health as a metaphor. Because Tibetan herbalism focuses so clearly on this aspect of liberation, it is considered by Tibetans as among the most essential of all areas of study.

Although herbal expertise was present in Tibet far longer than Buddhism, Buddhist spirituality brought additional purpose. Along with influences from Ayurveda (Indian), Chinese and ancient Greek, Persian and Central Asian cultures, the Buddhist religion helped form Traditional Tibetan Herbalism (TTH) as it has existed for the past 1,400 years – a system that promotes well-being and a healthy, balanced life.

Traditionally, herbalists study TTH for at least 10 years before becoming professionals. For those ten years, a practitioner lives and breathes their studies, avoiding all worldly distractions – even family. It is thought to take 30 years for a person to master the art of TTH, and historic Tibetan herbalists began their training early in life – often leaving their parents and moving into monasteries for training even before the age of 10 years old.

The Difference is Balance

You know how that bottle of pills you pick up at the pharmacy helps one area of your health, but come with a long list of potential side effects that hinder other areas of health? Not so with Tibetan formulas.*

A Tibetan herbal formula always consists of several ingredients, often more than 20 and sometimes even more than 100! Generally, these ingredients can be grouped into three classes:

A major group that targets a specific focus in the body

A secondary group that supports and sustains the effect of the major group

A third group that helps balance the first two groups of herbs in the rest of the body

In this way, a specific area of health may be addressed, but the health of the entire body is supported.*

Finding a Cause

For a Tibetan herbalist, the purpose behind their craft is not simply to focus on individual areas of health, but to look at each person as a whole and address that person’s entire body, mind and spirit. Additionally, the causes of any imbalances are always considered in formulating the right herbal support.

Addressing the root cause of an imbalance so it doesn’t reoccur? You have to wonder what expensive drug industries think of this approach…

Where to Find Traditional Tibetan Herbalism Today

After the Chinese invasion of Tibet in the 1950s, an exodus of Tibetans followed the Dalai Lama’s escape in 1959, bringing TTH to the rest of the world, in addition to continuing in modern Tibet. The highest concentrations of Tibetan herbal culture can be found today in Tibet, the Himalayan regions, India, Mongolia and Siberia. The practice can also be found in Western countries and, in general, wherever Tibetan communities thrive.

Padma Basic, an Ancient Tibetan Formula

Padma Basic is based on an ancient herbal formula originally used in Tibetan monasteries.

In the 1960s, Dr. Karl Lutz, then a Senior Vice President at a Swiss pharmaceutical company, learned of the effectiveness of Padma from the Tibetan herbalist refugee who introduced this ancient Tibetan formula to Eastern Europe. Lutz’s “discovery” began extensive research on the properties and benefits of the formula that has continued for over three decades.

More than 35 years of clinical, peer-reviewed research confirm the unique benefits of Padma Basic. Modern scientific studies continue to verify the multiple health benefits of this ancient herbal formula, which has been used for centuries to help people maintain vitality, immunity and overall wellness.*

Padma Basic is still manufactured in Switzerland at a state-of-the-art facility under strict current Good Manufacturing Procedure (cGMP) guidelines.

What is Padma Basic?

Padma Basic contains 19 botanical ingredients along with natural camphor and calcium sulfate, to support healthy immune function, combat free radicals and support cardiovascular and circulatory health.* Based on a traditional “cooling” formula, Padma Basic’s botanical ingredients are rich in active ingredients such as tannins, flavonoids, polyphenols and essential oils which work synergistically to support immunity, promote antioxidant activity, and support circulation and cardiovascular function.* Like all Tibetan herbal formulas, Padma Basic also supports balance and overall health.*

Learn more about Padma Basic here. 

Your Thoughts

Have you ever used Traditional Tibetan Herbalism for your health? What are your thoughts and experiences with these ancient methods?

[econugenics-blog]

Working out is one of best things you can do for your health. But just like everything else too much of a good thing can leave you feeling burned. Luckily, HonoPure can help! Study shows HonoPure protects from normal inflammation caused by over exercising. Read more here! http://goo.gl/8k98l

[econugenics-blog]

The Honey Controversy – Allergy Relief or Sweet Nothings?

Spring is finally here in all its glory – flowers are blooming, grasses are growing, warm breezes sweep through the yard. But along with all these wonderful signs of spring (and, generally, caused by all these wonderful signs of spring), many of us experience seasonal allergies. As a result, we often find ourselves avoiding the beautiful outdoors instead of enjoying the new growth springing up around us.

Seasonal Allergies

According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI), seasonal allergies affect approximately 60 million people in the United States. Symptoms include sneezing, stuffy or runny nose, watery eyes, sinus headaches, and itching of the nose, eyes or roof of the mouth. The scientific term for this condition is allergic rhinitis. Most of us just think of it as pure misery.

There are many ways to manage these irritating occasional symptoms without resorting to prescription and over-the-counter pharmaceuticals like antihistamines and steroids. Natural methods include such things as:

Ingredients and herbs like quercetin, nettle and Bromelain*

Homeopathic preparations*

Spring cleanse and detox programs*

Dietary changes*

Neti pot therapy for nasal congestion and irritation*

Simple avoidance during high pollen count days and other “high-risk times”

(This last choice is the most unfortunate approach, in our opinion, since it means missing out on the beauty of the outdoors during this magnificent season.)

What About Local Honey?

One unconventional approach to seasonal allergies is eating local honey. But while many people swear by eating 2-4 teaspoons per day in divided doses for allergy prevention, the general consensus in the medical world is skeptical. Few studies have been published on the subject, and so far, the results are far from conclusive. The logic behind the idea of using honey to help allergies is similar to the way vaccinations work: Introduce a safe amount of a pathogen to your system to encourage your body to develop immunity to greater doses of that same pathogen. Flu shots are an example of this type of approach.*

Study Showing Honey is Effective in Allergy Relief

A 2011 study published by the South Karelia Allergy and Environmental Institute focused on 44 human participants specifically allergic to birch tree pollen.*

This study approached allergy treatment much like a flu vaccine that works only on the specific strain of flu present in the vaccine. This study tested the theory that honey may reduce allergies only to those pollens present in the honey.*

A portion of the group was treated with honey that was specifically created from birch tree pollen in addition to their normal protocols. Another portion was treated with non-specific honey in addition to their normal protocols. A third group was given a honey-flavored placebo along with their normal protocols.

The results showed that those patients who were treated with honey specifically created from birch pollen had “significantly better control of their symptoms than did those on conventional medication only.”*

Counterpoint: Another Study Shows no Definitive Results from Honey

A 2002 study published by the University of Connecticut Health Center conducted a very similar study but received very different results.

Similar to the 2011 study, this study examined the use of local honey likely made from the same pollens that caused the participants’ allergies, as well as nationally collected honey. The researchers wanted to test the idea that eating local honey may help remedy seasonal allergies. Participants were asked to use their usual protocols only when needed, rather than in preventative fashion.

Like the 2011 study, 36 human participants were split into 3 groups: one group consumed a tablespoon of local, unpasteurized, unfiltered honey per day; a second group consumed a tablespoon of nationally collected, pasteurized, filtered honey per day; and a third group – the control group – consumed a tablespoon of honey-flavored placebo per day.

The results showed no definitive difference in allergy relief between the three groups.*

Your Opinion Matters!

Conflicting data is not uncommon in the world of medical research. And with so few studies conducted on local honey as a treatment for allergies, the question comes down to personal experience.

What’s your opinion? Have you tried using local honey to combat seasonal allergies? What have been your results? Add your thoughts in the comments below, and help contribute to our community of collective wisdom and shared personal experience!

P.S. If you’re interested in engaging in a seasonal cleanse and detoxification program this Spring, EcoNugenics is offering 15% off of PectaClear and Detox Complete through the month of May. Enter promo code: SOP3M  Learn more!