Helps with Stomach Issues Therefore, taking Manuka honey is very beneficial in reducing acid reflux and balancing your digestive system to heal stomach and intestinal imbalances.
In a clinical review published by the British Medical Journal , researchers suggested that honey's viscous nature might help keep acids down. One member of their team saw relief from his heartburn symptoms after consuming five milliliters (about one teaspoon) of plain honey.
Manuka may be great for reflux sufferers, and it may also potentially help heal Barrett's esophagus. Some of my patients have reported improved stomach and reflux symptoms after eating the honey or drinking it in hot water as tea.
You can also use the manuka honey as you would an antacid (1/4 to 1 teaspoon after eating something that causes heartburn discomfort).
The acidic pH of Manuka honey makes it a potential treatment for lowering wound pH, but the duration of effect is unknown. Lowering wound pH can potentially reduce protease activity, increase fibroblast activity and increase oxygen release consequently aiding wound healing.
It is claimed Manuka Honey helps with reflux symptoms by “coating the stomach and oesophagus and healing the damages in the tissue and lining provoked by acid reflux”. Some people swear by having a spoon of Manuka Honey up to four times a day, 20 minutes before meals and before bed time.
The active ingredient in Manuka honey is methylglyoxal. Studies indicate that methylglyoxal is antibacterial, but may induce diarrhea, headache, and maybe even depression.
From supercharging your breakfasts, stirring into hot drinks, or simply taken off the spoon every morning or night – there is no right or wrong way to take Manuka honey. It is simply a question of your own personal preference and getting into a routine that suits you.
You can take the honey any time of day, or try taking your manuka honey once in the morning and once at night. There's no harm in consuming more than 2 to 4 teaspoons (10 to 20 mL) of manuka honey daily, but since honey is mostly sugar, it is a good idea to moderate how much you consume.
Manuka honey consumed before bedtime can help the body to release melatonin into the brain which is necessary for a deep sleep and helps to reduce the risk of more serious sleep-related health issues.
In 1994, Professor Molan and his team suggested taking a teaspoon of manuka honey three times a day to relieve digestive issues such as acid reflux, indigestion and gastritis. They concluded that manuka's anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties help reduce the pain of these stomach complaints.
But nonfat milk can act as a temporary buffer between the stomach lining and acidic stomach contents and provide immediate relief of heartburn symptoms." Low-fat yogurt has the same soothing qualities along with a healthy dose of probiotics (good bacteria that enhance digestion).
Eating large meals or eating late at night. Eating certain foods (triggers) such as fatty or fried foods. Drinking certain beverages, such as alcohol or coffee. Taking certain medications, such as aspirin.
Does manuka honey need to be refrigerated? No, you should avoid refrigerating your manuka honey. It is best stored in a cool, dark place like a cupboard or pantry. Refrigeration of any honey — not just the special manuka variety — can cause crystallisation.
Possible Side Effects of Manuka Honey
These may include: Allergic reaction, especially in people who are allergic to bees. A rise in blood sugar if large quantities are consumed. Effects on certain chemotherapy drugs and interactions with various other medicines.
Manuka honey boasts many natural, beneficial properties that make it healthy too. Eating it regularly in small amounts (a spoonful a day) is recommended. If you're using it as an alternative to sugar and natural sweeteners, manuka honey is absolutely the best option.
Thanks to its antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, manuka honey can be used to help treat wounds, improve your oral health, soothe a sore throat and treat ulcers and acne.
A maximum of two teaspoons a day (15g) is a good portion size of manuka honey, as while it has many impressive health benefits, it is still high in sugar. If you are using manuka honey as part of a balanced diet, try drizzling it over porridge, overnight oats or natural yogurt.
Honey contains fructose in excess of glucose, which may lead to incomplete fructose absorption associated with abdominal symptoms and/or diarrhea.
However, honey is high in fructose, which may worsen digestive issues like gas, diarrhea, and bloating among some people with IBS. Therefore, following an elimination diet like the low FODMAP diet may help you decide whether to avoid honey if you have IBS.
Honey can cause a rare but serious gastrointestinal condition (infant botulism) caused by exposure to Clostridium botulinum spores. Bacteria from the spores can grow and multiply in a baby's intestines, producing a dangerous toxin.