Honey is an important component in many types of home remedies, from burns to sore throats.
Since the Stone Age, honey has actually been valued for its nutritional and therapeutic qualities.
However, does honey help in acid reflux? The short answer is that honey may be helpful, according to research.
What is Honey?
The sweet liquid that honeybees produce is called honey. Chemically speaking, honey is composed of two types of sugar: fructose and glucose, as well as different amounts of enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and amino help depending on the hive.
Benefits of Honey
extraordinarily plentiful in antioxidants Honey comes in some varieties that are just as high in antioxidants as fruits and vegetables.
Honey’s antioxidants aid in shielding cells from harm caused by free radical attacks.
Free radicals are believed to play a role in the aging process and to be the root cause of several chronic illnesses, including cancer and heart disease.
Consequently, honey’s antioxidant content aids in the prevention of heart disease.
includes organic hydrogen peroxide When used to treat wounds, this ingredient works incredibly well.
Medical experts agree that manuka honey, which is made exclusively in New Zealand and Australia from the manuka tree’s nectar, is the best option for healing wounds.
This is due to the high levels of natural hydrogen peroxide and antibacterial qualities present in this specific variety of honey.
qualities that are antibacterial and antiviral Not only does unpasteurized raw honey eliminate bacteria and fungi, but it also has natural disinfectants.
Owing to its abundance of nutrients and enzymes, raw honey also has numerous positive effects on human health.
Is honey beneficial for acid reflux?
There is a lack of research that particularly assesses the use of honey for acid reflux, and no clinical studies compare the use of honey with standard medications in the treatment or prevention of acid reflux.
Prescription and over the counter drugs treat acid reflux in a few different ways:
- Medicines called antacids work by neutralizing
- Alginates are drugs that create a viscous layer that floats on top of stomach contents and may stop reflux into the esophagus.
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and H2 blockers are medications that decrease stomach acid production and promote esophageal lining healing.
Honey and acid reflux treatment may function similarly.
Balancing the acid in the stomach
With a pH of between 1.5 and 2.0, stomach acid is very acidic. Antacids lessen the acidity of stomach acid and relieve the burning feeling associated with acid reflux by raising the pH of stomach acid to 3.5.
The pH range of honey is acidic, 3.2 to 4.5. The pH of honey makes it difficult to determine if it neutralizes stomach acid or increases its acidity.
Putting up a physical barrier
Physiologists speculate in one source that because honey is viscous, it might have a purpose akin to that of alginates.
Stomach acid may not be able to return to the esophagus due to a coating that honey may create on the inner lining of the esophagus and stomach.
Providing a protective coating
For those who have reflux, pepsin, and stomach acid can harm the lining of their esophagus. Pepsin is an enzyme that breaks down food by producing acid. nourishment for digestion from a reliable source.
Honey is a very viscous liquid that flows much more slowly than comparatively nonviscous liquids like water. This indicates that honey has the ability to create a protective coating over the esophageal mucous membrane.
Additionally, honey might have cytoprotective properties. The process by which substances shield cells from harm is known as cytoprotection.
Because free radicals harm the lining of the stomach and esophagus, they may be a factor in acid reflux. Free radicals can be eliminated by honey, an antioxidant before they do harm.
Treating the lining of the esophagus
Research on honey’s potential to cure esophageal injury is inconsistent, and none of it addresses acid reflux.
A small body of research has focused on the potential for honey to speed up wound healing. These methods include:
- Antimicrobial properties
- Anti inflammatory properties
- Antioxidative capacity
- Encouraging angiogenesis, the process of creating new blood vessels
- Enhancing mediators of the immune system
- Promoting tissue healing and cell growth
Oesophageal inflammation can be brought on by acid reflux. Honey inhibits some chemicals, which may lessen inflammation.
A recent study looked into the use of honey to ease the discomfort associated with esophageal inflammation that some patients feel following cancer treatments.
Researchers discovered that normal supportive treatment was no more effective than utilizing honey to treat esophageal irritation.
Risks
A natural and harmless substance for people one year of age and up is honey.
However, because honey contains bacteria that can cause baby botulism, parents and caregivers should avoid giving it to children under the age of one year.
The majority of people may utilize honey in addition to traditional medicines and do so without experiencing any negative side effects.
This does not imply that there are never any interactions between honey and prescription drugs, either. When in doubt about potential drug interactions, people should always speak with a healthcare provider.
The safety and efficacy of using honey to treat acid reflux need to be investigated by scientists through research.
Along with comparing it to traditional medications, they must determine the best dosage and length of treatment for the ailment. Medical experts won’t be able to prescribe a honey treatment plan till that time.
Honey soothes reflux and stomach aches
Honey has been used to treat a wide range of illnesses in the traditional Hindu medical system since thousands of years ago.
Honey may relieve sore throats and lessen acid reflux symptoms, according to a number of studies and oral evidence.
People think honey relieves acid reflux symptoms and stomach pain for a variety of reasons. A few important points are highlighted in an article published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research:
The properties of antioxidants and free radicals Honey has anti oxidant and free radical scavenging properties.
Meanwhile, damage to the cells lining the digestive tract by free radicals is a contributing factor in reflux and stomach pain. Thus, by eliminating free radicals, honey will stop the disease from getting worse.
recognizable texture Honey’s distinct texture makes it a better coating material than the mucous membrane lining the esophagus.
Honey’s viscous and viscous consistency can effectively treat stomach pain, lower acidity, and help manage acid reflux over the long term.
Also, because honey naturally contains antibacterial qualities, it helps to lessen inflammation in the esophagus and stomach.
Secure, Organic Approach Using honey in conjunction with other conventional treatments can be beneficial and safe because it is a natural ingredient.
Certain individuals seek to use natural remedies as a last resort for symptom relief when OTC or prescription drugs prove ineffective.
But before any firm conclusions about honey’s actual efficacy in treating stomach pain and acid reflux can be made, more rigorous research is required.
Note when using honey to treat stomachache
Dosage According to research published in the British Medical Journal, a person’s heartburn symptoms will be reduced completely after consuming 5ml (about a teaspoon) of raw honey.
If you don’t want to use honey alone, you can mix it with a glass of warm water or tea.
Drinking a glass of milk or eating some yogurt can give you the same throat soothing effect.
In the case of using turmeric and honey to treat stomach pain, the patient needs to take about 30 to 40 turmeric tablets/day, or 12g turmeric powder mixed with 10g honey in 100ml boiled water to cool, drink 3 to 4 days time.
Dangers Honey is safe for most people to consume and rarely causes any problems. But honey’s sweetness does have an impact on blood sugar levels.
Therefore, before attempting this natural treatment for acid reflux and upset stomach, see your doctor if you have diabetes or are on medication to control your blood sugar levels.
Furthermore, if you are nursing a baby or pregnant, you should consult your doctor before taking honey. Moreover, babies younger than 12 months old should not consume honey.
This home remedy should also not be attempted by anyone who is allergic to honey. As soon as you notice any strange side effects, stop using the product and get medical help.
For powerful cases, your doctor may suggest a medication that strengthens the esophagus, such as baclofen.
This medicine can reduce the frequency of sphincter cramps, help relax, and prevent acid from flowing upwards.
However, Baclofen comes with some significant side effects, including fatigue and cognitive decline.
Surgery In rare cases, patients need surgery to increase the strength of the esophageal sphincter.
Honey is a safe and natural therapy for stomach pain and acid reflux, despite the paucity of studies on its efficacy in this area.
Also, a few over the counter drugs may help reduce upset stomach and acid reflux symptoms. You should see your physician if your symptoms don’t go away.
It should be remembered that the likelihood of recovery increases with early treatment while reducing stomach and esophageal damage.
Acid Reflux with Honey
Based on some initial studies, honey consumption may help treat acid reflux and other symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Proponents speculate that honey coats the lining of the stomach and esophagus when eaten due to its viscous texture, which may help stop stomach acid from refluxing backward.
To confirm honey’s beneficial effects on acid reflux, more research is necessary.
Honey may help promote the regeneration of sphincter tissue. Four Honey offers advantages not only for digestive health but also for overall cell health due to its antioxidant properties.
Five milliliters, or roughly one teaspoon, of plain honey consumed daily, may alleviate heartburn symptoms, according to a study response published in the British Medical Journal.
Medication interactions and safety concerns
Most people agree that honey is safe for adult consumption. It’s crucial to remember, though, that feeding honey to infants younger than a year old could expose them to botulism poisoning.
Large honey consumption should be done with caution by those who have type 2 diabetes because honey contains sugar, which can raise blood sugar levels.
Honey is made from pollen and may trigger an allergic reaction, so people who are allergic to pollen should also use caution when using it.
While there are no known interactions between honey and food products, there is a slight to moderate risk of interactions with a few different medications.
Even though honey has many health advantages, it still contains sugars, so don’t consume it in excess.
The recommended daily allowance for women is six teaspoons of added sugar, while the recommended daily allowance for men is 9 teaspoons.
Other Extra Foods to Aid with Acid Reflux
There are many other foods that can help you manage acid reflux while researchers continue to explore the benefits of honey, including:
High Fibre Foods
Make an effort to include foods high in fiber in your diet, such as root vegetables, green vegetables, and whole grains.
Due to their filling nature, foods high in fiber can help lower the chance of overindulging, which can cause acid reflux. Try some brown rice, oatmeal, broccoli, green beans, sweet potatoes, carrots, and beets.
High Water Content Foods
Snacking on foods high in water content can help reduce stomach acid.
Watermelon, lettuce, cucumber, and celery are examples of less acidic fruits and vegetables. Broth based soups and herbal teas are suitable drinks as well.
Nonetheless, keep in mind that acidic fruits, like limes, lemons, oranges, and grapefruits, can cause heartburn.
Food Items with a pH Higher
Eating foods with a high pH level is another method of reducing stomach acid. Fruit like melons and bananas, as well as nuts, cauliflower, and fennel, are examples of foods with a high pH.
