Antacids raise the pH of stomach acid to 3.5 or above , reducing its acidity and relieving the burning sensation of acid reflux. Honey has an acidic pH of 3.2–4.5. Due to its pH value, it is unclear whether honey has a neutralizing effect on stomach acid or contributes to the increase in acidity of it.
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.
Honey and Acid Reflux
Proponents theorize that because of its viscous texture, honey coats the esophagus and stomach lining when consumed, which may help prevent the backflow of stomach acid. However, more study is needed to establish the benefit of honey for acid reflux.
However, manuka honey has been found useful for patients who complain of stomach infections, acid reflux, gastritis, ulcers, and even diarrhea.
Active Manuka Honey coats the esophagus before, during and after a meal, so the acids that rise from stomach don't trouble any longer. By protecting the damaged esophagus of severe heartburn sufferers over a long period of time it can give the esophagus actually the chance to heal better and recover.
Manuka honey's acidic properties, ranging between a pH of 3.2–4.5, significantly lower than some honeys, has been shown to be beneficial in chronic non-healing wounds (Nagoba et al, 2015).
Whole grain foods like oatmeal, bread, and brown rice are healthy, hearty ways to combat occasional heartburn. These complex carbohydrates not only help absorb acid in the stomach, but they're also full of vitamins and minerals.
Manuka honey has also been considered as a treatment for gastroenteritis, which is again, inflammation of the stomach lining, this time causing diarrhoea.
Digestive issues like constipation can get worse with too much consumption of honey. The high fructose content in honey can lead to constipation, even if you don't have any existing issue. It can also lead to bloating or diarrhoea as your body cannot digest too much sugar at once.
Although you can add it to smoothies, oatmeal or yoghurt, the best way to take Manuka Honey is straight from the jar. It is recommended to take it once in the morning and once at night. It is safe to have 2 to 4 teaspoons (10 to 20 mL) of Manuka Honey daily, but always remember to moderate how much you consume.
Professor Molan suggests taking a teaspoon of Manuka honey with a small amount of bread three times a day to relieve digestive issues such as acid reflux, indigestion and gastritis. Manuka's anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties help reduce the pain of these stomach complaints. What else can it be used for?
TIP FROM OUR BEEKEEPER. Manuka honey is best taken on an empty stomach.
Acid blockers — also called histamine (H-2) blockers — reduce the amount of acid released into your digestive tract, which relieves gastritis pain and encourages healing. Available by prescription or over the counter, acid blockers include famotidine (Pepcid), cimetidine (Tagamet HB) and nizatidine (Axid AR).
The thick and sticky texture of honey can help reduce acidity, contribute to long-term control of acid reflux, as well as treat stomach pain with honey effectively. In addition, honey also works to reduce inflammation in the stomach - esophagus thanks to its natural antibacterial properties.