Numerous in vivo studies using animal models show that honey acts as a prebiotic, specifically by promoting the populations of probiotic bacteria, including Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus spp., (104, 106, 107, 119), and alleviating symptoms of constipation and ulcerative colitis (107, 119).
Consuming honey and lemon in lukewarm water helps relieve constipation and improves digestion. Honey and lemon have potential to cleanse the colon, and flush out undigested food and other toxins from the body. Improved digestion means improved metabolism which can further aid weight loss.
Raw honey is a potent prebiotic, nourishing good bacteria in the intestines which facilitate healthy digestion. Honey contains non-digestive oligosaccharides which can't be absorbed by the digestive tract. Instead, these oligosaccharides pass on to the colon where they're able to ferment.
The Anti-inflammatory Benefits of Manuka Honey
This anti-inflammatory effect can have a positive impact on treatment of conditions such as stomach bloating and pain, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or irritable bowel disease (IBD), colitis and crohn's disease.
Honey contains fructose in excess of glucose, which may lead to incomplete fructose absorption associated with abdominal symptoms and/or diarrhea.
Therefore, honey, as it has anti-inflammatory activity, may contribute positively to the prevention of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases particularly in case honey mixed with other healthy foods.
Load up on fruits, vegetables and whole grain fiber. Fruits and veggies are high in antioxidants, while fiber promotes regular bowel movements. Stop eating red meats and processed foods. Skip the steak and sausage. Red meats and processed meats are high in saturated fat and have been linked to colon cancer.
When it comes to protecting and improving your Digestive System, Manuka honey excels with its unique healing properties and probiotic activity. Manuka honey is created when bees forage for pollen and nectar from the Manuka tree, which is native to New Zealand.
Honey boosts your metabolism, which is essential for weight loss. Honey is an excellent antioxidant, which means its regular consumption will cleanse your body of various toxins. In addition, its antibacterial properties will considerably improve the condition of your skin. Honey has no cholesterol at all.
Morning is the best time to eat honey for boosting energy levels and staying all charged up. Having honey in the morning is not just good for your skin but has ample health benefits including: Helps you shed those extra kilos. Improves your digestive system.
Whole grains are rich in fiber and will help to cleanse the colon. Oats, oatmeal, brown rice, and quinoa are all great sources. Try to incorporate 3 – 5 servings per day into your meals. Broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and most leafy greens are fiber-dense and are always healthy choices.
Eating large amounts of dairy products. Stress. Resisting the urge to have a bowel movement, possibly because of hemorrhoids. Overusing anti-diarrheal medications that, over time, weaken the bowel muscle movements called motility.
There are certain foods that can contribute to inflammation in the colon. Red meat, fried foods, refined sugar and carbohydrates, alcohol and coffee can all contribute to inflammation.
Dietary changes, such as increasing water and probiotic intake (i.e. yogurt or supplements) while limiting dairy, caffeine, and heavily processed foods may be an effective treatment for lazy bowel syndrome and chronic constipation.
The following symptoms may accompany slowed digestion: feeling the urge to have a bowel movement very infrequently. having a bowel movement less than a few times a week. passing fewer stools than usual.
The Bottom Line. A new study out of the University of Toronto found that consuming approximately 2 tablespoons of honey daily alongside an already-healthy diet may help lower inflammation and improve cholesterol levels—key factors contributing to cardiometabolic health.
Honey is also being recognized as a potential prebiotic, since it has oligosaccharides that can promote the growth of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, in addition to antimicrobial components which can act synergistically with the probiotics against certain pathogens.