Acid reflux is one of those annoying problems that can ruin a perfectly good meal and sometimes, an entire night’s sleep. If you’ve ever felt that burning sensation in your chest or that sour taste in your throat, you know exactly how unpleasant it can be.
It’s no surprise that people are always searching for ways to ease the discomfort that comes with it. One natural remedy that has gotten a lot of attention is honey. Some say it coats the throat, soothes irritation, and even helps balance stomach acid. But does honey actually help with acid reflux, or is it just another health myth? Let’s find out.
What Makes Honey a Potential Acid Reflux Remedy?
While honey isn’t some miracle cure, it does have certain properties that may help ease reflux symptoms:
1. It Forms a Protective Barrier
Acid reflux happens when stomach acid moves up into the oesophagus, causing irritation. Honey has a thick, syrupy consistency that can coat the throat and oesophagus, potentially reducing discomfort and that awful burning sensation.
2. It Has Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Chronic acid reflux can lead to inflammation and irritation in the digestive tract. Honey contains natural antioxidants and enzymes that may help calm inflammation and promote healing.
3. It May Help Balance Stomach Acidity
Does honey balance acidity? While honey itself has a slightly acidic pH, some believe it has an alkalizing effect on the body, meaning it could help neutralize excess stomach acid.
4. It Supports Gut Health
A healthy gut can mean fewer digestive problems, including reflux. Honey is a natural prebiotic, meaning it feeds the good bacteria in your gut, helping with digestion and reducing gastric problems like bloating and indigestion.
How to Use Honey for Acid Reflux Without Making It Worse
Honey can be a great addition to your routine, but how you take it matters. Too much sugar (even natural sugar) can trigger reflux in some people, so here’s the best way to use it:
● Take a teaspoon before meals: This may help coat the oesophagus and prepare your stomach for digestion.
● Mix it with warm water or herbal tea: A soothing drink can help ease symptoms and promote digestion.
● Use it as a natural sweetener in non-acidic foods: Swap refined sugar for honey in foods like oatmeal, yoghurt, or smoothies.
● Avoid raw honey if you have a sensitive stomach: While raw honey is full of beneficial nutrients, it can be harder to digest for some people. Stick to regular honey if you notice any discomfort.
Is Honey Good for Acid Reflux?
While honey is not a cure for acid reflux, it helps manage symptoms. But if you’re regularly dealing with severe heartburn, bloating, or indigestion, you’ll need to make other changes too.
Pair honey with healthy eating habits, like:
- Eating smaller, more frequent meals.
- Avoiding spicy, fatty, or highly acidic foods.
- Not lying down right after eating.
- Maintaining a healthy weight.
And of course, if your acid reflux is chronic or getting worse, it’s always best to talk to a doctor.
Should You Try Honey for Acid Reflux?
If you’re looking for a natural way to ease acid reflux, honey is worth trying. It’s soothing, may help balance acidity, and supports gut health. Just don’t expect it to work like a prescription medication as it’s more of a gentle, natural aid than a quick fix.
So, will honey be your new go-to remedy, or are you sticking with the antacids? Either way, at least now you know the facts.
References
Healthline. Honey for Acid Reflux: Does It Work? Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/digestive-health/honey-for-acid-reflux
Medical News Today (2023). Honey for acid reflux: Benefits and more. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/honey-for-acid-reflux