Is manuka honey a cure for acid reflux? No, it is not a cure but there are much anecdotal reports showing it offers substantial relief.
If you’ll take a look at the website of Waikato University’s Honey Research Unit you’ll see a lot of studies on the medical use of honey have been done the past decades. (This unit is world’s most renowned institution regarding clinical research on manuka honey).
Although many clinical trials are planned, no specific studies on honey and acid reflux or GERD (gastro intestinal reflux disease) have been done.
Fact is that manuka honey is used by a growing amount of people for intestinal conditions such as heartburn/acid reflux , irritable bowel syndrome, upset stomach, and stomach ulcers. (According to this poll acid reflux is the most common medical use for manuka honey among consumers.) Now let’s take a look at what acid reflux actually is.
Acid reflux, the name says it already, is acidic fluids flowing back from the stomach into the esophagus. These acids burn the esophagus lining and constitute a risk on inflammation, which might cause permanent damage to the esophagus, and ulcers. Normally a muscular ring at the bottom of the esophagus prevents the stomach acid from “refluxing”. In GERD patients however, this muscular ring does not close properly, allowing acid to flow back. A direct manifestation of the gastric acid making contact with the sensitive esophagus and throat tissue is the burning sensation called heartburn.
Now let’s examine what manuka honey exactly does. Among other benefits less relevant regarding acid reflux, manuka honey also kills various types of bacteria, and has an anti-inflammatory action. In some patients acid reflux is caused by an overproduction of the gastric H. pylori bacteria which is also a common cause for peptic ulcers. Manuka honey’s unique antibacterial activity is, according to the Waikato Honey Research Unit “much more effective than other honey against Helicobacter pylori.” (source)
Critical note: Manuka honey has shown to heal some types of peptic ulcers by killing responsible bacteria, however, the University of Waikato cautions that the antimicrobial activity might be ineffective for most systemic ailments. A major advantage is that the use of manuka honey has no side effects whereas common acid reflux medicines do. It not only destroys bacteria, and fights inflammation but it also soothes.
How to use manuka honey for acid reflux? According to experts it is recommended to take Manuka honey on a cracker or piece of bread because this slows the rate of digestion. Thus adding to an optimally coating of the internal tract and esophagus. Also it is best to do this about half an hour before breakfast and or dinner. The effects are most influential on an empty stomach. Avoid eating or drinking during this half hour. This also adds to the absorption of the honey.
Which manuka honey is best for acid reflux? Keep in mind that not all manuka honeys have the unique healing abilities. Make sure to buy UMF, MGO, or Molan Gold Standard manuka honey with a rating of at least 10. Since it will be diluted once it’s in the gastro intestinal tract I would personally recommend to use a rating of at least 15 or higher. These recommended, active manuka honey jars can, for example, be bought on Amazon or online shops in New Zealand.
Check the following page for more customer information in case you want to buy manuka honey that has been tested for its unique properties. There are examples of the best brands to buy and it also shows how many people are not aware what they exactly are buying.
Active manuka honey can be ordered on Amazon
Another way to inhibit acid reflux relief is by using wedge pillows. Click the link to read more about it.
This article is not intended as medical advice. If you have a medical concern, always consult your doctor.
Interesting! Going to try and see if it works against acid reflux!