Is Raw Honey Good For Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a common digestive disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. The condition occurs when the acid produced in the stomach flows back up into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest and throat. While there are several over-the-counter and prescription medications available to treat acid reflux, many people are turning to natural remedies such as raw honey. In this post, we explore whether raw honey is good for acid reflux.

What is Raw Honey?

Raw honey is a type of unprocessed honey that has not been heat-treated or pasteurized. It’s extracted straight from the hive and contains naturally occurring enzymes, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

How Can Raw Honey Help with Acid Reflux?

Raw honey has several properties that may help relieve symptoms of acid reflux:

Soothes inflammation: Raw honey has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce inflammation in the esophagus caused by acid reflux.
Antibacterial activity: Raw honey exhibits antibacterial activity against Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a bacterium responsible for many cases of stomach ulcers and acid reflux.
Read more: Raw Honey and ACV: A Powerful Health Combo?
Alkalizing effect: Despite its acidic pH level, raw honey has an alkalizing effect on the body when consumed due to its mineral content.
Forming protective barrier: When consumed before bed or during meals, raw honeys thick consistency can form a protective barrier along your food pipe preventing further damage by acids produced inside your stomach.

Choosing High-Quality Raw Honey

When looking for high-quality raw honey to use as an alternative remedy for GERD symptoms like heartburn or regurgitation consider these factors:

1) Look for local organic brands – This will ensure you are getting purest quality possible without any additives.

2) Check for the presence of pollen – Pollen in honey is known to have several health benefits and also indicates that the honey is raw and unprocessed.

3) Check for crystallization – Raw honey tends to crystallize over time, whereas processed honey does not. Crystallization indicates that the honey is pure and minimally processed.

How to Use Raw Honey for Acid Reflux

Raw honey can be consumed in a variety of ways as part of your GERD diet:

As a sweetener: Substitute refined sugar with raw organic honey in tea, coffee, smoothies or any other beverage you consume regularly.
Mixed with warm water & lemon juice: Consuming 1 tablespoon of raw organic honey mixed with warm water & lemon juice before bed can provide relief from acid reflux symptoms.
Dab on toast: Spread some raw organic honeys on whole-grain toast instead of eating jam or jelly which contains high amounts of added sugars.

Precautions

While raw organic honeys are generally safe for most people, there are some precautions you should take:

Avoid giving it to infants under one year old- Infants’ digestive tracts are still developing and may not be able to handle certain bacteria present in unpasteurized products like raw organic honeys.
Keep moderation in mind – While consuming small amounts may provide relief from acid reflux; excessive consumption may lead to increased blood sugar levels due to its high sugar content

Conclusion

In conclusion, while more research needs to be conducted into how effective it truly is as an alternative remedy for GERD symptoms such as heartburn or regurgitation-raw organic honeys do contain various properties that could help prevent further damage when consumed moderately by coating the inner lining along your food pipe preventing further damage by acids produced inside your stomach It’s important always consult with your doctor before incorporating new remedies into your daily routine if you have any underlying health conditions.