Here's a collection of some selected questions related to Honey for Digestion that our Benefits of Honey readers have raised via the Just Ask Page.
Check out if these answer your most pressing question.
Question: I heard that it can take a long time to digest honey. True or False?
Reply: Honey is a simple carb, which is easier to digest and allows slow and steady absorption of sugar and limits the conversion and storage of fats.
Question: How is honey digested?
Reply: I'm not sure if I've understood your question correctly, but the glucose in honey is absorbed by the body quickly and gives an immediate energy boost, while the fructose is absorbed more slowly providing sustained energy.
Question:Can I drink honey and lemon during pregnancy?
Reply: Taking honey and lemon during pregnancy to aid digestion is fine but NOT with the aim of losing weight: Honey and Lemon.
Question: Before going to sleep I always have a glass of warm milk with a teaspoon of honey. Is it good? Does it make you lose weight or gain weight?
Reply: A glass of warm milk with a teaspoon of honey is known to be helpful in calming the soul and inducing sleep. It's also good for digestion. Read: Milk and Honey . Milk with honey that goes with a balanced diet does not particularly cause weight gain or weight loss.
Question: Can I take honey with an empty stomach?
Reply: It's okay to take honey water with an empty stomach. Honey is gentle on the stomach and contains a mix of natural sugars such fructose. Many people take it as a first food in the morning and many athletes take it as an energy booster drink. Also, Manuka honey is known to be effective in helping relieve stomach ulcer symptoms and gastritis.
Question: I've been consuming honey mixed with warm water. It does help me feel more alert and wake. But, why do I feel hungry and the need to eat although I've taken my meals?
Reply: I am not sure why you are feeling hungry after meals, but I am pretty sure it has nothing to do with your consumption of warm honey water (make sure it's natural 100% pure honey and that you don't excessively consume it). Being hungry all the time despite having meals doesn't too sound right. Check that your meal do not contain too much carbohydrates, e.g white bread, rice, sugar, potatoes, etc which could quickly increase your blood sugar level, and soon after that, your blood sugar falls at the lowest level, making you feel hungry. Take more vegetables and fruits instead of carbohydrate. Try a hot healthy beverage like tea which could help shut off your hunger. If you still feel helpless, getting a physical examination by a doctor would be your best bet.
Read this article on GI level of foods, Glycemic Index of Honey
Question: I would like to know if I can take with empty stomach honey in hot water.
Reply: It's okay to take honey water with an empty stomach. Some people take it as an energy drink 1st thing in the morning. However, don't mix honey with hot water, as any heating will reduce the aroma, flavour, and nutrition value of honey. Try just slightly warm water (40 degree C.) to dissolve the honey. Some relevant articles which might be useful (maybe you have already read them.
1) Raw Honey
Question: My Mom suffers from serious reflux problem. Is there a cure for it?
Reply: Watch her diet, and take small frequent meals to reduce acid secretion for digestion, and have easy meals like bread, rice and porridge. Avoid or limit alcohol and foods that are high in fat content. Regular exercise (but not before meals) can help acid reflux symptoms.
Taking active Manuka Honey could also be helpful for your mum. What is Active Manuka Honey?
Another bee product known for treating digestive and stomach issues is Royal Jelly. What is Royal Jelly?
You may also want to try the Hibernation Diet which uses honey to build up better health. The author/founder claims that it is helpful for reflux problems esp' at night. What is Hibernation Diet?
1. Discover the synergistic benefits of milk and honey: 1 Glass of Milk and Honey a Day Keeps the Doctor Away!
2. How digestive enzymes help maintain our body's vital digestive functions: Why Digestive Enzymes Are So Vital To Us
3. An an old school remedy for indigestion: Honey Ginger Remedy
End of "Honey for digestion Q&A". Back to "Milk and Honey -- Recipe for Good Health"