Honey has been used as a medical prescription since ancient times to treat many diseases, due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Some GERD patients may search for available options of natural remedies in order to relieve reflux symptoms. Is GERD treatment with honey effective? How can it be used?

Reflux symptoms

Symptoms of GERD appear as a result of the lower esophageal sphincter not closing properly after consuming foods and drinks. This allows stomach contents to flow back into the esophagus. This causes GERD symptoms, which may vary from one person to another. The most prominent symptoms of reflux are:

• heartburn
• Nausea
• Belching a lot
• Bitter taste in the back of the throat
• dry cough
• difficulty swallowing
• Bad breath
• feeling bloated

GERD may also exacerbate asthma symptoms in both children and adults. Symptoms of GERD may get worse after eating, bending over, or lying down.

Treatment of esophageal reflux with honey

Although honey is a rich source of sugar, which may promote stomach acid production. Where one tablespoon of honey (21 g) contains 17.25 g of sugars, which may make it unsuitable for GERD patients.

However, some studies have indicated the effectiveness of using raw honey in treating sore throats and relieving reflux symptoms. A laboratory research conducted on mice found the effectiveness of using honey in treating GERD, given that honey contains phenolic and flavonoid compounds with anti-inflammatory properties.

Therefore, honey has been used to treat chronic sinusitis, and to help speed up the recovery of patients with inflammation of the oral mucosa. Honey is also used to treat infections of the nose, ear and throat.

What makes honey suitable for treating esophagitis is that it has a high density and viscosity, which helps the honey stay longer in the esophagus, forming a coating on the mucous membrane. Among the basic benefits of honey are:

• Honey is a rich source of antioxidants, which helps to get rid of free radicals, which may cause damage to the cells lining the digestive system, which in turn leads to suffering from reflux symptoms.
• Honey helps reduce inflammation, and thus may help treat esophagitis.
• Honey is a natural antiseptic for the body from infection factors, since it contains antibacterial and antiviral properties.
• Honey contains natural hydrogen peroxide, which helps speed up wound healing

Therefore, according to a number of researches, it is possible to resort to treating GERD with honey along with traditional medicines.

The best types of honey for esophageal reflux

Manuka honey is the most medically effective type of honey in relieving infections, treating wounds, eliminating harmful bacteria such as stomach germs, and treating many digestive problems such as peptic ulcers, diarrhea, and GERD.

But if manuka honey is not available to you, you can use any kind of raw, unpasteurized honey, because heat may destroy many of the beneficial nutrients in honey.

How to use honey to treat GERD

A clinical review published by the British Medical Journal indicated the effectiveness of using honey in reducing heartburn symptoms when a teaspoon of honey (about 5 milliliters) was taken.

But if you do not prefer to eat honey alone, honey can be added to a cup of tea or warm water.

Cautions when using

Eating honey is generally safe, but some people may experience an allergic reaction to eating honey. Diabetics should also consult a doctor before consuming honey as a natural remedy, so that this does not affect blood sugar.

This is in addition to the need to consult a doctor before using honey in cases of pregnancy and lactation, or if you are taking medication. Honey should not be given to children under one year of age.

In the end, after you know the effectiveness of treating GERD with honey, remember that the typical dose of honey is one teaspoon per day. This may help alleviate the symptoms of GERD, but also remember the need to consult a doctor before using natural and home remedies, to determine what is best for you.