Manuka honey may contain ingredients to help reduce or prevent acid reflux and has been used for other health conditions, but research remains inconclusive. Acid reflux causes the burning or painful sensation of heartburn in your upper chest and throat. You may also experience a bitter or source taste from stomach acid backup. Frequent acid reflux indicates gastroesophageal reflux disease, known as GERD. Like other home remedies, manuka honey may or may not help your symptoms. Check with your doctor for dietary and medical advice.
Potential Benefits
Manuka honey may provide many health benefits and researchers continue to analyze its effects. Doctors have been using the honey in dressing to ease inflammation on wound patients because it may have antibacterial properties. Manuka honey, taken from the manuka bush in New Zealand, has potential antiseptic benefits. It may work effectively for digestive problems, which could provide beneficial results for acid reflux.
Esophageal Healing
An active ingredient in Manuka honey called UMG may provide more effective healing than regular honey, according to HealthDiaries.com. The honey coats the esophagus and intestinal tract to relieve acid reflux symptoms and prevent damage from stomach acid. Strong prescription medication used to heal the esophagus can only be used in limited amounts over time and may have side effects as well as interactions with other medications. Manuka honey has no known side effects and can be taken as long as a person chooses, unlike medication, the Active Manuka Honey website claims. Manuka honey coats the esophagus before and after a meal to prevent irritation from stomach acid backup, which rises into the esophagus to cause acid reflux.
Using Honey
A teaspoon on bread or toast three times a day may reduce heartburn and acid reflux, say proponents. People may also take a teaspoon of the honey after meals or whenever they feel burning sensations from heartburn. You may want to add honey to teas or juices. Some cases involving severe esophageal damage may still take months to heal, so consult with your doctor, especially if you suffer frequent acid reflux.
Diet and Medicine
Whether or not manuka honey reduces or relieves your symptoms, a diet that includes low-fat foods, non-citrus fruits, vegetables and whole grains helps to protect you from acid reflux. Certain foods may trigger acid reflux by relaxing an esophageal muscle so it allows stomach acid backup into the esophagus, Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology explains. Triggers may differ among people, but common culprits include fried and fatty foods, citrus fruits, tomato-based products, chocolate, caffeine, carbonated beverages and alcohol. Antacids provide quick relief for heartburn. Medication can prevent symptoms by reducing stomach acid production.
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