Does Honey Relieve Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

How does honey affect IBS?

Although no specific research exists on honey and IBS, studies demonstrate that this natural sweetener affects several aspects of digestive health.

For instance, one mice study found that honeyalleviated constipation通过水到凳子和修改composition of beneficial bacteria in the animals’ guts ( 3 ).

Thus, by acting as anatural laxative, honey may aid people with IBS who experience symptoms like constipation and bloating.

Keep in mind that research in humans is necessary.

What about manuka honey?

Research shows thatmanuka honey— which comes from the nectar of the manuka bush (Leptospermum scoparium), a plant native to New Zealand — may offer additional benefits.

In fact, this type of honey may have potent antimicrobial properties, potentially protecting against harmful pathogens and bacteria in your gut ( 4 ).

However, the available research examines honey’s effects on skin infections, not digestive infections, so this effect is theoretical ( 4 ).

According to an older study in rats with ulcerative colitis, administering manuka honey alongside anti-inflammatory medication decreased intestinalinflammation( 5 ).

Yet, manuka honey contains a compound called methylglyoxal, which was shown to worsen symptoms of IBS like diarrhea in one animal study ( 6 ).

Further human studies are also needed on manuka honey’s effects on IBS.

summary

Both regular and manuka honey have digestive effects that may help relieve IBS symptoms, though the methylglyoxal in manuka honey may worsen symptoms. Overall, more research is needed.

Is honey a high or low FODMAP food?

Fermentable oligo-, di-, mono-saccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs) are a group of carbs that are poorly absorbed in your gut and instead fermented by the bacteria in your colon.

对于患有肠易激综合症,吃某些高FODMAP foods may worsen digestive symptoms, such as gas,bloating, and stomach pain ( 7 ).

Honey is high in fructose, a type of simple sugar that’s classified as a FODMAP ( 8 ).

For this reason, people following alow FODMAP dietoften limit their intake of honey alongside other foods high in fructose, such as peaches, pears, apples, and cherries.

However, people with IBS may have varying levels of sensitivity to different foods. While some people may find that honey triggers digestive issues, others may have no issues tolerating honey or other high fructose foods ( 9 ).

summary

Honey is high in FODMAPs due to its fructose content. While some people with IBS may be able to tolerate it just fine, others may need to limit their intake to prevent digestive issues.

Should you eat honey if you have IBS?

Due to a lack of research, honey hasn’t been proven to either cause or relieve IBS symptoms. While it may have positive effects on digestion, it’s also considered high in FODMAPs.

Whether it helps relieve symptoms of IBS depends on a number of factors, including the type of honey, how much you eat, and the specific symptoms you’re experiencing.

Additionally, while some people with this condition may have no issues tolerating honey, others may be more sensitive to the effects of foods high infructose.

Trying a low FODMAP diet may help determine whether honey triggersIBS symptoms. This involves eliminating all high FODMAP foods, including honey, then slowly reintroducing them to your diet.

summary

A low FODMAP diet may help you ascertain whether you’re sensitive to the effects of honey and other high fructose foods.

The bottom line

There’s limited research on howhoney, including specific varieties like manuka honey, affects IBS symptoms.

However, honey is high in fructose, which may worsen digestive issues like gas, diarrhea, and bloating among some people with IBS.

Therefore, following anelimination dietlike the low FODMAP diet may help you decide whether to avoid honey if you have IBS.