Short Answer: Honey is good for IBS. Because it has fructose and glucose, which are easily absorbed by the intestine and do not cause gas or fermentation.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a condition that affects your large intestine.
In IBS, your body has abnormal muscle contractions or nerve signals in your intestine.
This can lead to various health problems, such as abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, gas, diarrhea, or constipation.
One of the key factors in managing IBS is diet.
What you consume can affect your bowel movements, which can impact your IBS symptoms and overall health.
To effectively manage IBS, you should consume fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and avoid fat-rich foods like fried foods, dairy products, and red meat.
Now, honey is a sweet and viscous substance made by bees from the nectar of flowers.
People usually use honey as a natural sweetener or a remedy for coughs and sore throats.
Honey is good for IBS because it contains fructose and glucose.
Fructose and glucose are simple sugars that are easily absorbed by the intestine and do not cause gas or fermentation.
Honey is especially good for IBS with constipation (IBS-C) because it can help soften stools and stimulate bowel movements.
One tablespoon of honey can give you about 17 grams of carbohydrates (6% of your daily needs) and 64 calories.
Fructose can positively affect IBS by providing energy and hydration to the intestinal cells.
Glucose can positively affect IBS by enhancing the absorption of fructose and water in the intestine.
Furthermore, honey is a prebiotic and prebiotics are good for IBS.
Because, prebiotics can promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, which can improve digestion and immunity.
You can eat one to two tablespoons of honey per day safely.
More than that can cause high blood sugar, weight gain, or tooth decay.
Also, you shouldn’t eat honey if you have fructose malabsorption or diabetes to prevent diarrhea or hyperglycemia.
Because, honey has a high fructose-to-glucose ratio, which can cause osmotic diarrhea in people who cannot absorb fructose well.
Honey also has a high glycemic index, which can raise blood sugar levels in people who have insulin resistance or deficiency.
You can buy fresh honey in your local market or can order it from online.
Always choose raw, organic, and unfiltered honey.
Because, raw honey has more enzymes, antioxidants, and nutrients than processed honey.
Organic honey is free of pesticides, antibiotics, and additives.
Unfiltered honey has more pollen, propolis, and bee wax, which have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
You can store honey in a cool, dry, and dark place for up to two years.
Finally, remember, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management and essential medical care is key to managing IBS effectively.
I always recommend my IBS patients to follow an IBS-friendly diet to improve their overall well-being, and enjoy a longer and healthier life.