Honey has many medicinal uses. A term even arose from its therapeutic uses: apitherapy.
Pour comprendre son potentiel pour lutter contre les brûlures d’estomac, il est essentiel de comprendre vos symptômes. Ces aigreurs d’estomac, aussi appelées “pyrosis”, sont la conséquence d’une remontée du liquide gastrique jusqu’à l’œsophage.
To varying degrees, these gastroesophageal refluxes cause burning in the chest or throat, often at night or immediately after meals, respiratory discomfort, or an unpleasant taste.
Honey offers a natural alternative to anti-reflux medications, antacids, or PPIs, which are highly controversial today. To soothe acid reflux, I share several tips on using honey and the good habits to adopt.
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Honey, a natural antacid of scientific interest
Honey reduces inflammation
The generous composition of honey, which I detail below, gives it many benefits: antimicrobial, immune-stimulating, healing, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-diabetic, detoxifying, and soothing.
It is also a natural ally of digestion by protecting the mucous membranes of the stomach and esophagus. Against heartburn, honey acts by limiting cellular inflammation caused by free radicals.
A synergy of bioactive agents
Numerous scientific studies have examined the protective mechanisms of honey. Several of them have highlighted its effects on gastrointestinal health thanks to the synergy of its bioactive agents.
Une première étude démontre que le miel de pissenlit pourrait atténuer les effets néfastes de l’acidité gastrique d’environ 50%. Si le miel aide à réduire les remontées acides, c’est grâce à “un effet barrière”.
An effect against gastroesophageal reflux
Another study published in 2001 highlights the positive action of honey in relieving GERD (gastroesophageal reflux).
Honey can also be effective against ulcers and gastritis. Its strong anti-pathogenic power allows it to inhibit Helicobacter pylori, the bacterium responsible for these conditions.
Natural honey has a low pH, which gives it a high acidity. It is often mistakenly believed to be harmful for relieving these ailments. Yet it is this pH and its complex composition that make it so gentle and able to combat gastric disorders.
The nutritional properties of honey
Even though the nutritional contents of honey vary depending on the flowers foraged, it contains on average 74 to 80% carbohydrates. These sugars are what give it that delicious sweetness on the palate.
D’autres nutriments composent ce produit de la ruche :
- 20% water
- sels minéraux et oligo-éléments
- protéines
- B vitamins
- vitamin C
Strong antioxidant power
Honey also has an invaluable concentration of antioxidants, mainly in the form of flavonoids : chrysin, polyphenols, quercetin …
D’autres composés biochimiques le composent, comme des enzymes digestives (glucose oxydase, diastase, peptidase…), ainsi que des acides organiques et des molécules antibiotiques.
My recommendations for using honey for heartburn
You can choose different varieties of honey to reduce heartburn: dandelion honey, acacia honey, buckwheat honey or sunflower honey.
Dès que vous vous sentez gêné par des remontées acides, servez-vous une infusion à base de gingembre et de curcuma. Puis, ajoutez-y une cuillère à soupe du miel de votre choix.
You can consume 3 to 4 tablespoons of honey per day for two days to naturally prevent acid reflux. In a warm drink rather than very hot, or in a tasty recipe: in your yogurt, when cooking your vegetables, or on almonds, for example.
Other hygiene and dietary rules for heartburn are essential:
- Avoid lying down immediately after a meal; at night, sleep with an extra pillow to elevate your head
- Limit smoking, alcohol, coffee, and very spicy foods
- Eat small portions several times a day rather than large meals
For children under one year old, I strongly discourage introducing honey, in order to avoid any allergic reaction to bee products and any risk of infection from certain bacteria.
If symptoms persist, consult your doctor to determine the causes of your heartburn.
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Sources et études scientifiques
Molan P, 1999. Why honey is effective as a medicine. Its use in modern medicine.
Baltuskevicius A, Laiskonis A, Vysniauskiene D, Ceksteryte V, Racys J, 2001. Use of different kinds of honey for hepatitis A treatment and for reduction of increased acidity of gastric juice.
Al Swayeh OA, Ali ATMM, 1998. Effect of ablation of capsaicin sensitive neurons on gastric protection by honey and sucralfate. Hepato-Gastroenterol.
John de Caestecker, 2001. Esophagus: Heartburn.
Palma-Morales et al. 2023. A Comprehensive Review of the Effect of Honey on Human Health. Nutrients.
Zamri et al. 2023. Honey on brain health: A promising brain booster.
