Honey does not usually cause stomach pain in most people, but eating large amounts can cause digestive symptoms in some people. The effects may depend on how much honey is consumed and how sensitive a person is to its sugars.
Honey contains fructose, a naturally occurring sugar. For some people, particularly those who have difficulty absorbing certain carbohydrates, consuming foods high in fructose can lead to bloating, abdominal discomfort, gas or diarrhoea.
This does not mean honey is generally harmful to the stomach. Most people can consume moderate amounts without experiencing digestive problems.
Why honey may cause digestive discomfort
Honey is made mainly of sugars, including fructose and glucose. When fructose is not absorbed properly in the small intestine, it can pass into the large intestine, where bacteria ferment it. This process can produce gas and contribute to bloating, abdominal pain or changes in bowel movements.
The amount consumed can also matter. Eating a large quantity of honey at once provides a substantial amount of sugar and may be more likely to cause digestive discomfort than a small serving.
People with certain digestive conditions may be more sensitive to foods containing fermentable carbohydrates. For them, honey can be a trigger even when other people have no problems after eating it.
Is honey an allergy risk?
Honey allergies are uncommon, but allergic reactions can occur. People who develop symptoms such as swelling, hives, difficulty breathing or other signs of a serious allergic reaction after eating honey should seek medical attention.
An upset stomach after eating honey does not necessarily mean that a person is allergic to it. Digestive intolerance and food allergy are different conditions and can produce different symptoms.
What about honey and sore throats?
Honey is commonly used to soothe coughs and sore throats. Some clinical evidence suggests that honey can help reduce coughing, particularly in children older than 1 year.
It should not, however, be described as a treatment that kills flu viruses inside the body. Honey may help relieve some symptoms, but it does not replace appropriate medical treatment for an infection.
Honey should never be given to children younger than 1 year because of the risk of infant botulism.
What should you do if honey upsets your stomach?
If you repeatedly experience stomach pain, bloating, diarrhoea or other digestive symptoms after eating honey, reducing the amount or avoiding it may help identify whether it is a trigger.
Keeping track of what you eat and when symptoms occur can also help identify patterns. Persistent or severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss or other concerning symptoms should be assessed by a health professional.
Honey is a food, not a cure-all. While it can be part of a balanced diet for most people, claims that it can treat a wide range of digestive or other medical conditions should be assessed against reliable medical evidence.
