Experts point out that this practice is not advisable. So, is drinking honey water on an empty stomach in the morning beneficial? Let's explore what experts say.
Honey is a nutrient-rich natural food and one of the most commonly used tonics. It contains various inorganic salts and vitamins with concentrations similar to human blood serum, making it easily absorbed by the body. Many office workers have the habit of drinking honey water to prevent constipation, nourish the skin, and maintain overall health.
Is drinking honey water on an empty stomach in the morning beneficial?
Many people habitually drink a cup of honey water upon waking for health benefits. However, experts point out that this practice is not advisable and recommend replacing honey water with plain water.
Honey water contains sugar, not just plain water. The fructose in honey must be metabolized into glucose before it can be absorbed and utilized by the body. This process slows down kidney excretion compared to drinking plain water, thereby reducing the body's detoxification effect and defeating the purpose of drinking the first glass of water in the morning. Therefore, you should drink a glass of warm plain water first thing after waking up.
Furthermore, consuming honey water on an empty stomach may contribute to gastric ulcers. Honey is a sweet food that stimulates increased gastric acid secretion. Excessive stomach acid can damage the gastric mucosa. Regularly drinking honey water on an empty stomach may elevate acidity levels in the body, potentially leading to gastric or duodenal ulcers over time. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid drinking honey water on an empty stomach and instead consume it after meals.
Honey water contains various nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and bioenzymes, offering benefits for skin health and promoting bowel regularity. After drinking plain water in the morning when the body is relatively cleansed, consuming honey can better enhance its preventive and therapeutic effects. To avoid affecting appetite, honey can be eaten directly or paired with bread. It can also be mixed with yogurt, fruit juices, or vegetable juices.
Thus, starting your day with a small glass of plain water followed by a cup of honey water hydrates you, boosts nutrition, and aids bowel movements—especially beneficial for seniors.
When is the best time to drink honey water?
Honey water is generally best consumed 1-1.5 hours before meals or 2-3 hours after meals. However, individuals with gastrointestinal conditions should determine the optimal timing based on their specific condition to maximize its therapeutic benefits.For instance, consuming honey one and a half hours before meals can inhibit gastric acid secretion; conversely, eating immediately after honey intake may stimulate acid production. Warm honey water dilutes gastric juices, reducing acidity, while cold honey water increases acidity and stimulates intestinal motility, acting as a mild laxative.
Therefore, individuals with hyperacidity, hypertrophic gastritis, or particularly gastric and duodenal ulcers should consume warm honey water one and a half hours before meals. This not only inhibits gastric acid secretion but also reduces acid levels, thereby minimizing irritation to the gastric mucosa and promoting ulcer healing. Conversely, those with hypochlorhydria or atrophic gastritis should consume cold honey water immediately before eating.Individuals with neurasthenia may consume honey before bedtime daily to promote sleep, as honey possesses calming, cognitive-enhancing, and sleep-improving properties.
It is understood that three categories of individuals are currently recognized as unsuitable for honey consumption:
1. Infants under one year of age should avoid honey, as it is susceptible to Clostridium botulinum contamination during production and transportation. Infants have underdeveloped gastrointestinal function and limited liver detoxification capacity, making them prone to infection and poisoning.
2. Diabetics should avoid honey due to its significant blood sugar-raising effect.
3. Patients with liver cirrhosis should avoid honey as it may worsen liver fibrosis. Experts also note that honey may interact with cold medications, so it's best not to take cold medicine with honey water; instead, wait 4-6 hours before consuming honey.