Manuka Honey - The Game Changer For Digestive Health - All You Need To Know!

There is a popular saying- You Are What You Eat. In theory we understand this, but in practice it often falls by the wayside, but here we discuss why it is so critical, now more than ever, to reflect and practice the truth, that we are what we eat.

Two of the most common words you will hear, in relation to your long-term health and wellbeing is Gut Health. Maintaining good gut health is one of the basic building blocks of optimal health and these are among the two most important words to consider if you are serious about improving your health.

Why is Gut Health So Important?

This is because your Gut Health is fundamental to so many elements of what keeps you nourished, strong and able to function every day.

Let’s explore a few of the reasons why you should be thinking about your Gut Health and how you can improve it. 

1.    Nutrient Absorption:

The nutrients that you receive via food and liquids are assimilated by your gastrointestinal system. To receive the nutrients that you need for energy, repair, detoxification, and growth, you need to have a system that is working efficiently to breakdown your foods, assimilate the macro and micronutrients and deliver them to where they need to go so that they can be utilised well. Along with other probiotic and prebiotic foods, Manuka Honey is the perfect addition to your diet to assist with improving your digestive health.

2.    Immune System Support:

Secondly, we have the all-important immune function that exists within your gut, did you know a whopping 70-80 percent of your immune system is found within your gastrointestinal tract. When your gut health is weak it in turns weakens your immune system and may leave you more prone to allergies, viruses, and gastro related illnesses. 

3.    The Gut-Brain Connection:

The gut-brain axis, which functions through communication between the gut and the brain, via the vagus nerve is a delicate system which is affected directly by your Gut Health. Hormones, neurotransmitters, and immune signals are constantly interacting, and poor gut health can impact mood, hormone regulation, cognitive abilities, and mental health in general, conversely an overloaded brain that is functioning under stress can affect digestion which will in turn impact gut health.

4.    Leaky Gut Syndrome and Autoimmune Diseases:

Another reason we need to nurture our gut health is related to the link between leaky gut syndrome and autoimmune disease. Autoimmune disease is rising exponentially, resulting in the increase of many conditions such as thyroid disease, skin disorders, gut conditions such as celiac and fertility struggles, the link between leaky gut and autoimmune disease is becoming better understood as time passes, and we must consider this when we ask why we must look after our gut health.

How Does Manuka Honey Support Gut Health? 

We have moved so far away from nature with our food choices and often the simplest medicine gives the greatest results. The NZ native Manuka plant has remarkable therapeutic qualities and Manuka Honey is among the most potent of honeys that can assist with your digestive health. It is rich in the bioactive compounds Leptosperin and Methylglyoxal (MGO), as well as oligosaccharides, these combined make Medical-Grade Manuka Honey a powerful agent for improving the gut microbiome with its therapeutic properties. 

• Prebiotic: 

Contains oligosaccharides which have been shown to induce beneficial changes in the gut microbiome which in turn positively affects the gut lining. 

• Antibacterial & Antimicrobial:

The complex natural structure of Manuka Honey aids in its ability to inhibit the overgrowth of undesirable microbes, such as Campylobacterand Salmonella.

• Antioxidant:

The phenolic compounds - polyphenols and flavonoids, in Manuka Honey support its protective qualities, both within the bloodstream and in body cells. The darker the honey, the higher the phenolic content.

• Anti-inflammatory:

The phenolic content of honey also assists in regulating the inflammation cycle, and interrupts inflammation processes. 

When discussing the benefits of Manuka honey in the recent Daily Telegraph UK article posted in the NZ Herald - The Health Benefits of Manuka Honey - and How To Spot The Fake Stuff; Nutritionist Julie Gough states the following-

" Good gut health is key to our overall health, a healthy gut lining prevents harmful bacteria or pathogens from entering the body and stimulating immune cell activity. This is where honey can play a role. It contains prebiotics that nourish beneficial bacteria in our gut, including Bifidobacterium and Lactobacilli, which play a key role in immune regulation" 

How To Incorporate Manuka Honey Into Your Routine

This remarkable superfood is easy to include in your health regime just a small amount each day of New Zealand Manuka Honey will assist in regulating the bacteria in your gut, reducing the occurrence of bad bacteria that contributes to dysbiosis in the digestive system and the weakening of the tight junctions in the walls of your intestinal tract that create a leaky gut profile.

Simple ways to get its full benefits include:

• Eat 1 teaspoon per day straight off the spoon for digestive health
• Stir 1 teaspoon into herbal teas or warm water
• Enjoy over yoghurt, smoothies, or oats
• Use it as a natural sweetener in recipes

Which Manuka Honey Should You Choose?

Medical Grade Manuka Honey is not just your everyday over the counter multi-floral type of honey. Specific to New Zealand Manuka Honey; it is tested to ensure its purity and potency and carries the UMF trademark. When looking for a honey that will provide you with the healing benefits for gut health, we want to be looking at New Zealand Manuka Honey that is 15+ (MGO 514+) or higher, this has a higher amount of the bioactive compounds that have therapeutic actions. 

Final Thoughts

Your gut health is the foundation of overall well-being, influencing everything from digestion to immunity and mental clarity. By incorporating high potency Manuka Honey into your daily routine, you can enhance digestion and detoxification, nurture your gut, and support long term health.

As A Naturopath I Know That – CONSISTENCY IS KEY.

All you need is a teaspoon per day, the simplest medicine is the best medicine and by using food as medicine, as it is given to us by nature, we can give ourselves the best chance for optimal health and healing. When you choose Medicinal Manuka Honey as a regular part of your health routine, you reap all the rewards of this unique and potent superfood, remember gut health is like the soil from which all things flourish. The healthier it is, the stronger you will be. Enjoy!