Honey contains acetylcholine, which acts on the parasympathetic nervous system to promote gastrointestinal motility. In addition, honey also contains many oligosaccharides, which can promote the growth of beneficial microorganisms in the human gut. The metabolism of these beneficial microorganisms can inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms, maintaining the micro-ecological balance of the gut. Modern medical research has found that licorice also has a certain anti-ulcer effect. It can inhibit the secretion of gastric juice and acid, directly adsorb stomach acid in the stomach to reduce the acidity of gastric juice, increase the hexosamine content of gastric mucosal cells, and protect the gastric mucosa from damage. Therefore, patients with gastric and duodenal ulcers can drink licorice honey water.
It should be noted that for different patients with stomach diseases, the method and time of taking honey are also different. For patients with excessive gastric acid or hypertrophic gastritis, especially those with gastric and duodenal ulcers, it is advisable to drink warm honey water 1 hour before meals. This can inhibit the secretion of gastric acid, thereby reducing the stimulation of the gastric mucosa and promoting the healing of the ulcer surface. For patients with lack of gastric acid or atrophic gastritis, it is best to drink cold honey water and then eat immediately.
It is recommended that patients with chronic gastritis first quit smoking and alcohol, and try to avoid irritating foods such as overly sour or spicy foods, as well as raw, cold, and indigestible foods. Secondly, chew food slowly when eating, so that the food is fully mixed with saliva, which is beneficial for digestion and reduces stimulation to the stomach. Finally, use caution with drugs that damage the gastric mucosa.