Is Honey Bad for Autoimmune Disease? An Evidence-Based Guide

October 28, 2025 •

3 min read

Recent research and anecdotal evidence suggest that certain types of honey, like Manuka, possess immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties, sparking a common question: is honey bad for autoimmune disease? This inquiry arises from the dual nature of honey as both a potential anti-inflammatory agent and a source of simple sugars that can impact chronic inflammation.

Quick Summary

This article explores the relationship between honey and autoimmune disease, examining its anti-inflammatory and gut health benefits alongside its impact on blood sugar. It also differentiates between raw and processed honey, highlighting key risks for immunocompromised individuals and providing a balanced perspective on its role in an autoimmune-friendly diet.

Key Points

Anti-inflammatory Effects: Honey contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds that can help combat the oxidative stress common in autoimmune diseases.
Gut Health Support: Acting as a prebiotic, honey can support beneficial gut bacteria, which is critical for regulating the immune system and reducing inflammation.
Blood Sugar Impact: Honey still contains natural sugars that can affect blood glucose levels; moderation is crucial for individuals with diabetes or insulin resistance.
Raw vs. Processed: Raw honey retains more beneficial enzymes and antioxidants but carries a botulism risk, especially for immunocompromised individuals, unlike pasteurized varieties.
Consult a Doctor: The decision to include honey in an autoimmune diet should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider to weigh potential benefits against individual risks.
Individual Variability: Response to honey can vary, with some autoimmune diets (like AIP) being more restrictive regarding sweeteners, including natural ones.

The Science Behind Honey and Autoimmunity

Honey's Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties

Autoimmune diseases are characterized by chronic inflammation. Honey contains bioactive compounds like phenolic acids and flavonoids with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. These antioxidants, found in varieties like buckwheat, combat oxidative stress, which can worsen autoimmune responses. Honey may also downregulate pro-inflammatory cytokines and has shown promise in reducing inflammation in some conditions.

Honey and Gut Health: A Prebiotic Effect

The gut microbiome influences immune function, and imbalances are linked to autoimmune disorders. Honey can act as a prebiotic, nourishing beneficial gut bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, supporting a healthier gut environment crucial for immune regulation. Certain honeys, like Manuka, may also help heal the gut lining.

Navigating Honey and Blood Sugar

Honey contains fructose and glucose, impacting blood sugar levels. Some honeys have a lower glycemic index than refined sugar, potentially leading to a slower glucose release. Studies have shown mixed results regarding honey's effects on fasting glucose and lipid profiles. Due to its sugar content, honey can still spike blood glucose, and individuals with diabetes or insulin resistance should consume it in moderation and consult a healthcare provider.

Raw vs. Processed Honey: Which is Better for Autoimmunity?

Processing affects honey's beneficial compounds and safety. Raw honey retains more nutrients but carries a risk, especially for immunocompromised individuals.


Feature	Raw Honey	Processed Honey
Processing	Unpasteurized and minimally filtered.	Heated and filtered, removing beneficial components.
Nutritional Content	Higher levels of antioxidants, enzymes, and phytonutrients.	Fewer beneficial compounds.
Pollen Content	Retains bee pollen.	Bee pollen is removed.
Antibacterial Activity	Often more potent.	Lower antibacterial activity.
Safety Risk	Risk of Clostridium botulinum spores for infants and immunocompromised.	This risk is eliminated.

Potential Risks and Precautions

For those with autoimmune disease, potential risks include botulism from raw honey for immunocompromised individuals and infants, allergic reactions due to pollen content, and increased inflammation from excessive sugar intake. Moderation and awareness of these risks are essential.

Conclusion: Is Honey Bad for Autoimmune Disease?

Honey presents a complex case for those with autoimmune disease. While its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and prebiotic properties offer potential benefits for immune regulation and gut health, its sugar content and the botulism risk in raw honey (for vulnerable groups) require careful consideration. A balanced approach, potentially incorporating high-quality raw honey in moderation, may be suitable for some, but individual responses vary, and professional medical guidance is crucial.

How to Use Honey Responsibly with an Autoimmune Condition

Consult Your Doctor: Discuss significant dietary changes with a healthcare provider or dietitian.
Choose Raw Honey (with Caution): Opt for unpasteurized raw honey for potential benefits, but be aware of the botulism risk for immunocompromised individuals and infants.
Practice Moderation: Use honey sparingly to avoid blood sugar spikes and excessive sugar intake.
Opt for Darker Varieties: Darker honeys may have higher antioxidant levels.
Monitor Your Body's Response: Observe how your body reacts and adjust intake accordingly.

Additional Considerations for Honey and Autoimmunity

Manuka Honey Research: Manuka honey's antimicrobial and immune-modulating effects are being studied, but more human trials are needed.
AIP Diet Protocol: Some AIP diets restrict or exclude natural sweeteners like honey.
Look for Alternatives: Consider alternative natural sweeteners like maple syrup or fruit for sweetness.

The Role of Lifestyle Factors

Managing autoimmune conditions involves more than just diet. Stress management, regular exercise, and quality sleep are vital lifestyle factors that help modulate inflammation and support overall health.

Ultimately, a comprehensive approach including medical guidance is key. Honey can be a minor part of this, used cautiously with informed consideration of its potential risks and benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

While honey is a natural sweetener, some stricter versions of the AIP diet limit or exclude it, especially during the initial elimination phase. The level of consumption, if any, is based on individual tolerance. It is important to follow the specific guidelines of your dietary protocol and consult a professional.

Manuka honey is known for its high levels of Methylglyoxal (MGO) and potent anti-inflammatory properties, making it of interest for managing autoimmune symptoms. While anecdotal evidence and some preliminary studies show promise, more robust clinical trials are needed to confirm these benefits.

Raw honey is not recommended for individuals with compromised immune systems or infants under one year of age due to the risk of Clostridium botulinum spores, which can cause botulism. This risk is eliminated in pasteurized honey.

Excessive consumption of any sugar, including honey, can potentially increase systemic inflammation and may contribute to a flare-up. However, this is largely dependent on the individual's condition, overall diet, and portion size. Moderation is key.

Depending on the specific diet and personal tolerance, alternatives include pure maple syrup (especially darker grades with more antioxidants), dates, and coconut sugar. Always choose minimally processed, pure versions.

Honey is considered an immunomodulator, meaning it helps regulate immune responses to maintain balance, rather than just boosting them. This is particularly relevant for autoimmune conditions where an overactive immune system is the problem, not a weak one. This regulatory effect can help mitigate excessive immune responses.

Raw honey will typically be labeled as 'raw' or 'unpasteurized' and may appear cloudy, thicker, and contain bits of pollen or honeycomb. Processed honey is often clear and thin. Checking the label and purchasing from reputable sources are the best ways to ensure you are getting a genuine product.