Is Honey Good for the Kidneys?: Benefits, risks, and dietary considerations

October 1, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the National Kidney Foundation, people with kidney disease can often safely consume honey in moderation. However, navigating the role of natural sweeteners like honey within a renal diet requires careful consideration, raising the question: Is honey good for the kidneys?

Quick Summary

Honey offers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can potentially benefit kidney health. It is often considered a suitable natural sweetener in moderation for individuals with kidney disease, but its high sugar content necessitates mindful consumption, particularly for diabetic patients. Medical consultation is crucial before adding honey to a restricted renal diet.

Key Points

Antioxidant Power: Honey's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds may help protect kidney cells from oxidative stress and damage.
Diabetic Consideration: Due to its high sugar content, people with diabetes and kidney disease must consume honey in moderation and with medical guidance to avoid blood sugar spikes.
Moderation is Key: While potentially beneficial, honey's high sugar and calorie content means that excessive consumption could be counterproductive for kidney health.
Professional Guidance: Before incorporating honey into a renal diet, consult a doctor or registered dietitian to determine safe amounts based on your specific health status and stage of kidney disease.
Raw Honey Precaution: Unpasteurized raw honey can pose a risk of botulism and should be avoided by immunocompromised individuals, including some kidney patients.
Superior to Refined Sugar: When used in moderation, honey is a better option than refined sugar because it provides some nutritional value beyond empty calories.

The Nutritional Profile of Honey

Honey is a complex natural substance composed primarily of sugars, including fructose and glucose, but also containing a variety of beneficial compounds. The exact composition can vary based on the type of honey, but it generally provides a mix of nutrients not found in highly processed table sugar. These include antioxidants, enzymes, and minerals. Specific types, such as Manuka honey, are known for unique compounds with potential therapeutic properties.

Potential Benefits for Kidney Health

Several studies, particularly on animal models, have explored honey's protective effects on the kidneys. The primary benefits are linked to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds.

Antioxidant Effects: Honey's flavonoids and other antioxidants may help protect kidney cells from oxidative stress and damage. Research on Wistar rats showed that honey supplementation prevented elevation in serum creatinine and ameliorated renal lesions caused by a high-fat diet.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Chronic inflammation is a significant driver of kidney disease progression. The anti-inflammatory effects of honey's compounds may help reduce inflammation within the kidneys.
Support for Diabetes Management: Diabetes is a leading cause of kidney disease. Some studies suggest honey may have a positive effect on blood glucose levels and insulin sensitivity, potentially helping to protect kidneys from diabetic damage. However, this requires moderation and careful management.
Fighting Infection: The antimicrobial properties of honey, especially certain types like Manuka, have been studied for treating infections. While more research is needed on its specific effect on kidney infections, its general antimicrobial action is promising.
Low Sodium Content: Compared to many processed sweeteners and foods with high levels of added sodium, honey is naturally low in sodium, which is a crucial consideration for a renal diet.

Important Considerations and Risks

Despite its potential benefits, honey is not without risks, especially for those with existing kidney conditions. Its high sugar content is the primary concern.

Sugar Content and Diabetes: For kidney patients who also have diabetes, managing blood sugar is critical. A single tablespoon of honey contains a significant amount of carbohydrates (about 17 grams), which can affect blood sugar levels. Consumption must be carefully monitored with a healthcare provider.
Potassium and Phosphorus: While often lower in these minerals than some fruits and vegetables, honey does contain some potassium and phosphorus. For patients with advanced kidney disease, who need to strictly limit these minerals, honey intake must be factored into their total dietary allowance.
Raw Honey and Botulism Risk: Unpasteurized raw honey can contain Clostridium botulinum spores, which pose a risk, particularly for individuals with weakened immune systems. This is why food-grade honey should not be used on open skin or wounds.
Moderation is Key: The benefits of honey are conditional on consuming it in moderation. Excessive intake can counteract any potential positive effects due to its high calorie and sugar content.

Honey vs. Sugar for Renal Diets

When deciding on a sweetener, people with kidney disease should compare honey and regular table sugar. The best choice depends on individual health needs and the stage of kidney disease.


Feature	Honey	Refined Table Sugar	Implications for Renal Diet
Nutritional Value	Contains antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and enzymes.	Contains no nutritional value; empty calories.	Honey offers some minor health benefits beyond sweetening.
Sugar Composition	Primarily fructose and glucose.	Primarily sucrose (glucose + fructose).	Both affect blood sugar, but honey may have a slightly lesser impact in some contexts due to its complex nature.
Anti-Inflammatory	Potential anti-inflammatory properties.	No anti-inflammatory properties.	Honey's anti-inflammatory potential is a slight advantage.
Sodium	Low sodium.	Low sodium.	Both are generally suitable in this regard, but check ingredients for additives in processed items.
Blood Sugar Impact	Still affects blood sugar and must be limited, especially for diabetics.	Causes rapid blood sugar spikes.	Honey may offer a slightly more controlled effect, but moderation is essential for both.

Implementing Honey into a Kidney-Friendly Diet

For individuals with kidney health concerns, integrating honey requires a thoughtful approach. Here are some practical steps:

Consult Your Healthcare Provider: Before making any dietary changes, especially if you have chronic kidney disease (CKD), speak with your doctor or a registered dietitian specializing in renal health. They can help determine the appropriate amount for your specific condition.
Use as a Substitute: Swap processed sugar for a small amount of honey in recipes or beverages. Its higher sweetness means you can often use less.
Be Mindful of Portion Sizes: Use small quantities. A teaspoon or two a day is very different from a large quantity added to multiple items.
Choose Raw and Organic: Opt for raw, high-quality honey to ensure you get the maximum nutritional benefit. However, avoid raw honey if you have compromised immunity.
Monitor Other Nutrients: Ensure your overall diet remains balanced and follows all other kidney-friendly guidelines, such as managing potassium, phosphorus, and fluid intake.

Conclusion

In summary, is honey good for the kidneys? The answer is nuanced. While it offers potential benefits through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and can be a part of a healthy diet, especially when replacing refined sugar, it must be used cautiously and in moderation. For individuals with kidney disease, particularly those with co-existing conditions like diabetes, the high sugar content presents a significant consideration. A well-rounded, kidney-friendly diet focused on whole, unprocessed foods and balanced nutrient intake remains the cornerstone of supporting renal health. Always consult a healthcare professional before incorporating honey or any significant dietary change into your plan, especially for advanced stages of kidney disease. For reliable information on kidney-friendly diets, consider resources like the National Kidney Foundation's nutrition hub.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, people with kidney disease can often eat honey safely, but only in moderation. It is important to discuss the appropriate amount with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian, especially if you have other conditions like diabetes.

Yes, honey is high in sugar and does affect blood sugar levels, though perhaps less dramatically than refined sugar. Kidney patients with diabetes must monitor their carbohydrate intake and manage honey consumption carefully with medical guidance.

Honey contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that may help protect kidney cells from damage caused by oxidative stress. Some studies also suggest it may offer nephroprotective benefits and fight infection.

Manuka honey has unique antimicrobial properties, but more research is needed to confirm its specific benefits for kidney disease patients. While it offers antioxidants, its high sugar content still requires caution and medical supervision.

Moderation is crucial because honey is high in sugar and calories, which can negatively impact overall health if overconsumed. Excessive intake could worsen underlying health issues, particularly for patients with diabetes.

Some animal studies have suggested honey may help reduce high creatinine levels. However, more research is needed in humans, and excessive intake should be avoided for this purpose.

In safe, moderate amounts, honey is not inherently harmful. However, for those with advanced kidney disease, the high sugar content must be managed carefully. Unpasteurized raw honey can also pose a botulism risk.