What Does Milk and Honey Do to Your Stomach?

December 28, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2022 review, honey contains non-digestible oligosaccharides, which function as prebiotics and can promote a healthier gut microbiome. So, what does milk and honey do to your stomach when combined, and is this traditional remedy right for your digestive system?

Quick Summary

The combination of milk and honey can act as a prebiotic to improve gut health and digestion, potentially soothing stomach issues like constipation and bloating. However, individuals with lactose intolerance or IBS may experience discomfort due to the mixture's components.

Key Points

Prebiotic Effect: Honey contains non-digestible oligosaccharides that feed beneficial gut bacteria, promoting a healthier gut microbiome.
Soothing and Anti-inflammatory Properties: The combination, particularly when warm, can soothe the digestive tract and calm inflammation in the gut lining.
Constipation Relief: Honey acts as a mild laxative, and when combined with warm milk, can help regulate bowel movements and relieve constipation.
Antibacterial Action: Honey's natural antimicrobial properties can help inhibit the growth of harmful stomach bacteria, offering protection against certain infections.
Individual Sensitivities: Individuals with lactose intolerance, IBS, or diabetes should be cautious, as the mixture's lactose, high fructose, and sugar content can cause digestive problems or affect blood sugar.
High Sugar Content: Both honey and milk contain sugars and calories, so excessive consumption can contribute to weight gain and blood sugar fluctuations.
Proper Preparation: To preserve beneficial enzymes, honey should be mixed into lukewarm milk, not hot, and moderation is recommended.

The Digestive Duo: How Milk and Honey Interact

For centuries, milk and honey have been consumed together, often prized for their perceived health benefits. When considering their effect on the stomach, it's important to break down how each component influences the digestive system individually and synergistically. The warmth of the drink can be soothing, but the deeper impact depends on your body's specific response to each ingredient.

Honey: A Natural Prebiotic for Gut Health

Honey is not just a simple sweetener; it is a complex substance containing over 200 components, including a variety of sugars, minerals, and antioxidants. Most notably for gut health, certain types of honey contain non-digestible carbohydrates, such as oligosaccharides, which are classified as prebiotics. Prebiotics are crucial because they act as food for the beneficial bacteria in your gut, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria, encouraging their growth and maintaining a healthy gut microbiome.

Beyond its prebiotic action, honey has demonstrated antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, particularly raw and unpasteurized varieties. It can help suppress the growth of harmful bacteria in the stomach, such as Helicobacter pylori, a common cause of stomach ulcers, and potentially reduce gut inflammation.

Milk: The Soothing and Nutrient-Rich Counterpart

Milk, especially when warm, can have a soothing effect on the digestive tract. It contains calcium and other essential nutrients that support overall gut health. As a complete protein, milk provides amino acids and aids in tissue repair throughout the body, including the gastrointestinal lining. For some, the fat and protein content can coat the stomach lining, potentially providing a temporary buffer against stomach acid.

The Digestive Benefits of Milk and Honey

When combined, the prebiotic qualities of honey and the nutrients in milk can work in harmony for a healthier digestive system. Here are some of the key benefits:

Relieves Constipation: Honey has a mild laxative effect due to its natural sugars and enzymes, while warm milk can help stimulate bowel movements. Together, they can aid in regulating intestinal regularity.
Soothes Upset Stomachs: The gentle, anti-inflammatory properties of honey can help calm an irritated gut lining, while warm milk provides a comforting effect. This combination may help alleviate symptoms of indigestion, gas, and bloating for those who tolerate dairy well.
Fights Stomach Infections: The antimicrobial properties present in certain types of honey, combined with milk's immunoglobulins, can offer a stronger defense against harmful bacteria in the stomach and gut.
Helps with Acid Reflux (with caution): Anecdotal evidence suggests that honey's viscous texture may help coat the esophagus and reduce acid reflux symptoms. However, experts advise that consuming simple sugars can also trigger symptoms, and nonfat milk might be a better option for some.

Potential Risks and Stomach Sensitivities

Despite its benefits, the combination is not suitable for everyone. Certain individuals may experience digestive distress rather than relief. Understanding these risks is crucial for determining if this remedy is right for you.

Common Digestive Sensitivities


Condition	Effect of Milk and Honey	Explanation	Workaround
Lactose Intolerance	Causes digestive distress.	Lack of the lactase enzyme means the body cannot break down lactose in milk, leading to bloating, gas, and diarrhea.	Use a plant-based milk alternative, such as almond or soy milk.
IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)	May trigger symptoms.	Honey is a high-FODMAP food due to its high fructose content, which can exacerbate IBS symptoms like gas and bloating.	Avoid or limit consumption; consult a doctor about low-FODMAP alternatives.
Diabetes	Affects blood sugar levels.	Both milk and honey contain natural sugars that can cause blood sugar spikes, requiring careful monitoring.	Consume in moderation and consult a healthcare professional.

How to Safely Enjoy Milk and Honey for Digestive Health

If you do not have a known sensitivity to milk or the high sugar content of honey, you can incorporate this combination safely. Keep the following best practices in mind:

Use Lukewarm, Not Hot, Liquid: Never add honey to boiling milk. Heating honey to high temperatures can destroy beneficial enzymes and potentially create harmful compounds according to some sources. Add honey to lukewarm milk after it has cooled slightly.
Choose Raw Honey: Raw, unprocessed honey retains more of its natural enzymes and antioxidants, which contribute to its gut-health benefits.
Moderate Your Intake: Due to the high sugar content, it's wise to limit your intake. A spoonful of honey in a glass of milk is generally sufficient for most purposes.
Listen to Your Body: Pay close attention to how your body reacts. If you experience discomfort, it's best to stop consumption and consult a healthcare professional.

Conclusion: A Balanced View of Milk and Honey on the Stomach

Ultimately, what milk and honey do to your stomach depends on your individual digestive health and sensitivities. For those who tolerate dairy well, the combination can offer several benefits, including promoting a healthy gut microbiome due to honey's prebiotic effects and providing relief from mild digestive complaints like constipation. The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of honey add a layer of protective benefit, especially when combined with the nutritional value of milk. However, for individuals with lactose intolerance or sensitive gut conditions like IBS, this mixture may cause more harm than good, leading to bloating and pain. Moderation is key, as is listening to your body's signals and consulting a doctor if you have persistent or severe digestive issues. For a gentle digestive aid, a warm, diluted milk and honey mixture can be a soothing and pleasant part of a balanced diet.

For more detailed information on honey's prebiotic properties and their impact on the gut, see this review: The Potential of Honey as a Prebiotic Food to Re-engineer the Gut Microbiome.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, for many people, drinking milk with honey can aid digestion. Honey acts as a prebiotic, promoting the growth of good gut bacteria, while milk can have a soothing effect on the digestive tract.

Yes, warm milk with honey is often used as a natural remedy for constipation. Honey's mild laxative effect combined with warm milk can help promote smoother, more regular bowel movements.

If you experience stomach pain, you may have lactose intolerance, a condition where the body cannot digest milk's lactose, leading to bloating and gas. Honey is also high in fructose and is a high-FODMAP food, which can be problematic for those with IBS.

Limited anecdotal evidence suggests honey's viscous texture may coat the esophagus and provide relief from acid reflux. However, other experts warn that the simple sugars in honey could aggravate symptoms for some.

Certain types of honey, particularly raw honey, contain prebiotics that nourish beneficial gut bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria. This helps balance the gut microbiome and can reduce gut inflammation.

No, people with lactose intolerance should not drink milk and honey using standard milk, as it will likely cause digestive issues. They can, however, use a plant-based, lactose-free milk substitute.

No, it is best to add honey to lukewarm milk rather than hot milk. According to some traditions, heating honey to high temperatures can destroy its beneficial enzymes and potentially produce harmful compounds.