What Happens If You Ate Too Much Honey?

December 27, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the American Heart Association, adults should limit daily added sugars, including honey, to six to nine teaspoons depending on gender. Exceeding this recommendation by eating too much honey can lead to a variety of unwanted health consequences, despite its natural origin.

Quick Summary

Consuming an excessive amount of honey can cause significant health issues. Due to its high sugar and calorie content, overconsumption can result in digestive problems, rapid blood sugar spikes, and unwanted weight gain. It is crucial to consume honey in moderation to avoid these negative health effects.

Key Points

Blood Sugar Spikes: Excess honey, rich in simple sugars, can cause rapid blood sugar spikes, which is particularly risky for diabetics.
Digestive Issues: Overconsumption of fructose in honey can lead to bloating, gas, cramps, and diarrhea, especially for individuals with IBS or fructose intolerance.
Weight Gain: Honey is high in calories and can contribute to weight gain if consumed in excess as part of a high-calorie diet.
Infant Botulism Risk: Honey should never be given to infants under one year old due to the risk of infant botulism from Clostridium botulinum spores.
Dental Decay: The high sugar content and sticky nature of honey increase the risk of tooth decay and cavities.
Allergic Reactions: In rare cases, individuals with pollen allergies or sensitivities may experience a reaction to honey.

Short-Term Side Effects of Excess Honey Consumption

If you have had a large amount of honey in a single sitting, you will likely experience immediate symptoms related to your body's processing of a sugar overload. Honey is primarily composed of fructose and glucose, which are simple sugars that are rapidly absorbed.

Digestive Distress: High fructose intake can overwhelm the small intestine's ability to absorb it, leading to digestive issues. Symptoms can include gas, bloating, stomach cramps, and diarrhea, especially for individuals with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or fructose intolerance.
Blood Sugar Spike: A large dose of sugar, even from a 'healthier' source like honey, will cause a significant spike in blood glucose levels. This can be particularly dangerous for individuals with diabetes or insulin resistance, but can cause a temporary energy crash, or 'sugar crash,' in anyone after the initial surge.
Hypotension: While moderate honey intake may support healthy blood pressure, excessive consumption could potentially lead to a drop in blood pressure, known as hypotension, causing dizziness or fatigue.

Long-Term Health Risks of Overindulgence

Consistent overconsumption of honey, just like any added sugar, can contribute to chronic health problems. The notion that honey is 'healthy sugar' can lead some to ignore the risks of excessive intake.

Weight Gain: Honey is calorie-dense, with one tablespoon containing approximately 64 calories. Consuming a large amount daily can easily lead to a calorie surplus and contribute to weight gain over time.
Increased Risk of Chronic Disease: Diets high in any form of sugar are linked to a higher risk of developing chronic conditions. Consistent blood sugar spikes can lead to insulin resistance, increasing the risk for type 2 diabetes. High sugar intake is also associated with heart disease.
Dental Problems: The high sugar content and sticky nature of honey provide a perfect environment for oral bacteria to thrive, leading to tooth decay and cavities.

Honey vs. Refined Sugar: A Comparative Look

While honey is often perceived as a healthier alternative, it's important to understand the nutritional differences and similarities when it comes to moderation.


Feature	Honey	Refined Sugar
Glycemic Index (GI)	Lower (around 50)	Higher (around 80)
Nutrients	Contains trace amounts of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants	Lacks nutrients (empty calories)
Calorie Count	Approx. 64 calories per tbsp	Approx. 50 calories per tbsp
Absorption	Can be absorbed more slowly, but still raises blood sugar	Causes a rapid blood sugar spike
Taste	Sweeter than refined sugar, so less may be needed	Less sweet than honey

The Importance of Infant Safety

One of the most critical safety concerns is the risk of infant botulism. Honey, both raw and processed, can contain Clostridium botulinum spores, which are harmless to adults with mature digestive systems but can be extremely dangerous for infants under one year old. A baby's digestive system cannot fight off these spores, which can lead to infant botulism, a serious and potentially fatal condition. Therefore, no amount of honey should ever be given to an infant.

How to Counteract the Effects of Too Much Honey

If you have accidentally consumed more honey than is recommended and are experiencing mild symptoms, there are a few steps you can take to mitigate the effects.

Hydrate: Drink plenty of water. This helps flush your system and may alleviate digestive discomfort and the effects of a sugar spike.
Eat Fiber: Consume high-fiber foods like vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Fiber can help slow down the absorption of sugar into your bloodstream, stabilizing blood glucose levels.
Exercise: A short walk or light exercise can help your body use the excess sugar for energy, which helps normalize your blood sugar levels.
Monitor Symptoms: If you experience severe or persistent symptoms, such as an irregular heartbeat, wheezing, or severe dizziness, it is important to consult a medical professional.

Conclusion

While honey has antioxidant and antibacterial properties that make it a better choice than refined sugar, it remains a calorie-dense form of sugar that must be consumed in moderation. Excessive intake can lead to a cascade of negative health effects, including digestive issues, weight gain, dental problems, and an increased risk of chronic diseases, particularly for those with underlying conditions like diabetes. Always be mindful of your daily intake and never give honey to infants under one year old. The key to enjoying honey's benefits without the drawbacks is mindful consumption as part of a balanced diet.

For more detailed information on healthy sugar consumption, visit the official website for the American Heart Association [https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/sugar/added-sugars].

Frequently Asked Questions

The American Heart Association recommends limiting total daily added sugars to no more than 6 teaspoons for women and 9 teaspoons for men, and this includes honey. A daily intake of 1-2 tablespoons is generally considered a moderate amount.

Yes, consuming too much honey can cause diarrhea. Its high fructose content can overwhelm the digestive system's ability to absorb it, drawing water into the intestines and causing digestive upset.

While honey does not directly cause diabetes, regular overconsumption can contribute to factors that increase your risk, such as weight gain and insulin resistance. For those with existing diabetes, excessive intake will significantly raise blood sugar levels.

No. While honey contains trace nutrients and has a lower glycemic index than refined sugar, it is still a concentrated source of sugar and calories. Consuming too much of either is detrimental to your health.

Long-term health effects can include chronic weight gain, increased risk of type 2 diabetes due to insulin resistance, dental problems, and a higher risk of heart disease.

If you experience mild symptoms from eating too much honey, drink plenty of water, consume fiber-rich foods, and engage in some light exercise. If symptoms are severe or persist, seek medical advice.

Honey contains Clostridium botulinum spores, which can cause infant botulism in babies under one year old whose digestive systems are not mature enough to neutralize them. Infant botulism can cause paralysis and is a serious condition.