5 Common Mistakes When Drinking Honey That Can Harm Your Li.ver and Kid.neys — Especially #2

Honey is often praised as a natural superfood — packed with antioxidants, enzymes, and antibacterial properties. Many people consume honey daily for its supposed health benefits, from boosting immunity to soothing sore throats. However, not all honey habits are healthy. Used incorrectly, honey can do more harm than good, particularly to vital organs like the liver and kidneys.

Here are five common mistakes people make when consuming honey — and why #2 is especially important to avoid.

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1. Drinking Honey with Boiling Water

Mixing honey with boiling water is one of the most common and dangerous mistakes.

Why it’s harmful:
When honey is exposed to high temperatures (above 40°C or 104°F), it can lose its natural enzymes and antioxidants. Worse, it may produce Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) — a compound linked to liver toxicity and potential carcinogenic effects in high amounts.

Correct way:
Use warm water, not hot. Let the water cool slightly before adding honey to preserve its nutrients and avoid producing harmful substances.

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2. Taking Honey on an Empty Stomach First Thing in the Morning

Many people start their day with a spoonful of honey, believing it boosts energy and metabolism. But doing this on an empty stomach may backfire.

Why it’s harmful:
Honey is high in natural sugars (mainly fructose and glucose), which are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream. Taking it on an empty stomach can cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels, putting stress on the pancreas, liver, and kidneys — especially in those prone to insulin resistance, fatty liver, or kidney dysfunction.

Recommendation:
Don’t consume honey alone when your stomach is empty. Instead, combine it with fiber-rich foods or take it after a light meal to slow sugar absorption.

3. Overconsumption — More Is Not Better

Honey is natural, but it’s still a form of sugar. Some people consume large amounts daily, assuming it's harmless.

Why it’s harmful:
Excessive intake of honey can lead to:

• Fat buildup in the liver (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease)

• Increased workload on the kidneys

• Blood sugar imbalances

• Weight gain and inflammation

The WHO recommends limiting added sugars (including honey) to less than 25 grams (about 2 tablespoons) per day for adults.

Recommendation:
Stick to 1–2 teaspoons of honey per day if you're healthy. If you have existing health conditions, consult your doctor before making honey a daily habit.

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4. Using Honey with Certain Herbs or Medications

Combining honey with herbal remedies or medications without guidance can be risky.

Why it’s harmful:
Honey can interact with medications or enhance the effects of herbs, placing extra stress on the liver and kidneys. For example:

• Honey + garlic in high doses may thin the blood excessively.

• Honey + traditional detox teas may cause dehydration or electrolyte imbalance.

Recommendation:
Avoid combining honey with strong herbal remedies unless advised by a healthcare professional. Be cautious if you're on liver- or kidney-related medication.

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5. Giving Raw Honey to Children Under 1 Year Old

While this mistake mainly applies to infants, the consequences can be severe — even life-threatening.

Why it’s harmful:
Raw honey may contain Clostridium botulinum spores, which can cause infant botulism — a rare but serious illness affecting the nervous system. The infant’s liver and immune system are not yet developed enough to handle this bacteria.

Recommendation:
Never give honey to babies under 12 months. For older children and adults, choose raw, unfiltered honey from reputable sources.

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Conclusion: Use Honey Wisely, Not Excessively

Honey can be a beneficial addition to your diet, but only when used correctly and moderately. Misusing it — whether through high heat, overconsumption, or the wrong timing — can burden your liver and kidneys, leading to long-term health problems.

Remember:

• Use warm, not hot, water.

• Avoid honey on an empty stomach.

• Don’t exceed recommended amounts.

• Be cautious with herbal combinations.

• Never give honey to infants under 1 year old.

By avoiding these five common mistakes, you can enjoy honey’s benefits without risking your health.