Why I Added Manuka Honey to My Gut Health Routine (and You Might Want To Too)

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The gut-immune connection is not some trendy wellness talk. It’s science.

About 70 – 90% of your immune system lives in your intestines. That means if you’re focused on healing digestive problems (like I always do), you’re already doing major work on the immune system.

But here’s what I’ve learned after twenty years of healing SIBO and IBS: supporting your gut doesn’t stop with probiotics and bone broth.

Sometimes it looks like a jar of very good honey. And this is good news, because it is delicious.

[Before you roll your eyes at another “miracle” supplement, hear me out.]

The problem with most immune supplements

Most immune support products are full of fillers, binders, and ingredients that I can’t pronounce and that do absolutely nothing for my digestive system.

Furthermore, your body’s ability to absorb nutrients is already compromised if you are dealing with intestinal problems. Taking more hard-to-digest capsules may not help the situation.

I’m testing Manukora’s bioactive blends these past few weeks, and I’m really loving it. And no, not just because it has a beautiful color 🙂

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What makes this different

This isn’t your basic honey with a hint of elderberry for Instagram appeal.

Manukora’s Immunity + Defense Blend combines:

• MGO 850+ raw Manuka honey from New Zealand
• 64:1 elderberry extract (that’s 64 pounds of elderberries concentrated in 1 pound of extract)
• 10:1 echinacea extract (sustainably grown, retaining complexity of the entire plant)

The 64:1 concentration means you get a highly concentrated form – that’s 64 pounds of elderberry in 1 pound of extract, which is significantly more potent than standard preparations.

Why the honey base actually matters for gut health

Manuka honey is not just a delivery system. It is bioactive, meaning it has actual antimicrobial properties that have been extensively studied.

Here’s what the research shows about Manuka honey and digestive health:

• Supports beneficial intestinal bacteria and discourages harmful bacteria: Research shows that honey can reduce infection-causing bacteria in the gut, including Salmonella, E. coli and C. difficile, while simultaneously encouraging the growth of beneficial species such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria. [source]
• Contains oligosaccharides that act as prebiotics: Honey contains non-digestible carbohydrates in the form of oligosaccharides that beneficial intestinal bacteria can use to produce metabolites that promote prebiotic effects. [source]
• Has anti-inflammatory properties: Studies show that honey promotes the upregulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines and the downregulation of proinflammatory cytokines. In animal models of induced colitis, oral administration of Manuka honey significantly reduced intestinal inflammation. [source]

[I’ve tested dozens of Manuka honey brands over the years. Manukora is one of the few I actually trust and use myself.]

The Gut-Immune Connection You Need to Understand

Your intestinal wall and your immune system are constantly in communication.

When your intestinal barrier is compromised (hello, leaky gut), your immune system has to work overtime to fight off particles that shouldn’t be in your bloodstream.

This creates a cycle:

→ Intestinal inflammation taxes the immune system

→ A stressed immune system affects intestinal health

→ Compromised intestines affect nutrient absorption

→ Poor absorption of nutrients weakens immune function

You get the idea.

Elderberry and echinacea have been studied for their immune-supporting properties, and in a food-based honey form they are gentler on your digestive system than capsules that must be broken down first.

How I use it

I take 1 pack daily, either:

• Straight from the stick (it’s actually delicious)
• Stirred in warm (not hot) water with lemon in the morning
• Added to my afternoon smoothie

The packets make it very easy. No measuring and no mess.

[I’m traveling a lot right now, and the portable packets are a game-changer for maintaining routines on the road.]

What this is NOT

Let’s be clear about what I’m not claiming:

This is not medicine. This will not cure or prevent disease. This is not a substitute for actual medical care.

It is a tool for daily well-being. That’s it.

The benefits increase over time with consistent use, not overnight.

This is maintenance and support, not an emergency intervention.

Remark: If you have active SIBO and are avoiding high FODMAP foods, you can still enjoy just over half a pack at a time. Honey is low-FODMAP up to 7 grams. 1 pack of Manukora’s Bioactive Blends contains 10.5 g. This is from Reasonable SIBOin case you are looking for all the FODMAP and healing SIBO information.

The Clean Label thing

So what’s in it? Just four ingredients: Manuka honey, elderberry extract, echinacea extract, and that’s literally it.

No fillers, binders, carriers or glycerin.

There are no added sugars and no ‘natural flavors’.

For those of us who obsessively read labels (hello, it’s me), this is refreshing.

Why I recommend this

I do not recommend products that I have not thoroughly tested. That’s my rule, remember?!

I also don’t recommend products that don’t align with my food-first, anti-restrictive philosophy.

This meets both criteria.

It is designed for people who want to support their health without adding seventeen extra capsules to their morning routine.

It feels like food, not another supplement to choke down.

And for those of us focused on intestinal healingthe connection between immune support and digestive health is too important to ignore.

How to get it

I have collaborated with Manukora because I actually use their products.

You can grab the Immunity + Defense Blend [through my affiliate link here] As a bonus, all new customers will receive a 10-pack of our 850+ honey sticks (a $30 value).

They offer both portable stick packs and a jar size depending on if you are at home or constantly traveling like me.

If you liked this article, you might also like:

1. Beekeeper’s Naturals Review: Our Complete Immune Support Routine for the Whole Family
2. Honeybee lavender steamer (caffeine-free + approved for children)
3. My optimal nighttime routine: why I’m more passionate about sleep than morning rituals

XXX,

S.K.H

The legal matters: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Disclaimer: Some links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission Manukora if you make a purchase through them at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products that I personally use and believe in.

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