Based on PubMed | Is it true that consuming honey can improve kidney function or slow the progression of chronic kidney disease?

Most evidence does not show that honey improves kidney function or slows chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression in humans. Instead, honey can be used as a source of calories and carbohydrate in some kidney diets, but it should be seen as a sweetener rather than a treatment for CKD. ^[1] Honey has antioxidant properties in laboratory and animal studies, yet clinical proof in people with CKD is lacking, so any benefit remains speculative at this time. ^[2]

What the evidence shows

• Animal and lab data: Several studies in rats suggest honey and honey‑bee products may reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the kidneys, mechanisms that could theoretically protect kidney tissue. For example, honey combined with diabetes medicines improved antioxidant markers in the kidneys of diabetic rats, and Brazilian red propolis (a bee product) reduced kidney injury in a surgical CKD rat model. ^{[3] [4]} These findings are promising but do not prove benefit in humans. ^[2]

• Human data: There are no high‑quality clinical trials showing that eating honey improves kidney function or slows CKD progression in people. Current kidney‑health guidance focuses on proven strategies such as blood pressure and diabetes control, sodium restriction, and appropriate protein management, not on honey as a therapy. ^{[5] [6]}

Where honey fits in a CKD diet

• Energy and carbohydrate source: In some CKD meal plans especially when protein needs to be limited calories may be shifted toward carbohydrates and fats. In that context, small amounts of sugar, hard candy, jelly, or honey can be used to help meet calorie needs without adding protein, under dietitian guidance. ^[1]
• Not a kidney medicine: Using honey in this way supports energy intake but does not “heal” the kidneys or slow CKD on its own. ^[1]

Practical considerations and cautions

• Portion size matters: Honey is concentrated sugar. Excess intake can raise blood glucose and triglycerides, which may indirectly worsen kidney risk especially for those with diabetes. ^[5]
• Overall diet quality: Proven CKD nutrition strategies include limiting sodium to help blood pressure, choosing plant‑forward patterns, moderating saturated fat, and tailoring protein to stage and medical advice. ^{[7] [6] [8]}
• Potassium and phosphorus: Pure honey contains negligible potassium and phosphorus, so it is usually compatible with restrictions, but packaged foods made with honey may contain added minerals. ^[9]
• Glycemic control: If you have diabetes or prediabetes, treat honey like any other sugar and count it in your carbohydrate budget. ^[5]

Evidence‑based ways to slow CKD progression

While honey itself is not proven to slow CKD, these steps have consistent support:

• Control blood pressure and diabetes with medications and lifestyle, which reduces kidney stress. ^[5]
• Limit sodium to help blood pressure and fluid balance. ^[7]
• Tailor protein intake; in many non‑dialysis CKD cases, reducing excess protein may slow progression. ^[10]
• Adopt a plant‑forward dietary pattern, which has been associated with kidney and heart benefits. ^[6]
• Manage cholesterol by reducing saturated fats and increasing soluble fiber. ^{[8] [11]}

Bottom line

• There is currently no reliable human evidence that eating honey improves kidney function or slows CKD progression. ^[2]
• Honey may be used in small amounts as a carbohydrate/calorie source in certain CKD meal plans, but it should not replace proven medical and dietary strategies. ^{[1] [6] [7] [5]}

If you enjoy honey, consider modest portions within your personalized CKD plan, and focus your kidney‑protection efforts on blood pressure, blood sugar, sodium, protein, and overall dietary quality. ^{[7] [10] [6] [5]}