Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

Question

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I've been strictly Paleo for a number of weeks now, and just today decided to 'cheat' a little by having half a tsp. of Manuka honey. Immediately, I felt sick to my core. At the time I ate it, I hadn't had food for a good four hours or so, so I'm not sure what else the cause may have been. It's now developed into a mild nausea, and I'm starting to worry. The only sweets I've had since I begun the diet were occasional daily apples or bananas. Is there something wrong with my digestion?

edited Oct 15 2011 at 2:53

Dragonfly
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asked Oct 14 2011 at 22:31

Adulescens Appetens
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I've had that experience with Manuka before. Just the Manuka not regular old honey. – Edward J. Edmonds Oct 14 2011 at 23:54

Dragonfly · Accepted Answer · 2011-10-14 22:50:28Z UTC

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You spiked your blood sugar (and therefore insulin) & are experiencing a blood sugar drop. No worries. It's normal if you've been low carb for awhile.

Eat some protein and/or fat & you will feel better.

answered Oct 14 2011 at 22:50

Dragonfly
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I guess the real question is how "immediate" is "immediate". I don't think a teaspoon of honey would spike and drop your blood sugar that fast with that amount of honey. Although I don't really know for sure how long the cycle would be in that situation. – James Oct 14 2011 at 22:55

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Agreed; sounds like reactive hypoglycemia to me. It doesn't take a lot of honey since much of the glucose is unbound. I would usually have to eat slow-digesting starch to interrupt it. – Travis Culp♦ Oct 14 2011 at 23:37

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@James~ Honey still does this to me if I haven't eaten for awhile--and yes, it is pretty immediate! – Dragonfly Oct 15 2011 at 0:55

James · Answer 2 · 2011-10-14 22:44:23Z UTC

"Immediately" is a bit fast for digestion, even for honey, and a teaspoon is pretty small. Supposedly honey is supposed to help with indigestion, not cause it. However, I can see it doing some funky stuff on an empty stomach, since it is so highly hydroscopic. I'd drink a glass or two of water to offset and see what happens.

Glucose sickness?

2 Answers