Can Manuka Honey Help Diverticulitis?

*Note: This article was originally published in 2018. It was updated in 2025 to reflect the latest research on diverticulitis, the gut microbiome, and Manuka honey.

Can Manuka Honey Help Diverticulitis? What the Research Says (2025 update).

If you search online for natural remedies for diverticulitis, Manuka honey often comes up, and for good reason.

While there are currently no human clinical studies specifically evaluating Manuka honey for diverticulitis, research has shown that Manuka honey has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and prebiotic properties that may support a healthier gut environment.

Manuka has been reported to have an inhibitory effect on 60 species of bacteria, some species of fungi, and viruses (5). Therefore, it can limit bacterial growth and reduce the chances of an infection when food gets trapped in these pouches.

Manuka honey’s antibacterial agent, methylglyoxal, has been proven to work against a wide variety of pathogenic bacteria. In a study done in Wales, using Manuka 18+ provided evidence that manuka honey does exhibit bactericidal action against bacterial infection from C. difficile (7). The bacteria, C. difficile, is one of the most common bacterial infections to hospitalize people with gastrointestinal infections.

Manuka honey may encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium, and has been studied for its role in gastrointestinal health.

Although Manuka honey is not a cure or treatment for diverticulitis, it may be a helpful addition to an overall gut health plan alongside a fiber-rich diet (when tolerated), probiotics, and other lifestyle strategies.

In this article, we'll look at what the current research says, and where more research is still needed.

What Is Diverticulitis?

DiverticuLOSIS happens when small pouches, called diverticula, form in the wall of the colon. These pouches become more common as we age, and many people never know they have them because they often cause no symptoms.

When one or more of these pouches become inflamed or infected, the condition is called diverticuLITIS. The suffix "-itis" simply means "inflammation of," so diverticulitis refers to inflammation of the diverticula.

Together, diverticulosis and diverticulitis are often referred to as diverticular disease.

What Causes Diverticulitis?

Until recently, medical professionals did not fully understand the cause of diverticulitis. It was thought to be caused primarily by a low-fiber diet that increased pressure inside the colon (ie: strain & push harder), causing the small pouches (diverticula) to form in the intestines over time. 

While fiber is still considered an important part of colon health, newer research suggests the picture is much more complex.

Today, functional medicine practitioners think the root cause of diverticulitis is linked to a combination of factors, including changes in the gut microbiome, chronic low-grade inflammation, biofilm formation, immune function, genetics, aging, and lifestyle.

Imbalances in the gut microbiome play a central role in diverticulitis development. Specifically, diets low in diverse types of fiber may fail to nourish beneficial gut bacteria, such as Faecalibacterium and Bifidobacterium, which are known to produce anti-inflammatory compounds and help maintain gut lining integrity (1).

Without enough fiber in the diet:

• Good bacteria decline
• Gut microbial diversity shrinks
• Inflammatory and pathogenic bacteria can take over
• The intestinal lining becomes more susceptible to inflammation and infection

This microbial imbalance (called dysbiosis) can set the stage for flare-ups of diverticulitis, especially when paired with other factors like stress, medication use, or immune dysregulation.

Symptoms of Diverticulitis

Many people develop diverticula (the pouches in walls of the colon) and never have symptoms, while others experience painful flare-ups.

Symptoms of diverticulitis can range from mild to severe and may include:

• Lower abdominal pain (most commonly on the left side)
• Fever and chills
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Bloating
• Loss of appetite

Researchers now believe these painful flare-ups are influenced by more than just food becoming trapped inside the diverticula. Changes in the gut microbiome, immune system dysfunction, chronic low-grade inflammation, and disruption of the intestinal barrier all appear to play important roles in determining whether someone develops diverticulitis.

Let's look at what current research tells us about the bacteria involved.

Gut Bacteria Linked to Diverticulitis

One of the biggest discoveries over the past decade is the role that bacterial imbalances in the gut microbiome play in diverticular disease.

Rather than being caused by a single harmful bacteria, diverticulitis appears to involve dysbiosis, which is an imbalance between beneficial and potentially harmful microorganisms living in the colon.

Recent research continues to show that people with diverticulitis often have lower microbial diversity, fewer beneficial bacteria, and a greater abundance of inflammatory bacteria compared to healthy individuals. Although scientists are still determining whether these changes are a cause or a consequence of diverticulitis, the connection has become increasingly clear.

Studies now show that patients with diverticulitis often have:

Lower levels of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii
This is one of the most beneficial bacteria in the human colon. It's known for its anti-inflammatory effects, primarily through its production of butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid that nourishes the cells lining the colon, strengthens the intestinal barrier, and helps regulate inflammation. Lower levels of F. prausnitzii have repeatedly been associated with diverticular disease and active diverticulitis (2).

Lower levels of Bifidobacterium
Research also shows lower levels of Bifidobacterium, one of the most important groups of beneficial bacteria in the gut. 

Bifidobacteria help:

• Maintain the intestinal barrier
• Produce beneficial short-chain fatty acids
• Support a balanced immune response
• Compete against potentially harmful bacteria

This bacteria is often depleted during chronic intestinal inflammation or after antibiotic use. This crucial strain helps maintain gut barrier integrity and supports immune balance. Reduced Bifidobacterium levels are also seen in people with diverticular disease.

This Pro-Bifidus probiotic is a contains six different Bifidobacterium bacteria, delivering 45 billion BCFUs (bacterial colony forming units), specifically selected to support colon health and repopulate the lower gastrointestinal tract.

An increase in Proteobacteria
This is a large group of bacteria, many opportunistic or pathogenic, and they're associated with inflammation. Examples of proteobacteria are Escherichia coli (E. Coli), Salmonella, Helicobacter, Klebsiella, Yersinia, and Vibrio (3).

In a healthy gut, Proteobacteria are present in very low numbers. However, when their population rises, it is often considered a marker of microbial imbalance and chronic intestinal inflammation.

Higher levels of Proteobacteria may indicate:

• Beneficial bacteria have been depleted (ie: Faecalibacterium, Bifidobacterium)
• The intestinal barrier is compromised so increased intestinal permeability ("leaky gut")
• Ongoing inflammation within the colon

An increase in Enterobacteriaceae

Enterobacteriaceae are a family within the Proteobacteria phylum.

Several studies have found higher levels of these bacteria in people with diverticulitis. Their presence may contribute to inflammation, disruption of the intestinal barrier, and activation of the immune system during flare-ups (4).

An increase in Opportunistic Clostridium species

Not all Clostridium species are harmful. Many actually play beneficial roles in the gut.

However, certain opportunistic species can become problematic, including Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile), particularly following antibiotic use.

Elevated levels of pathogenic Clostridium have been noted in diverticulitis patients. In the presence of inflammation and infection, the number of good gut bacteria decreases and can no longer keep the C. difficile in check.  

Maintaining a diverse, healthy microbiome helps keep these opportunistic organisms under control.

Biofilms in the Colon and Diverticulitis

Another emerging area of research involves bacterial biofilms.

Biofilms are communities of bacteria surrounded by a protective matrix that allows them to attach to the intestinal lining. This protective coating can make bacteria more resistant to both antibiotics and the body's immune defenses.

Researchers have identified mucosal biofilms more frequently in people with diverticular disease than in healthy controls, suggesting they may contribute to chronic inflammation and recurrent infections.

Laboratory studies suggest certain enzymes may help break down proteins within the biofilm matrix, making bacteria more vulnerable to the immune system. While this area of research is still evolving, enzymes are becoming an area of growing interest for supporting microbiome health.

Our Nutri-Flow formula contains five well-researched enzymes designed to support healthy protein digestion and biofilm management.

Manuka Honey and Gastrointestinal Health

Although no human clinical trials have specifically evaluated Manuka honey for diverticulitis, research suggests it may support gastrointestinal health through several different mechanisms.

Laboratory and animal studies have shown that Manuka honey possesses broad-spectrum antibacterial activity while also helping support a healthier balance of beneficial gut bacteria.

Some research suggests honey may reduce the ability of certain pathogenic bacteria to attach to the intestinal lining, potentially limiting colonization and supporting the body's natural defenses against gastrointestinal infections.

Manuka Honey and Bifidobacterium

One of the more fascinating discoveries is that Manuka honey appears to function as a prebiotic.

Naturally occurring oligosaccharides found in honey may selectively nourish beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium, helping support a healthier microbial balance.

In addition to its antibacterial activity, experimental studies suggest Manuka honey may help reduce inflammatory signaling associated with bacterial infections and oxidative stress.

Although more human clinical trials are needed, these findings suggest Manuka honey may support both the microbiome and the intestinal environment through multiple complementary mechanisms (5).

Is Manuka Honey a Root Cause Remedy?

Manuka honey is not a cure for diverticulitis, nor should it replace appropriate medical treatment during an acute flare-up.

However, it may be a valuable tool for supporting long-term gut health as part of a comprehensive approach that includes:

• Eating a fiber-rich diet (when tolerated)
• Supporting beneficial gut bacteria with probiotics and prebiotics
• Managing inflammation
• Maintaining a diverse and resilient gut microbiome

Its unique combination of antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and prebiotic properties makes it an interesting area of ongoing research for digestive health.

Choosing a Quality Manuka Honey

Not all Manuka honey is created equal.

If you're considering Manuka honey, one of the most important factors is choosing a product that has been independently tested for authenticity and antibacterial activity.

Authentic Manuka honey comes from New Zealand, where bees pollinate the flowers of the Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka) shrub. Australia also produces genuine Manuka honey from closely related Leptospermum species, although the New Zealand UMF grading system remains the international gold standard.

Look for products that undergo independent third-party testing to verify both purity and activity.

Understanding UMF and MGO Ratings

If you have been trying to assess the strength of Manuka Honey products, you may have noticed two different labels on the honey containers. One being UMF, the other MGO, which indicates high-grade activity. “Biologically Active” indicates a lower grade of activity.

UMF is an internationally registered trademark that can be used only by licensed users who meet set criteria, which include auditing and monitoring to ensure the product is natural, unadulterated Manuka honey that has the unique non-peroxide antibacterial activity and is true-to-label claim.

MGO ratings refer to the level of Methyglyoxal in the honey and is a trademark of Manuka Health New Zealand Ltd, and you will only see MGO labels on their own products.

Table of UMF and MGO comparison:

* MGO is measured as methylglyoxal mg/kg (ppm)

Manuka Honey Dosage

For use as an alternative treatment for intestinal infection and inflammation, 1 teaspoon twice a day of UMF 10-15+ should be used during flare-ups. This can be taken straight off the spoon or diluted in warm water. For day-to-day maintenance, a biologically active honey of 10-15 should suffice in most cases of diverticulitis. This can be used freely as it is the lower activity. Make sure your supplier is getting third-party testing on the honey’s activity and not just claiming its activity.

Products Featured in this Blog

Pro-Bifidus Probiotic: This Bifidobacterium only probiotic contains 6 different strains of bifidus bacteria and 45 billion BCFUs (bacterial colony forming units) that target colonization sites in the lower gastrointestinal tract.

Nutri-Flow: contains five well-researched enzymes at a truly effective quantity. These enzymes are effective for biofilm.

In Health and Happiness,

Kelly Harrington, MS, RDN

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist for Healthy Goods

References:

1. Reitano E, Francone E, Bona E, Follenzi A, Gentilli S. Gut Microbiota Association with Diverticular Disease Pathogenesis and Progression: A Systematic Review. Dig Dis Sci. 2023 Mar;68(3):913-921.  
2. Yarullina, D.; Pankratova, Y.; Karaseva, O.; Grigoryeva, T.; Karpukhin, O. Microbiota of the Colonic Diverticula in the Complicated Form of Diverticulitis: A Case Report. Life 2022, 12, 2129.
3. Shin, Na-Ri et al. Proteobacteria: microbial signature of dysbiosis in gut microbiota. Trends Biotechnol. Vol 33, Isesue 9, 496-503.

4. Tursi, A.; Papa, V.; Lopetuso, L.R.; Settanni, C.R.; Gasbarrini, A.; Papa, A. Microbiota Composition in Diverticular Disease: Implications for Therapy. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23, 14799.

5. Hammond, EN & Donkor ES (2013, May 07). Antibacterial effect of Manuka honey on Clostridium difficile.

6. Eteraf-Oskouei, T. and Najafi, M. (2013, June). Traditional and Modern Uses of Natural Honey in Human Diseases: A Review.
7. Prakash A, Medhi B, Avti PK, Saikia UN, Pandhi P, & Khanduja KL. (2008, August 07). Effect of different doses of Manuka honey in experimentally induced inflammatory bowel disease in rats.