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How Raw Honey Is Beneficial For Diabetics Dealing With Poor Wound Healing

by Stephen Silva

Many diabetics dealing with slow wound healing may have serious problems with issues like infection. Because of the way diabetes impacts the arteries, blood flow is restricted to wounds, disrupting healthy healing. When a diabetic's blood sugar level rises, it causes the arteries to narrow and stiffen, restricting proper circulation. While you may be managing your diabetes, you may still have troubles with wounds healing in a healthy time frame if your white blood cells cannot reach wounds fast enough. Learn more about how natural customized medicine from a compounding pharmacy can include raw honey wound care.

Diabetes Causes Changes In The Immune System

High glucose levels associated with diabetes decreases the efficiency of the immune system. Immunity cells function improperly when glucose levels are higher than they should be. Some enzymes and hormones responsible for maintaining a strong immune system are compromised by high glucose levels, thus allowing the risk of infection to become higher. For a diabetic with a serious wound, a compromised immune system a wound infection can become serious fast. Diabetics can help increase the efficiency of their immune system by introducing antioxidants to their system. When it comes to open wounds, putting raw honey directly on the wound is a good idea for providing high levels of antioxidant protection and the healing benefits that come with them. Bear in mind that as a diabetic, you should not eat the honey because of its sugar content and only use it as a topical treatment for hard-to-heal wounds.

How Raw Honey Helps

Honey has been used in open wounds for thousands of years because of its strong anti-inflammatory properties. When placed directly on a wound, even in those people that have diabetes, healing took place faster. Honey also aids in wound healing by:

  • Providing a protective barrier over wounds to keep out germs.

  • Fighting free radicals that promote poor immunity in wounds.

  • Providing essential nutrients your immune system requires for healthier healing.

Taking steps to prevent wound infection is extremely important, especially when diabetes is ravaging your body.

Honey Can Increase The Presence Of Resistant Bacteria

In addition to being a strong in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, honey is also an effective antibacterial ingredient. When used in topical wound care, the antibacterial properties of honey can help to increase the presence of bacteria resistant to the onset of infection. Manuka honey is especially high in its antibacterial properties.

Wounds can benefit a great deal from the use of honey on them. If you are a diabetic, keeping a jar of honey on hand and using it in wounds is a good way to lower your risk for infectious wounds that can lead to amputation. Visit an apothecary in your area for more information.   

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