I thought we needed some clarification. So I did a little more research. I'm not an expert but this is what I pulled together re manuka honey... This is not written to try and convince someone not to do what their dr. Says. I am an advocate of listening to your Drs. I just wanted to share what I learned when I was researching so others could make an informed decision. I will also post this in the adjunctive therapy forum so everyone else can read it. Plus I think people were concerned as to whether or not it was an antioxidant - so the info is here so you can decide for yourself.

First off when I heard about manuka it was from someone else, prior to trying

it I looked it up online. Several places are doing trials with it (hospitals) with patients to see it's affect on oral cancer patients mucousitis - results have been varied I can tell you for me it helped... But what works for one person doesn't always work for another. That said prior to taking it I asked my radiation dr. (who knew I was being careful about antioxidants etc..) He said yes. The amount I was using was very small. 2-3 teaspoons a day. Was usually all I could choke down. The honey itself is 80% sugar , 18% water, and 2% vitamins and minerals much of which is dependent on the actual honey -

But this is what I got from one web site.


Nutrition
Facts
Calories in Manuka Honey

  Serving Size:
1 tsp

Amount Per Serving

 Calories 32.5
 Total Fat 0.0 g
  Saturated Fat 0.0 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0 g
Monounsaturated Fat 0.0 g
 Cholesterol 0.0 mg
Amount Per Serving
Sodium 2.0 mg
Potassium 0.0 mg
Total Carbohydrate 7.8 g
    Dietary Fiber 0.0 g
 Sugars 7.8 g
 Protein 0.5 g
  Vitamin A 0.0 %
  Vitamin B-12 0.0 %
  Vitamin B-6 0.0 %
  Vitamin C 0.0 %
  Vitamin D 0.0 %
  Vitamin E 0.0 %
  Calcium 0.0 %
  Copper 0.0 %
  Folate 0.0 %
  Iron 0.0 %
  Magnesium 0.0 %
  Manganese 0.0 %
  Niacin 0.0 %
  Pantothenic Acid     0.0 %
  Phosphorus     0.0 %
  Riboflavin 0.0 %
  Selenium 0.0 %
  Thiamin 0.0 %
  Zinc 0.0 %

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

I checked out a few place the values were similar, and the amounts were trace amounts. My hospital hands out a pamphlet to it's patients undergoing radiation therapy below is the link - it is all about anti oxidants. So prior to taking the honey... I looked into it, I asked my dr. He okayed it. I read the pamphlet, and checked my vitamins (which I stopped taking) my daily diet was nothing to worry about because after week two it was barely here and by week three it was all boost and ensure. So besides water, and 2-3 teaspoons of honey (which i couldnt always get down and which I didn't start until week 4 because I'd never heard of it) the boost and ensure was all that went into my mouth.

There are antioxidants in normal healthy foods. We are told to maintain a healthy diet through our radiation treatment (though with head and neck cancer is very hard because our taste and mouths are affected ) the concern with antioxidants is mega supplements - according to the pamphlet put out by the hospital.
So considering, I was only taking in 3-4 bottles of boost and ensure, and a little honey - that doesn't have any of the major antioxidant vitamins in it - I was okay with this because likely if I had a meal of broccoli meat and brown rice I would surpass any antioxidant properties found in, three tablespoons of honey and more.
However I'm not an expert. If your dr. Says no, then please don't.

Here's the link to the pamphlet out out by my hospital.
Princess Margaret hospital in Toronto (part of the university health network.

http://www.uhn.ca/Patients_&_Visitor..._RT_English.pdf


Hope this clarifies.

It's been brought to my attention the link above isn't working (thanks Anne Marie!!) I am not sure if it's related to this site (I know they block some thinks here) or what - originally I confirmed this link in a pm - went back and checked it so its working for me...
But ill try again.... Also I would like to reiterate TEASPOONS - I'm sorry I can't edit the original posting! I majke that mistake a lot - chemotherapy brain???? Dunno


http://www.uhn.ca/Patients_&_Visitor..._RT_English.pdf

It's working for me, too, Cheryl - thanks!

Cheryl,
What type and brand of Manuka honey. It is hard to find UMF 16+ anywhere but online. Will bio active 5+ from New Zealand work just as well?

Try whole foods they'll have it. I don't know abut the 5+ it may not be strong enough. But seriously - try whole foods.

Good luck!

my Husband will be starting 7 weeks of radiation 30mts per day ,5 days a week plus 2 and half hours on drip of cisplaten per week for 7 weeks.he has stage 4 on base of tongue and in one sliva gland,he is 50yrs old very fit and healthy. he is on Warfren as he has "lumpy blood". He hade 4 teeth removed 10 days ago and will be starting treatment 14th may 2012 or may week before.will the manuka honey not do damage to teeth as so much suger in it?

Your husband should see a dentist and have flouride trays made asap! He will need to use them every single day to help his teeth withstand the effects of radiation. This is very very important! My teeth werent so lucky and had severe radiation damage to them. I eventually had them pulled as they were crooked and all loose.

Have your husband enjoy all his favorite foods now as his sense of taste will change for a few months.

Actually I was worried about the same thing the study I read said no (go figure!!!) I cant remember the details but it had something of sugar (as its not really a sugar) but I used it from week 3- 8 (two weeks post rads) and then stopped now I only us it if I have an oral irritation, (not often!!!) I think maybe long term use - might possibly cause issues but I also rinsed frequently and brushed x 2 and used a water pik to Clean around my gums (still do) so far so good... My dentist says he's happy !

my understanding of dental decay is that it is bacteria which goes on to produce acids that causes the problem. Sucrose in table sugar (and much of the additives in food) allows development of bacteria and plaque. Manuka is known to have antibacterial properties which is why it was tested in leg ulcers all those years ago. So, if honey has antibacterial properties making it difficult or impossible for bacteria to grow, and bacteria cause cavities, then the logical leap is that honey doesn't have the same issues as other sugars. Just joining the dots here - I might be missing something though.

This is my understanding only and I could have the concept wrong so would be pleased if one of the dental professionals might explain this better.

Thanks KLO...