Before proceeding to use of coconut oil for Candida treatment, we must know what causes Candida, because as they put it, the treatment lies in the very cause of the ailment. Thereafter, we shall proceed to its treatment.
Cause of Candida: Candida, also known as Systemic Candidiasis, is a dreaded disease caused due to excessive and uncontrolled growth of yeast called Candida Albicans in stomach. This yeast is more or less present in everybody’s stomach, but it does not show any adverse effects since its growth is controlled by some beneficial bacteria which reside in our stomach. When, due to any reason such as growth of other bacteria who destroy these beneficial bacteria or use of antibiotics which ultimately end up in eliminating these bacteria in addition to disease causing ones or due to bleaching or washing of stomach with medicines or excessive use of chemical laxatives or ingestion of poisonous stuff etc.; this yeast or fungi starts growing very fast and cause Candida. The symptoms of Candida include infection in genitals, urinary tract and bladder, stomach & intestines, ear, nose and throat, itchy and dry skin, inflammations in internal organs and skin, patching & peeling off of skin (particularly in scalp), digestive and excretory disorders and problems with hair, nail etc. This disease is very common in Europe and America, may be due to cold and moist climate and food habits. In these places, a large portion of their food is comprised of food stuffs which, in some way or the other, are processed with yeast or fermented; such as breads, other baked items, cheese and above all, wine and other alcoholic drinks. These things also assist growth of Candida Albicans in the body.
Coconut Oil for Candida: As evident from the text above, Candida is caused by overgrowth of a species of yeast called Candida Albicans. So, but obvious, its cure lies in the elimination of this yeast. There are certain components in coconut oil which can help eliminating this yeast. They are;
- Capric Acid: This Medium Chain Fatty Acid (a Saturated Fat) present in coconut oil is well known for its anti microbial, anti viral and anti fungal properties. This is the same fatty acid which is present in Mother’s milk and protects the baby from bacterial, viral and fungal infections. In the body, it reacts with certain enzymes secreted by other bacteria or otherwise, which covert it to a powerful anti microbial agent, Monocaprin. On systematically using coconut oil for Candida, Capric Acid has been found very effective in killing this yeast.
- Caprylic Acid: This again, is another Medium Chain Fatty Acid found in Coconut Oil and has anti microbial and anti fungal properties very much similar to those of Capric Acid, if not that much powerful. It also aids elimination of Candida Albicans.
- Lauric Acid: This is yet another very powerful anti fungal agent present in coconut oil, and as ever, it is a Saturated Fat and a Medium Chain Fatty Acid. And, like Capric Acid, it forms a compound called Monolaurin, upon reaction with enzymes. This Monolaurin is an expert germ and fungus killer.
- Caproic Acid & Myristic Acid: These two acids also have mild anti microbial and anti fungal properties and help cure Candida.
- Coconut Oil in General: Coconut Oil is very soothing for the skin (exceptions are there) and the digestive system and help give relief from the inflammation caused by Candida, externally and internally. Its high moisture retaining capacity does not let the skin crack or peel off. Further, unlike other drugs for Candida, the effects of Coconut Oil is gradual and not drastic or sudden, which gives the patient ample time to cope up with the die-off symptoms or Herxheimer Reactions (the name given to the symptoms accompanying body’s rejection of toxins generated during elimination of these fungi). But, this is on condition that you systematically and gradually increase your dosages of coconut oil and do not start with a large quantity all of a sudden.
Conclusion: Using Coconut Oil for Candida will certainly pay. In fact, it contains some compounds which are the best known remedies for Candida. But, length of treatment, dosages and effect of coconut oil depends upon a number of factors, including age, degree of severity of the disease, gender, eating habits, profession and the drugs you have taken or are still taking, doses of coconut oil and hygiene etc. The best part of it is that it does not have any adverse side effects.
This article is contributed by Aparup Mukherjee.
Sources of Information:
- Reports of Coconut Development Board of India,
- Reports of KERAFED.
- Text books of various courses of agriculture.
- Various other reports on internet.
