Virgin coconut oil’s lauric acid and caprylic acid (derived from coconut oil) have been shown to be effective anti-fungal treatments of stubborn candida yeast overgrowth (candidiasis).
Candida albicans is unfriendly yeast that exists in every human body, and normally our immune system and the beneficial bacteria in our digestive system keep the yeast growth in check. But conditions such as stress, antibiotics, a compromised immune system, or a diet excessive in sugary and processed foods will create an internal environment that allows candida to overgrow rapidly.
Candida Albicans Yeast Infections
When the yeast growth is out of balance, an infection results that affects not only the immune system, but overall health suffers as well. This type of systemic yeast infection overruns the digestive tract and negatively impacts our entire body, including the reproductive system. Systemic candida albicans yeast infections afflict men as well as women, and doctors usually have a difficult time pinpointing the problem. Because it is not easily identified, and because many American doctors are unwilling to acknowledge candida systemic infections, it’s estimated that hundreds of thousands of men and women suffer from undiagnosed yeast overgrowth. Naturopathic physicians are better suited to confirm whether or not candida albicans is a health issue for you.
In her book Digestive Wellness, Dr. Elizabeth Lipski writes, “Candida colonies produce powerful toxins that are absorbed into the bloodstream and affect our immune system, hormone balance, and thought processes.”
Symptoms of Systemic Yeast Infections
General symptoms may include fatigue, headaches, digestive issues, joint pains, depression, memory loss, skin and scalp conditions, insomnia, sensitivity to fragrances or odors, fuzzy thinking, irritability and allergies. Symptoms particular to women include recurring vaginal yeast infections, irregular menstrual cycles, and persistent bladder issues. Men may experience persistent/recurring jock itch or athlete’s foot, prostatitis or impotence. In children, you might notice ear infections, hyperactivity, behavior or learning problems.
Who Is At Risk for Yeast Infections?
Anyone who has ever used antibiotics, birth control pills, steroids, or immunosuppressive drugs, or those with diets high in sugary or processed foods may have internal conditions ideal for yeast overgrowth, even if there are no noticeable symptoms.
Antibiotics and Candida Albicans
Antibiotics notoriously kill both good and bad bacteria in the digestive system. However, antibiotics have no effect on the Candida yeast. Antibiotics change the balance of the digestive system. Once our body’s friendly bacteria is destroyed by antibiotics, there’s plenty of room for the yeast to flourish, and it doesn’t waste any time.
Lauric Acid in Coconut Oil Kills Candida Albicans Yeast
A professor at Michigan State University, Jon J. Kabara, “discovered that the lauric acid in coconut oil was the most potent antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-fungal agent of fats and oils he had tested in his laboratory.” Lauric acid kills the yeast, and beneficial bacteria are unharmed.
Research at the University College Hospital in Nigeria supported Kabara’s findings. Their research confirmed that “virgin coconut oil is an effective anti-fungal agent in the treatment of yeast overgrowth.” This research concluded that virgin coconut oil should be recommended as a treatment of fungal infections, especially since drug-resistant strains of Candida are developing.
Further support of this research is the fact that in the tropics, where coconuts are part of the daily diet, yeast infections are mostly unheard of.
Caprylic Acid is a Natural Yeast Fighter
Another natural yeast-fighting substance is caprylic acid, which is derived from coconut oil. It is very effective against candida and other fungal infections. It can be used as a topical skin infection fighter when mixed with a little coconut oil or vitamin E. Inside the body, it kills fungi without any other harm. Caprylic acid has been found so effective against candida albicans overgrowth that many supplement manufacturers add it to their products used to fight systemic and vaginal yeast infections.
Candidasis can only be cured through dietary changes and medications. Caprylic acid is used in place of drugs and is often sold in combination remedies designed to help conquer yeast infections. There are a variety of anti-candida supplements available, and always remember that you get what you pay for.
As preventive medicine, eating coconut oil on a regular basis will help keep candida and other harmful microorganisms in check. And coconut oil benefits your health in many other ways. You can substitute coconut oil for other cooking oils, or find recipes which are specifically designed using coconut oil. When buying coconut oil in its natural form or in capsules, the best option is extra-virgin unrefined coconut oil. If you can find an organic source, you’ve got the best.
Sources
- Bruce Fife, The Coconut Oil MIracle (New York: Penguin, 2004)
- Seigfried Gursche, MH, Coconut Oil: Discover the Key to Vibrant Health (SummerAlive, 2008)
- Elizabeth Lipski, Ph.D., CCN, Digestive Wellness (New York: McGraw-Hill, 2005)
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
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