How Effective Is Coconut Oil for Candida?

It has been noted that the use of coconut oil for candida can be very effective. The oil contains several fatty acids that act as antifungal and antimicrobial agents. This works to kill the yeast that can become overgrown in the digestive system, mouth, or reproductive tract. It should be noted that anyone with symptoms of a candida infection should be seen by a doctor in order to rule out other health problems.

Candida is a type of yeast that resides in everyone's body. In most cases, "good" bacteria that also resides in the body keeps the yeast at bay. Sometimes this bacteria becomes depleted, and yeast can overgrow, leading to an infection. Antibiotics and invasion by pathogenic bacteria can both lead to a depletion of positive bacteria. That's one reason why yeast infections are common after a patient is given a round of antibiotics.

Symptoms of a yeast infection can vary with each person. In women, vaginal yeast infections symptoms like itching or discharge may occur. Internal symptoms can be more subtle and can include digestive upset, fatigue, and skin problems. Yeast overgrowth has been linked to a wide range of health issues in some studies.

The use of coconut oil for candida has shown to be beneficial in those with an overgrowth. Many patients have reported more energy and fewer symptoms after taking coconut oil for a few weeks. Some report alleviation of symptoms even sooner.

During the first several days of using coconut oil for candida, patients may experience symptoms of the yeast dying. Toxins are released into the system, and symptoms of a yeast infection may intensify temporarily until this process has completed. This reaction can sometimes be lessened by taking the coconut oil more gradually. Patients should start by taking a very small amount and then work up to a higher dose, although a natural health practitioner can give exact instructions to each individual patient.

Some experts recommend using fresh pressed coconut oil for candida infection relief, but this is not always necessary. Those who choose to use a commercial, and often less expensive, option should take a lipase supplement along with the oil. That iss because the process by which coconut oil is extracted and processed remove this important component in the process. Those who with to use homemade coconut oil for candida can extract the oil and milk themselves at home and then mix them with water. Oil and coconut milk should be refrigerated.