I just started supplementing with coconut oil after reading some interesting studies about coconut oil and its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. After supplementing for 2 days I had a minor herx on the third day (I think it was minor because my bacterial load is lower - so effective antimicrobial agents don't throw me for a loop as much). On the 4th day I felt mentally very good - physically I have been doing well since supplementing with Vit D on top of an energy tested herbal formula I have been using for 14 months.
Below is a pubmed article - re: coconut oil and candida.
1: J Med Food. 2007 Jun;10(2):384-7. Links In vitro antimicrobial properties of coconut oil on Candida species in ibadan, Nigeria.Ogbolu DO, Oni AA, Daini OA, Oloko AP. Department of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria.
The emergence of antimicrobial resistance, coupled with the availability of fewer antifungal agents with fungicidal actions, prompted this present study to characterize Candida species in our environment and determine the effectiveness of virgin coconut oil as an antifungal agent on these species.
In 2004, 52 recent isolates of Candida species were obtained from clinical specimens sent to the Medical Microbiology Laboratory, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. Their susceptibilities to virgin coconut oil and fluconazole were studied by using the agar-well diffusion technique. Candida albicans was the most common isolate from clinical specimens (17); others were Candida glabrata (nine), Candida tropicalis (seven), Candida parapsilosis (seven), Candida stellatoidea (six), and Candida krusei (six).
C. albicans had the highest susceptibility to coconut oil (100%), with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 25% (1:4 dilution), while fluconazole had 100% susceptibility at an MIC of 64 mug/mL (1:2 dilution). C. krusei showed the highest resistance to coconut oil with an MIC of 100% (undiluted), while fluconazole had an MIC of > 128 mug/mL.
It is noteworthy that coconut oil was active against species of Candida at 100% concentration compared to fluconazole. Coconut oil should be used in the treatment of fungal infections in view of emerging drug-resistant Candida species.
PMID: 17651080 [PubMed - in process]
Gwen
Posted by ByronSBell 2007 (Member # 11496) on :
I think I may have noticed some herxing with coconut oil...
Posted by Charlienj (Member # 12017) on :
you guys may know this, just adding that coconut oil is a natural source of caprylic acid, which is probably the most commonly used non-prescription anti-fungal agent...
I use coconut oil off and on, as I seem to react slightly at times after consuming a meal cooked with it... I like to use it sometimes as an added tool in keeping the candida in check...
one great way of incorporating it in meals is frying vegetables in the coconut oil... cutting up something like zucchini and frying it in the coconut oil tastes great though I've always liked coconut...
Posted by gwenb (Member # 7217) on :
I should say I started out with one teaspoon on the first 2 days and I am now at 2 teaspoons. I really think it is worth adding to our arsenal of alternative remedies.
In honour of coconut oil - I am adding it to my list of top 10 supplements. I update my list every few months.
1. Vitamin D - critically important 2. Magnesium citrate 3. L-carnitine 4. Energy tested herbal formula 5. Grapefruit seed extract - made me herx like nobody's business. 6. Exercise - I couldn't do more than walking for the last 5 years, but since supplementing with Vitamin D I am back at the gym and biking to work (10km round trip - with 10 blocks of hills on the way home) 5-6 days a week. 7. Radically changing my diet (I'm cheating right how eating coconut chocolate macaroons). Very low carb - no booze - no aspertame - very little sugar - no coffee - and the list goes on. This was ESSENTIAL to my getting better (not there yet - but way way better) 8. Digestive enzymes 9. Essential fatty acids 10. Coconut oil.
Gwen
Posted by Vanilla (Member # 11155) on :
I drink a lot of coconut water which is suppose to have some properties to it too.
I heard a woman speaking on public radio that said that coconut has helped people who are HIV+ so much so because it is anti viral that they were able to take less meds then before.
Posted by cantgiveupyet (Member # 8165) on :
coconut oil and zucchinin is yummy :-)
I notice a reaction to it as well...very slight though.
Posted by Marnie (Member # 773) on :
Coconut oil comes in capsule form too if you can't take the liquid/semi hard form. Source Naturals makes it.
Yea, it is great for yeast infections!
Been there, done that:
Prilosec for GERD = hello yeast!
Learned the hard way.
Posted by Vanilla (Member # 11155) on :
I use to work in the supplement industry and helped Source do some product developement with our product. I always thought they were one of the better supplement companies. They tried to have integrity in the products they produced unlike many other companies. I also felt Now Naturals was concerned about producing good products as well.
Posted by Vanilla (Member # 11155) on :
From cocowater.com
Coconut water contains organic compounds possessing healthy growth promoting properties that have been known to help:
* Keep the body cool and at the proper temperature * Orally re-hydrate your body, it is an all natural isotonic beverage * Carry nutrients and oxygen to cells * Naturally replenish your body's fluids after exercising * Raise your metabolism * Promote weight loss * Boost your immune system * Detoxify and fight viruses * Cleanse your digestive tract * Control diabetes * Aid your body in fighting viruses that cause the flu, herpes, and AIDS * Balance your PH and reduce risk of cancer * Treat kidney and urethral stones *Boost poor circulation
Coconut water has been used for re-hydration and as a health and beauty aide in tropical regions around the world for centuries.
Coconut water is low in fat and calories, has no cholesterol, and has a natural balance of sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium- making it a healthy electrolyte drink. It has even been used intravenously to stabilize electrolytes
Many people know of the healing benefits of coconut oil.
Coconut water now joins the pantry's medicine cabinet.
Coconuts are anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-microbial. The lauric acid in coconuts is also used to heal digestive tract disorders such as Leaky Gut Syndrome.
According to ayurvedic belief, coconut is carminative: meaning that it helps to prevent intestinal gas, aids in removing toxins and increases the digestive tract's ability to absorb nutrients. Coconut balances acid levels and flushes toxins out. Ayurveda considers coconut a natural stress-buster.
The calming, cooling benefits of coconut water relieves burning sensations and hot flashes and ``restores emotional stability in menopausal women''. This property of coconut water also makes it an excellent choice for liver problems, hepatitis or inflammation.
Since it regulates the functioning of the intestine, the coconut water propitiates to the user a smoother and pretty skin.
Beyond ingested, the coconut water can also be used directly on the face, for skin hydration.
Around the world women have used coconut products on their hair and skin as well as consuming it. It is a common ingredient in beauty products.
For your health, Coconut Water is
_. Low in Carbohydrates _. Low in Fat 99% Fat Free _. Low in natural occurring sugar _. Keeps the body cool and at the proper temperature _. Contains organic compounds possessing growth promoting properties _. Cures malnourishment _. Effective in the treatment of kidney and urethral stones _. Natural drink for feeding infants suffering from intestinal disturbances _. Excellent oral re-hydration medium, an all natural isotonic for all ages _. Re-hydrate naturally, free of added sugars or chemicals _. Lower arterial pressure _. Relieve spasms and stomach pain _. Ease burns Natural diuretic _. Presence of saline and albumen makes it an excellent drink in cholera cases _. Maintains the human body's natural fluid levels _. Can be injected intravenously in emergency cases _. Found as a blood plasma substitute because it is sterile, does not produce heat, and does not destroy red blood cells and is readily accepted by the body
Helps in carrying nutrients and oxygen to cells
_. Eliminate swelling in hands and feet _. Normalize the intestinal function and raise metabolism _. Heal damage induced by antibiotics and toxins in the digestive tract _. Boost poor circulation
Posted by randibear (Member # 11290) on :
if you bought a jar of coconut oil, how much could you take? teaspoon per day??
it really doesn't taste all that bad.
Posted by gwenb (Member # 7217) on :
I am aiming for 3 teaspoons daily.
Below is another article that has applications to Lyme disease - quite fascinating.
Clinical trials on AIDS start.[No authors listed] PIP: A 6-month clinical trial in the Philippines sought to determine the efficacy of coconut oil and of "monolaurin," a coconut oil byproduct, in killing HIV by breaking down its coating. This research is based on the theory that medium-chain fatty acids, like monolaurin, can have this effect on certain viruses. The trial involves 12 women and 3 men in the early stage of HIV infection. 10 patients will take different doses of monolaurin, and 5 will consume coconut oil. It is hypothesized that the regimen will lead to higher CD4 counts and a lower viral load. The trial was almost abandoned because it received only lukewarm approval from the Health Secretary.
PMID: 12349090 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Gwen
Posted by valbeth (Member # 12715) on :
quote:Originally posted by gwenb: I should say I started out with one teaspoon on the first 2 days and I am now at 2 teaspoons. I really think it is worth adding to our arsenal of alternative remedies.
In honour of coconut oil - I am adding it to my list of top 10 supplements. I update my list every few months.
1. Vitamin D - critically important 2. Magnesium citrate 3. L-carnitine 4. Energy tested herbal formula 5. Grapefruit seed extract - made me herx like nobody's business. 8. Digestive enzymes 9. Essential fatty acids 10. Coconut oil.
Gwen
Gwen, could you give the quantities of these you take, or pm me with them? And what form of D? Thks.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
You can cook with it and spread it on toast also.
Posted by gwenb (Member # 7217) on :
Hi Valerie
Just sent you a private message.
Gwen
Posted by aiden424 (Member # 7633) on :
I have a really hard time with taking any kind of oil supplement. I get such a bad upset stomach. My LLMD told me to use it as a lotion. It works great. It really makes your skin soft. It absorbs well into your skin too.