What is Candidiasis?

Candidiasis is a fungal infection that occurs when Candida species uncontrollably grow inside the human body.  The most common of these species are the Candida albicans which reproduce more in warm, moist, and dark atmospheres. Thus, Candida albicans are prevalent in the intestines, vaginal canal, and the mouth.

Possible Causes of Candidiasis

•    Naturally, people have candida yeasts in our body.  However, the use of antibiotics kills the good bacteria that control the candida overgrowth which will result to yeast infection.  Using steroids, oral contraceptives, and poor hygiene can also trigger the reproduction of candida.

•    A weakened immune system causes the spreading of candida species because the body loses its capability to fight the bad bacteria and fungi that can set off infection.  Candidiasis is also linked to diabetes, HIV, AIDS and other disorders that impair the immune system. (read our article about coconut oil and diabetes and learn how coconut oil can help in curing the sickness)

•    High blood sugar levels and refined carbohydrates also promote yeast reproduction. Most processed foods are rich in refined sugar.

•    Poor metabolism contributes to candida overgrowth too.  This is when improperly digested food rot in the digestive system and these decayed foods become food for harmful bacteria and candida yeast.  The result is a serious damage in the digestive tract.

 

Symptoms of Candidiasis

Candidiasis can cause a lot of discomforts to whoever experiences it. The sad thing is, people do not often realize immediately that they already have the infection. 

 

The symptoms of Candidiasis may include:

1.)  Eye infections that may cause blurred vision
2.)  Respiratory infections like bronchitis
3.)  Persistent bloating due to candida giving off carbon dioxide in the intestine
4.)  Oral yeast infection and white tongue
5.)  Soar throat
6.)  Allergies to food
7.)  Abnormal craving for sweets
8.)  Painful urination
9.)  Vaginal discharge
10.) Impotency
11.) Chronic rashes and itching
12.) Brain fog or poor mental function related to forgetfulness, confusion, and detachment
13.) Fatigue and panic attacks
14.) Muscle and joint pains

What is in coconut oil that may help in curing candida?

Coconut oil contains medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs) that are easily soluble and absorbed by the body.  Since these fatty acids are digested without difficulty, they will not become rotten foods which feed the Candida albicans. 
In addition, MCFAs are composed of eight percent caprylic acid, seven percent capric acid, and forty-eight percent lauric acid. Caprylic, capric, and lauric acids play major role in killing candida yeasts and in strengthening the immune system.

•    Caprylic acids from coconut oil are very lethal to candida yeasts and other forms of fungi whether found inside or outside the body.  As a matter of fact, this is very common ingredient in supplement products used against vaginal yeast infections and other systemic infections.

•    Lauric acid is an essential fatty acid found only in coconut oil and breast milk. This fatty acid boosts metabolism.  It becomes even more beneficial because it will be converted into monolaurin, an antimicrobial agent that protects the immune system from various disease-causing bacteria and infection agents. Some HIV patients take monolaurin supplements under clinical supervision and claim to have felt better.

Lauric acid is known to be very efficient in fighting lipid-coated viruses like the HIV, Herpes, sarcoma, influenza, hepatitis, and visna viruses.  Good thing about this fatty acid is it does not kill good bacteria inside the body.

•    Monocaprin from capric acid is said to be a potential factor that can treat oral candidiasis.  This is according to a study made in the University of Iceland wherein they tested denture disinfection in 32 elderly patients in a daycare center.  They observed that there was a significant, but short term, reduction of Candida counts on the fitting surface of full dentures.

Given all these facts about coconut oil and candida, it must be clear now that helping in the cure of candidiasis is one of the coconut oil health benefits you get from practicing the coconut oil diet.

 

 

Coconut oil health information and related articles:

 

Coconut oil cholesterol, learn why coconut oil does not increase bad cholesterol levels, and know what are the health  hazzards that are linked to bad cholesterol.

 

Coconut oil hair, read this article and learn the most effective ways in treating hair problems by using coconut oil.