Do you suffer from red skin, canker sores, tiredness and persistent lack of energy or bloating? These are just a few of the signs of a yeast infection and you may be interested in knowing that you can use coconut oil to treat candida. Read on to learn how to use coconut oil to prevent and treat yeast infections.
Table of Contents
What is candida
Candida is a type of fungus that lives in our body and just as there are “good” and “bad” bacteria, so there are good and bad types of fungus. The scientific name for yeast is candida and it generally lives in our digestive systems.
Generally, a healthy immune system keeps it in place, doing the jobs it is supposed to do. However, some medications and health problems may be more common, especially Candida albicans, resulting in a condition called Candidiasis (a fungal infection caused by yeasts belonging to the genus Candida).
This can cause great discomfort and chronic illness, and if left untreated, it can turn into a life-threatening condition. Worst of all, candida is sometimes not known to cause the chronic health problems that many suffer from.
Let’s take a look at the symptoms and causes of candida infection and how to use coconut oil to treat yeast infection.
What are the causes and symptoms of yeast infection?
Candida is found in very small amounts in our bodies. To stay under control, we need a proper balance of bacteria in our digestive system. However, when something happens in the body to upset the delicate balance of bacteria, it can break down on the walls and get into the bloodstream.
This can cause yeast infections of the skin, in the mouth, and in the vagina. Vaginal yeast infections are very common in women and can cause great discomfort. Commonly, it is known as candidiasis.
Causes of candida infections
There are several factors that can cause yeast infections in people. The most common reason is taking medications that can interfere with the good bacteria in the gut. For example, antibiotics generally break down the digestive system and because of this, candida infections can spread.
However, birth control pills, stress, alcohol, and / or too much sugar in your diet can also lead to yeast infections.
If you suffer from chronic stress, it is very possible that you suffer from intestinal yeast or intestinal yeast infection.
Symptoms of candida infection in the body
A yeast infection in the mouth (sometimes called oral yeast infection) will show up as white dots inside the mouth and on the tongue and a person will usually experience redness in the mouth and on the tongue.
Usually, the symptoms of vaginal yeast infections are severe in the genital area, the labia swell, there is vaginal discharge and pain when urinating. There could also be pain when having an intimate relationship.
Signs of a candida infection in the body:
- Fungal infections of the skin and nails.
- Lack of energy and chronic fatigue.
- Digestive problems like bloating, constipation, diarrhea.
- Strong cravings for sugar or bread products.
Yeast infection (candida) has been treated with antifungal medications and it is also important to make dietary and lifestyle changes.
You also need to take probiotics for it to accumulate a number of good bacteria in your body.
Let’s take a look at all the reasons why coconut oil is a great treatment for candida infections and how to use it.
Coconut oil for yeast infection
The way to eliminate yeast infections, stop their spread, and ensure that it does not become a life-threatening condition is by administering antifungal treatments. However, the antifungal medications that are generally prescribed can cause side effects, and candida can become resistant to them.
Many studies have been done with coconut oil for treating infections, and scientists have found that it can be of great help in treating yeast infections, including yeast infections. Also, the fungus does not create a resistance to the antifungal properties of coconut oil.
When using coconut oil to treat candida, be sure to use virgin coconut oil, preferably organic.
Coconut oil for Candida albicans – the studies
In 2015, an extensive study of coconut oil was conducted specifically for the yeast Candida albicans (C. albicans). The study, published in the American Society for Microbiology , reviewed the amount of Candida albicans in the gastrointestinal tract of mice and how coconut oil affected it.
It was found that when coconut oil was introduced into the diet, the amount of C. albicans was significantly reduced.
The study also showed that coconut oil actively reduced C. albicans colonization in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Coconut was also found to contain medium-chain fatty acids, which also play a role in reducing C. albicans. They concluded that coconut oil “could be the first dietary intervention to reduce GI colonization of C. albicans.”
Coconut oil against all strains of candida
This study confirms the results of another study published in the Journal of Medicinal Foods that examined the antimicrobial properties of coconut oil in Candida albicans.
The study showed that coconut oil was effective against all strains of the candida species and was more effective at killing fungi than fluconazole. Fluconazole is one of the most popular drugs used to fight candida infections.
The research concludes that “coconut oil should be used in the treatment of fungal infections in view of the new drug-resistant species of candida.”
Coconut oil for yeast infection – more studies
Other studies have shown that coconut oil is as effective as ketoconazole, another antifungal medication that is prescribed for yeast infections. Also, combining coconut oil with other antifungal and antibacterial medications can make them more effective.
For example, clotrimazole is an antifungal medication used to treat vaginal yeast infection. When clotrimazole was combined with coconut, it was more effective in treating vaginal yeast infections.
It’s clear that coconut oil can play an important role in treating yeast infections. It can be used on its own to clear yeast infections, or it can be combined with medications.
How to use coconut oil for yeast infection
The powerful antifungal properties of coconut oil are effective when taken internally and also when used as a topical application.
Coconut oil in the diet
You can use coconut oil to eliminate your infection by incorporating it into your diet.
First of all, it’s good to know that when it comes to fats, coconut oil is classified as a healthy fat. Although it contains saturated fat, it has been shown to lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase good cholesterol (HDL).
Also, the medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) in coconut oil are easily converted into energy, rather than stored as fat, and this is one of the reasons coconut oil is used for weight loss.
In the study of coconut oil on Candida albicans, however, higher doses of coconut oil were observed to have a long-term effect. However, you must remember that coconut oil is high in calories.
To get the antifungal benefits of coconut oil, you should take 3-5 tablespoons a day. Here are some ideas of how you can incorporate it into your diet:
- Use coconut oil as an alternative to butter or margarine and spread it on bread or toast.
- Add coconut oil to your oatmeal breakfast
- Take a tablespoon of coconut oil before each meal.
- Use coconut oil for cooking.
- Add a tablespoon of coconut oil to a smoothie.
You should always start with smaller amounts of coconut oil and then increase your daily intake.
Coconut oil as a topical treatment for yeast infection
Virgin coconut oil is also a very effective antifungal topical treatment for candida. As shown above, coconut oil is as effective as many antifungal medications that they provide.
Here are some ideas on how you can use coconut oil as a topical treatment for candida infection:
- Clean and dry the affected area.
- Apply a thin layer of virgin coconut oil.
- Repeat this 2-3 times a day until the infection is gone.
Coconut oil and essential oil treatment for candida
The health benefits of cinnamon oil are already known. By adding cinnamon oil, you can increase the antifungal properties of coconut oil.
Studies on cinnamon oil have shown anti-candal properties. Another study has shown that cinnamon oil along with clove oil is an effective combination for killing candida.
To use coconut oil along with essential oils for antifungal activity against candida, you can do the following:
- Add a few drops (2-5) of cinnamon oil and clove oil to 1 tablespoon of virgin coconut oil and mix well.
- Apply a thin layer on the affected area.
- Continue until the yeast infection clears.
Other ways to use coconut oil for yeast infection
Coconut oil and tea tree oil for yeast infection.
Another essential oil that has shown antifungal activity is the essential oil of the tea tree.
You can add some tea tree oil to the above recipe and apply to the affected areas.
There has been a lot of research done showing that tea tree vaginal suppositories are effective in preventing and treating acute vaginal yeast infection.
Tea tree oil can also increase the effectiveness of traditional antifungal medications and can be particularly helpful in treating infections that are difficult to treat.
For example, diluted tea tree oil can be added to fluconazole to increase its effectiveness. This product can help you reduce the amount of fluconazole to reduce side effects and prevent the development of drug resistance. But remember that you should always use diluted tea tree oil, especially if you have sensitive skin (add a few drops of tea tree oil to 1 tablespoon of coconut oil).
Coconut oil treatment for oral candidiasis
If you have oral thrush, you should mix 1-2 drops of cloves or cinnamon oil with a tablespoon of coconut oil. Swirling this around your mouth for several minutes will help. Do not swallow any liquid.
After that, it is recommended to spit the coconut oil into a pot or grass since if you throw it in the sink or the toilet, the pipes can clog, since the oil accumulates.
After spitting out all the oil, rinse your mouth with water and brush your teeth as usual and floss. Once this is done, you can drink and eat as usual.
You can also use yogurt to treat yeast infection. Unprocessed plain yogurt contains certain “good” bacteria that can be helpful in treating various yeast infections.