Category Archives: Diet And Yeast Infection

Candida yeast Infections Are Best Treated With A Strict Diet. The Correct Dietary Approach Is Most Important With yeast Infections If permanent results Are Expected.

Is Coconut Oil Good for Treating Candida Infection?

The answer is – Yes, it is excellent for treating candida and affords many other benefits to our body. While you must have heard of the benefits of coconut oil against candida, you may have also found conflicting information regarding its use. Of course you would not want to take something that is, for example, said to be good for treating candida but bad for your heart. Considering the controversy that has surrounded coconut oil, it is important to weigh the available scientific evidence in order to make an informed decision about it.

The saturated fat controversy and coconut oil

A study in 1970 concluded that there was a correlation between coronary heart disease and total cholesterol concentration. The cholesterol concentrations correlated with energy provided by saturated fat. After this study saturated fat was demonized as oil that if taken internally, would cause cardiac and other health issues due to its high saturated fat content. However, as many researchers have pointed out, “correlation is not necessarily causation” and as it was found later, there were many other un-accounted for factors that were the culprit. For example, most studies included in the 1970 study used hydrogenated coconut oil which is now known to contain trans-fats that are bad for health in many ways.

Evidence is now mounting against the link between saturated fat and risk of cardiovascular disease. A recent detailed and critical analysis of studies (with a total of over 300,000 people studied), by scientists from USA, did not show any significant correlation between saturated fat intake and risk of heart problems.

Not all saturated fat is bad and some even have beneficial health properties, says Theresa Dildy from St. Luke’s Medical Center in Texas, USA in her article that discusses evidence for and against dietary recommendations for prevention of heart diseases. She says that while lauric acid, a major component of milk and coconut and other tropical oils, may raise cholesterol it is mostly HDL-C (high density lipoprotein cholesterol) which is not harmful. Not all LDL is harmful either. In 1995, a study from US researchers showed that there are low-density-lipoprotein subclasses – small and dense type and large and fluffy type. They showed that the small and dense but not large and fluffy type LDL were associated with higher risk of heart disease – thus, raised LDL level alone cannot define higher risk for heart disease.

In 1995, a study by researchers from New Zealand described beneficial effects of non-hydrogenated coconut oil, especially in women. Another study from Philippines published in 2011 suggested that coconut oil intake can improve the lipid profile in pre-menopausal women. Indian scientists in 2004 showed in their animal study that virgin coconut oil (VCO) lowered total cholesterol, lipoproteins and phospholipids and increased HDL-C. The authors attributed this effect to the biologically active polyphenols in this oil. Additionally, this could be because coconut oil is made up of medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs) which are easily metabolized into energy and does not majorly form or transport cholesterol. This mechanism was suggested by Dayrit in an article published in 2003 in Philippines Journal of Cardiology.

An earlier 1981 study on Pacific Islanders, whose staple food is coconut, showed that they traditionally have had low incidence of heart disease. You will find arguments against this saying that pacific islanders have a different diet and a different level of physical work that they do compared to a modern western lifestyle. However, points to note are that:

  • a) this study compared two pacific island populations and one had higher intake of saturated lipids than the other due to which their cholesterol levels were also higher. However, both populations had an equally low incidence of heart disease,
  • b) although the total energy intake of one group was higher than other, making allowance for body size made the difference almost nil,
  • c) an earlier study done by same group on migrant pacific islanders in New Zealand showed that the migrants had reduced saturated fat intake (from 50% on the islands to 41% in New Zealand) for energy combined with increased dietary cholesterol, carbohydrate and sugar intake and lower physical activity of a developed nation. Their lipid profiles now put them at higher risk for heart disease.

We need to weigh any evidence in sensible terms – the above study does not say that coconut in diet is a solution to all heart based issues. The intended message from this study was that coconut based diets in underdeveloped countries were healthy and that there was no reason to prescribe a reduction in coconut intake to them. So, yes, difference in lifestyle is an important factor to consider. However, we must remember that simply shifting to coconut oil is not going to make a sedentary and unhealthy lifestyle healthier. It is wrong to assume that we can abuse our body as much as we want and some sort of pill/supplement/solution will take care of our health problems. This just will not happen.

There is plenty of evidence that coconut oil did not deserve the demonization that it suffered in the last 2-3 decades. It surely does not have heart-disease causing effects and its beneficial effects are increasingly being recognized through research. However, as always, remember that too much of a good thing is not always good and different additional factors can increase (or even decrease) the benefits of anything.

In this article we will further learn how coconut oil fights candida infection and how you can use other herbs and ingredients in combination to get the best out of coconut oil.

Evidence that coconut oil kills candida and how it does that

Researchers from Nigeria published an article in 2007 that described an in-vitro experiment showing candida killing properties of 25-100% coconut oil. When coconut oil was used undiluted, all the candida strains they tested were killed. In comparison, fluconazole was unable to kill all the candida strains at highest concentration.

To understand how coconut oil works against candida, we need to know what is there in coconut oil.

Composition of coconut oil

The major components of coconut oil are the triacylglycerols (95%). A study showed that in virgin coconut oils (VCO), 46-48% of these triacylglycerols was lauric acid. Other major triacylglycerols found were capric, and myristic acid. The VCOs were also found to be significantly high in bioactive phenolic compounds as compared to the refined coconut oils.

Antifungal/anticandida properties of coconut oil

Triacylglycerols have been demonstrated to have antimicrobial properties – they kill the microbial cells that have a certain kind of cell wall structure by entering the cell wall and destroying the cell membrane.

  • Capric and lauric acid: A study by Icelandic scientists in 2001 described the mechanism of action of capric and lauric acid mediated killing of candida and found that these were able to get inside the cell without destroying the cell wall. They destroyed the cell membranes and the insides of the candida cell shrank and became disorganized causing the cells to die. They found that while capric acid was the fastest at killing candida, lauric acid was effective at lower concentrations and took longer time.
  • Monolaurin: After ingestion, VCO is digested by enzymes in the stomach and upper part of small intestine to form monoglycerides, glycerols and free fatty acids (FFAs). Such digestive enzymes are also present in the microbes that live on our skin. Lauric acid from VCO is converted to monolaurin by this process. Monolaurin is also a potent antimicrobial agent. A study from Nigeria, published in 2010 showed that coconut oil at 5-40% concentration, incorporated in a cream base and applied to skin, killed candida apart from other bacteria. This effect was attributed to monolaurin (but could also be due to other fatty acid components of coconut oil) which disrupted the microbial cell membranes with enhanced effect due to surface active agents used as emulsifiers in the cream formulation
  • Caprylic acid: As early as 1961, a Japanese scientist demonstrated the potent anti-candida activity of caprylic acid. He showed that caprylic acid was very active against candida at slightly acidic conditions.
  • Myristic acid: Our normal skin is covered with lauric, myristic and other fatty acids which control the microbes on the skin. Other than killing the microbes directly, these fatty acids also maintain the acidic pH of the skin thereby producing unfavourable condition for growth of microbes. We know that candida hates acidic pH. Thus, coconut oil that contains these acids can provide the anti-candida effect not only by killing it, but also discouraging its growth.

An article published in 2012 by Japanese researchers described how capric and caprylic acid could inhibit the filamentous growth of candida even at very low concentrations. They tested the effect of these two fatty acids on mice and found that the symptoms of oral candidiasis improved significantly. When they studied the tissues of the mice, they found that these fatty acids suppressed the filamentous growth of candida on the surface of the tongue.

A 2008 research by Indonesian scientists showed that VCO with added zinc stimulated the immune system of patients with vaginal candida infection and helped them fight candida infection. They recommended a dose of 1 tablespoon of zinc containing VCO per day for vaginal candida infections. Thus, apart from the direct action of VCO fatty acids on candida, coconut oil also boosts our immunity against it.

Adding some other factors to a coconut oil treatment improve its candida killing effects further. This can especially be recommended if you have been suffering from candida for a long time. One factor, for example, is undecenoic (undecylenic) acid which has been found to stop the change of the yeast form of candida to the filamentous form. In synergy with the function of fatty acids from coconut, undecenoic acid can provide a combinatorial effect against candida. Other candida killing compounds like extracts from garlic, neem leaves, grapefood seed, or Pau d’arco can add to the effectivity of coconut oil through their different modes of action. A great source of these additional factors and more is Canxida.

Other health benefits coconut oil

We have already discussed the cardioprotective and anti-candida/anti-fungal effects of coconut oil. This oil also affords many other health benefits:

Anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic effect: In 2010 by Thai scientists published a report where they studied pharmacologic properties of VCO. They found moderate anti-inflammatory effect, moderate pain-killing (analgesic) effect, and fever-reducing (antipyretic) effect in rats with acute inflammation.

Liver-protective effects: A 2011 study from Malaysia reported the liver protecting role of VCO against paracetamol induced damage of liver in rats. As a higher dose of VCO was needed to show liver-protective effect, it is thought that either VCO exerts this effect through the molecules that escape digestion or due to higher concentrations of other compounds in the oil.

Skin moisturizing effects: A randomized double-blind controlled trial from Philippines published in 2004 showed that coconut oil had comparable moisturizing effect as mineral oil. The study found it to be safe and with added advantage of being antiseptic in nature.

Antithrombotic effect: A study showed that a coconut-oil based diet lowered the dangerous clot formation in blood as compared to a diet with high mono and poly unsaturated fatty acids.

Antibacterial activity: Coconut oil at 5-40% concentration, incorporated in a cream base and applied to skin, has been observed to have microbe killing activity. While VCO does not have antibacterial activity on its own, its components (lauric, capric and caprylic acid) do – this has been shown by a 2013 study from USA.

This is an important activity even in the terms of fighting candida. We know that there is disturbance in bacterial flora (dysbiosis) when there is candida infection. So, if coconut oil has antibacterial activity, then would it not increase dysbiosis? We will discuss this in a bit of a detailed manner here as it directly relates to candida.

So, what is the mechanism of antibacterial activity of VCO? The active lipid components are released during early digestive/enzymatic processes – also on the skin due to presence of normal bacteria and our own enzymes. Additionally, monolaurin is formed when certain enzymes act on lauric acid. Monolaurin is more antibacterial as compared to lauric acid. However, how much monolaurin actually can be formed in the body has not yet been quantified – according to one scientist, Jon Kabara, it is not more than 3%. He says that to reach the pharmacological effects provided by Lauricidin (commercially available monolaurin, discovered by Jon Kabara), 100-300mL/day of coconut oil intake would be required.

There are two different kinds of bacteria – Gram positive (GP) and Gram negative (GN). GP and GN bacteria differ in their cell wall structures. The GP membranes are more susceptible to the effect of fats, while the GN cell wall does not allow fats to enter and disrupt the membrane.There is a study from 1991 which is generally cited showing that monolaurin kills only GP bacteria and not GN bacteria and this difference is interpreted to indicate that monolaurin selectively kills only bad bacteria.

However, it is a fallacy to classify GP bacteria as the bad guys and GN bacteria as the good guys. There are helpful good bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium that are Gram positive, and there are bad GN bacteria like food-poisoning causing strains of E.coli and ulcer causing H.pylori. So, both coconut oil and monolaurin will kill some of the good bacteria. But that is why one should have probiotics along with anything that has microbe killing effect.

Coconut oil, in our opinion, has more holistic beneficial effects in fighting infection as compared to any single component. The complexity of coconut oil components that act in synergy against bacteria along with immunity improving and anti-inflammatory functions definitely provide a competitive edge to it.

Antiviral activity: Coconut oil acts against many different viruses. The MCFA from coconut oil destroy the viruses by disrupting lipid-coated membranes of viruses like influenza and hepatitis C virus. They are also known to also interfere with assembly of viruses and their maturation. Lauric acid is more active against these viruses than caprylic, capric or myristic acid.

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Potential side-effects of coconut oil

Coconut oil has no known side-effects. However, not being used to fat in your diet could cause you to get diarrhoea. To avoid this you should always start with a low dose of coconut oil in your diet.

Other uses of coconut oil

  • Coconut oil soap with hypochlorite has been shown to have anti-biofilm activity against the bacterium Streptococcus mutans and Candida when brushing dentures with the soap.
  • Coconut oil has insect repellent activity. Lauric acid, a major component of coconut oil is shown to repel ticks.
  • Coconut oil is known for its skin moisturizing effect and providing shine to hair.

Some frequently asked questions from our readers

Why does coconut oil work so well against candida?

Coconut oil works well against candida due to the combination different fatty acids that function together against candida as already described above.

What is coconut oil more effective for external or internal candida?

Coconut oil is effective for both external and internal candida infections

How long does it take for coconut oil to treat candida? How much coconut oil to take to kill candida?

Coconut oil will start its effect soon after you have started taking it. That is why we recommend that you take your coconut oil diet slow as you do not want severe die off effects. The higher your infection, stronger your die-off symptoms will be. Start with a half to one teaspoon of oil, three times a day and gradually increase it every week or so to 3 tablespoons per day. If you have a major candida infection, stay on this dose for 2-3 weeks. You should increase your dose based on the die-off symptoms – once the symptoms set in, hold the dose and only once the symptoms are gone start increasing the dose. Make sure that you take coconut oil in few doses over the day and not in one go.

It is recommended that you include some coconut oil in your diet on a long term basis as it has many benefits apart from getting rid of your candida infection.

How do I know if coconut oil is working?

Based on the outcome. Make sure to give it time as discussed.

Can candida become resistant to coconut oil?

No. The beauty of complex natural products is that they contain different compounds that act in different ways. Coconut oil contains lauric, capric and caprylic acids all of which have anti-candida activity – although these function in more or less the same way in killing candida, they still are different chemically. Anything that can kill a microbe outright would not allow the microbe to develop resistance to it. Thus, the high potency and complex nature of the anti-candida compounds in coconut oil will not allow candida to become resistant to it.

What is the best time to take coconut oil for optimal results?

For best results, coconut oil should be taken in divided doses during the course of the day and not as a single dose. So, you should take coconut oil with every meal (considering that you take more than 2 meals a day).

For what type of candida infections is coconut oil good?

Coconut oil is good for treating all kinds of candida infections – gut, mouth, skin and vaginal infections all respond to treatment with coconut oil.

How to use coconut oil to treat candida?

Dietary: You can include good organic VCO in your diet. You can have the coconut oil plain, or add to smoothies and salads. You can also include VCO in your cooking. Coconut oil works very well in South Indian and Thai curries. Coconut milk can also be used in the curries although you should remember that it has 1/6th the content of beneficial fatty acids as compared to coconut oil. You can also eat fresh coconut meat just by itself for some of your coconut oil requirements. You can also use some organic copra in your muesli, or roast it and mix it with your nut snack. The thing is, coconut is very versatile and can be used in different forms in your diet and it will provide you with the fatty acids to fight candida – be creative in your use of coconut to reap the benefits of its oil.

Skin: VCO can be applied to the skin, to treat candida infections of the skin. You can rub enough oil well onto the affected areas. You can also add a few drops of oregano oil to the coconut oil to provide supplementary candida killing effect. Apply twice daily and do not give up until totally cured.


Vagina: You can use a tampon soaked in warm VCO and leave it in for 6-8 hours. For severe candida infections you can also infuse your coconut oil with freshly crushed garlic for added benefit

Can coconut oil cause candida die off? If yes how and why and what are sort of die off symptoms can one experience and how to work around it?

Yes, coconut oil can cause candida die-off symptoms. The most common symptoms can be stomach upsets and diarrhoea. This is for the body to clear out the toxins. The symptoms can also be flu-like in nature, can vary in severity for different people and generally last only for a few days.

Die-off symptoms would especially happen if you take too much VCO causing the candida dies off faster than your body can clear the toxins from the dead candida. That is why you are recommended to start with low amount of coconut oil and very gradually increase it.

Oregano oil and coconut oil in combination are they good?

Yes, oregano oil has been shown to have anti-candida activity itself. A good combination of different anti-candida ingredients can result in immediate killing of candida – which also prevents development of resistance. Additionally, coconut oil is also a good emulsifier and can function as a good carrier of oregano oil to the different parts of the body. CanxidaRemove contains oregano oil as well so incorporate some canxida in your diet.

Is coconut oil ok on candida diet? Can coconut oil complement existing candida diet?

Yes, it is perfect with candida diet. Coconut oil does not interfere with your candida diet, but can actually complement your candida diet through its immune boosting and anti-candida activity.

What is the best way to use it in my diet?

Best way to use coconut oil in your diet is to have coconut in as many ways possible – this will not only prevent you from getting bored of the diet, but also provide you different natural components of coconut that can boost your health in different ways. Adding to different foods, cooking in coconut oil, using coconut products in your baking and meal preparations, chewing on good quality coconut meat etc. can help you include the benefits of coconut oil in your diet.

Coconut oil and lemon juice for candida is it a good combo?

You can add coconut oil to lemon juice and have it. Apart from providing a different way of having coconut oil, lemon also stimulates peristalsis (movement of intestines) and thereby digestion. Lemon juice also helps flush kidney and liver of any toxins and is therefore recommended as the first drink you have during the day. When taken in combination with coconut oil, lemon juice can also help you flush out candida toxins from die-off.

Is it good to take coconut oil bath does it help?

While coconut is great solution, I have not found any research on bath with coconut oil. However, as stated earlier in this article you can use it as skin moisturizer.

What form of coconut oil is best (capsules or oil or what)?

Coconut oil capsules are not good value for a few reasons. Coconut oil is rather stable oil and you need not worry about it going bad in a hurry to call for capsulation. When you have coconut oil capsules, you also ingest the capsule material. You can use coconut oil in many forms, capsules you just have to swallow. The lure of coconut oil capsules for some is avoiding the smell of coconut oil. However, we must not forget that digestion starts from mouth and the beneficial properties of coconut oils will be released upon its digestion. Skipping a part of the digestive system while taking a natural product may not be the best thing to do if we are looking for its best functionality.

I have heard about coconut oil suppository. Are they useful and do they work for vaginal yeast?

Yes, you can make your own coconut oil suppository for vaginal yeast. These function by providing lubrication, anti-inflammatory effect, and anti-candida effect already discussed under the section on how coconut oil fights candida.

Is cooking with coconut oil okay?

Yes, coconut oil is excellent cooking oil. This is because it has a high burning point – so you can heat the oil to cooking temperatures without the risk of oil getting damaged and transforming into the dangerous trans-fat. It can be used alone or mixed with some butter or lard other good fats.

What is the difference between coconut water and oil?

Coconut water is the clear water from inside the nut while coconut oil is produced from the meaty part of coconut. Coconut water is a good source of nutrition with respect to vitamins and essential minerals and other nutrients. However, coconut water contains only limited amount of fats. Thus, nutritive coconut water can be supportive in your anti-candida diet, but it will not function in the same way as coconut oil in fighting candida.

Can I just eat coconut instead of taking the oil? Will it have the same effect?

It is always a good idea to combine eating coconut with taking coconut oil as doing so increases diversity in your diet apart from providing other nutrition and beneficial compounds that are not present in the oil. Eating coconut will also provide you same fatty acids to fight candida that are present in coconut oil, however, the amount of fats will be lesser compared to what you get from oil. Oil is a concentrated source of these fats.

What is the difference between different forms of coconut oil or are they all the same?

Different forms of coconut oil all are produced from coconut. There are differences between which part of coconut is used, how they are processed and their final chemical composition.

Coconut oil type Coconut- part sourced Extraction mechanism Processing Biologically active phenolic compounds content
Pure Copra Bullock pulled mill or mechanical mill (expeller pressed) None Good
Refined
(RBD)
Copra Bullock pulled mill or mechanical mill (expeller pressed) Pure oil undergoes filtration, heating to high temperatures, chemical refining, bleaching and deodorizing Significantly low compared to virgin coconut oil
Hydrogenated Copra Bullock pulled mill or mechanical mill (expeller pressed) Refined oil is hydrogenated to make it stay solid at higher temperatures. Low, as made from refined oil.
Virgin Wet process: Fresh coconut milk
Dry process: dried fresh coconut meat
Fermentation, centrifugation, or enzyme action None Good
Organic Copra from organically grown coconuts Bullock or mechanical mill
(expeller pressed)
None Good
Organic Virgin Fresh coconut milk from organically grown coconuts Fermentation, centrifugation, or enzyme action None Good
Extra Virgin No standards have been defined for extra virgin coconut oil. The existence of extra virgin coconut oil is doubtful and controversial.
Liquid From coconut oil Fractionated RBD. Lauric acid is removed. RBD process Low

It must be noted that the processing of oil for purifying it involves high heat which is likely to destroy important active components (like phenols), chemical (solvent) extraction – which might leave traces of these chemicals in the oil. Hydrogenation process also creates trans-fats which are harmful to our body.

Which oil is best for candida – refined or unrefined coconut oil?

Unrefined, unbleached virgin coconut oil (VCO) is recommended for candida. This is because you would want to have the best product that has all the goodness and benefits – a product that is minimally processed and minimally damaged. Refining and other processes usually affect the quality of coconut oil by removing beneficial phenolic compounds (which are anti-oxidants) and possibly incorporation of processing chemicals. Additionally, hydrogenation increases the trans-fat content of the oil which is known to be harmful to the body in many ways. Heated oil can cause a lot of free-radical damage, can damage your own cell membranes by incorporating the bad fats into them.

How can you know if you are using the best coconut oil?

Read the description on the coconut oil bottle. Best oil is organic virgin coconut oil. It should be properly certified organic and virgin oil. If there is no description and only mentions “coconut oil” it is likely to be RBD coconut oil. Under no circumstance use hydrogenated coconut oil. Do not use “liquid coconut oil” as it does not contain any lauric acid at all and it is lauric acid that gives much of the antimicrobial properties to coconut oil.

Coconut oil tastes disgusting what should I do?

First of all find out whether it is taste, or the consistency that you cannot tolerate. Coconut oil is solid at room temperature and this makes it difficult for some people to take the coconut oil directly. If this is your issue, then warm the oil up a slight bit.

If on the other hand, it is the taste you dislike – first of all check if the taste is like fresh coconut. If the oil does not have the gentle flavour of coconut and smells strongly, it may not be good. VCO should normally have the flavour of mature coconut – a flavour that you will also find in coconut milk. If you do not like the natural flavour of coconut, then you should try mixing the oil into smoothies and other meals. Sometimes it can just be a mental block because of not being used to the aroma. Start with small amounts. Many people actually start liking the taste of coconut after they get used to it.

What about Coconut oil enema?

Please refer to our coconut oil enema section on our comprehensive enema article page.

Is it possible to be allergic to coconut oil?

According to Australasian society of clinical immunology and allergy, allergic reactions to eating coconut, although rare, are possible. Contact allergic dermatitis to coconut products is more common though. The substances that trigger allergies are proteins. Pure virgin (unprocessed) coconut oil has no reported reactions and is not allergenic.

Which brand is the best brand to buy?

Unless you live in or know someone in a country where they extract coconut oil and you are sure of their reliability, it is advisable to go for reliable and reputable brands. Make sure that you read the labels carefully to know what it is that you are buying.

How much to pay for a good coconut oil?

The price of coconut oil depends on many factors like availability, demand, quality and quantity. For example, it is definitely cheaper where it is produced than when it is imported. RBD oils are much cheaper than virgin or organic virgin oils.

What is the best way to store coconut oil?

It is good to store coconut oil in airtight containers to prevent the oil from becoming rancid – although coconut oil is known to be rather stable and less prone to rancidity, it can go bad if you use dirty cutlery to scoop it out or it gets some contamination that grows on it. The storage jar should have a broad mouth for ease of scooping out.

Coconut oil can be stored at both room temperature and in the fridge. If you store in the fridge, it will be more difficult to scoop out.

If ever your coconut oil has a strange taste and flavour, you should throw it.

Coconut oil vs caprylic acid what is better?

Coconut oil has good amounts of caprylic acid by itself. However, taking extra supplement of caprylic acid would aid in your candida treatment as the natural coconut oil will vary in its content of caprylic acid from batch to batch. Another reason to take caprylic acid is to avoid getting tired of the taste of coconut. When you take coconut products for a long time there is also a possibility that you get allergic to coconut. Therefore taking a break from coconut products and taking caprylic acid in a formulated form can be useful.

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Does caprylic acid affects friendly bacteria?

Caprylic acid will affect Gram positive bacteria more than Gram negative bacteria. Although there are few bad bacteria that are Gram positive, there are also beneficial Gram positive bacteria like bifidobacterium and lactobacilli that live in our gut.

So, yes, when caprylic acid (and other fatty acids) from coconut oil start killing candida, it will also kill some good bacteria. That is why it will always be a good idea to include probiotics (Canxida Restore) in your diet while on your path to fighting candida. Basically what you want to do is kill the candida and some bacteria (also maybe some good bacteria), but then you replenish the good ones. This way you will make sure that you take care of your dysbiosis as well as a slight reduction in good bacteria because of antibacterial action of coconut oil.

Are Coconut oil and coconut butter the same? What is better to take?

No, coconut oil and butter are two different things. Coconut butter contains coconut meat and also possibly some added coconut oil. Some find coconut butter easier to have than coconut oil. You can make your own coconut butter by blending shredded coconut – this way you can avoid any additives. It is good to use coconut in different forms – so combining an intake of coconut butter with some coconut oil is a good idea.

Is coconut oil detox good?

If you are desperate to get rid of your candida infection, you might be tempted to do a coconut oil detox. This is most definitely not recommended if you have a candida infection. It is extreme for your body when you do a coconut oil detox – with 2 tbsp VCO every two hours making up to 14 tbsp per day. The detox can give you horrible extreme symptoms. What you are looking for is steady improvement in your condition with a cure that lasts. Extreme diets/detox make the body suffer – a stressed body does not heal itself and on the contrary can allow opportunistic microbes an environment to thrive in. And the video below covers the exact same theme (QUICK FIXES) make sure to watch it.

If I missed anything regarding coconut please leave a comment below and I will get back to you.

Does Zinc Help with Candida?


Zinc plays many critical roles in fighting candida. People with recurring yeast infections tend to be zinc deficient, and modern farming practices such as depleted mineral content in soil, and using pesticides and other chemicals used to grow produce, contribute to deficiencies. High zinc-content foods, such as red meat, are often skipped in favor of chicken, soy, or seafood. Candida itself is a culprit of hindering zinc absorption in the body: PLoS Pathogens published a study in 2012 showing that candida actually generates scavenger proteins which remove zinc from human cells.



Benefits

Zinc is responsible for healthy immune function, protein and energy production, and enzymatic activity. It is also responsible for helping glucose metabolism convert sugars into ATP (adenosine-tri-phosphate). Without enough zinc, excessive glucose is stored in cells and can become food for yeast. Maintaining ATP is also critical for immune support, pH balance, and other biochemical properties which directly fight excessive yeast.

Taking extra zinc prevents the bio-unavailability of copper, a condition when excessive amounts of copper are stored in the body, yet cannot be accessed. When this occurs, copper is unable to function as a fungicide. In 1998, research published in Analyst found that copper and zinc displayed antimicrobial effects when tested with bacteria, viruses, and fungi, including candida. Despite many people lacking nutrients with modern diets, copper is an exception. Stress, lower metabolism, estrogenic medications such as birth control, vegetarian diets, and treated cookware can contribute to high levels of copper and depleted amounts of zinc.

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Side Effects

There are no significant side effects when zinc levels are within healthy ranges. Overdosing of zinc may include vomiting, difficulty breathing, dizziness, fainting, or chest pain. Zinc cream used on broken skin may cause irritation such as stinging or itching. Zinc is potentially dangerous in nose sprays, as they may cause loss of smell.

Dosage

To find out if you are lacking zinc in your body, take a taste test. Simply swish around liquid zinc sulfate in your mouth for 10-15 seconds, at least one hour after eating or drinking (water is okay). If there is a strong metallic taste, you are not deficient in zinc. However, an inability to taste the liquid or only noticing a light flavor means you are zinc deficient. The lower the taste, the higher the deficiency.

Determining how much extra zinc to take depends on how much zinc is consumed through diet, supplements, and results on a taste test. Generally, taking 20-30mg daily is considered safe even for those who are not deficient, however sources disagree on whether 40, 50, or 100mg is the limit for daily intake. It is better to begin with lower dosages and build up over time to know how your body reacts, particularly if you have a sensitive stomach or experience yeast die-off effects.

When taking zinc supplements, wait two hours after eating a meal. If nausea occurs, take zinc with a light, low-fiber snack or meal, as fiber can hinder absorption. Though whole grains contain both zinc and fiber naturally, the relationship between these two nutrients and how well they are absorbed together has not been well researched. If copper levels are in a healthy range, taking 1mg per 15mg of zinc is recommended to balance out mineral content. However, minerals such as copper, phosphorus, magnesium, and iron should be taken at least two hours apart from zinc.

Feel you may need more zinc for candida? Take candida quiz to find out more..

What Forms of Zinc are Good?

When choosing a supplement, be aware of elemental zinc (the actual amount in milligrams of zinc) versus the total milligrams of the pill which includes the whole formula (oxide, citrate, etc. are added into the zinc).

Many doctors and studies will suggest different forms will have superior absorption. Agents Actions published research in 1987 where fifteen volunteers were given three versions of zinc and a placebo in a double-blind, four-period crossover trial. Zinc levels were tested through hair, urine, and other methods. The results showed that only the picolinate form increased zinc in the body. In 2005, a study reported in International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology suggested that zinc gluconate was better absorbed in the body versus oxide. Other research suggests that for antiviral properties in zinc, the acetate and gluconate forms are best, while carnosine works well for memory and digestive disorders.

Zinc can be applied topically to treat skin irritations, including rash and skin yeast infections. Gels and ointments of zinc oxide are available. Follow directions on the bottle and do not use in nose or vaginal canal unless otherwise stated. Manuka honey is a great alternative for skin related issue and you can read more about it here.

Other Uses

Zinc has a wide variety of health benefits aside from immune and antifungal support, including:

  • Alleviating and preventing allergies
  • Increasing sense of smell and taste
  • Supporting fertility in men and prostate health
  • Maintaining healthy acid levels in the stomach
  • Treating macular degeneration
  • Improving sleep
  • Diminishing scars and healing wounds
  • Regulating oil glands to prevent acne
  • Treating herpes (both simplex infections)

Should I start low or high dose of zinc for my candida?

Begin with a lower dose of zinc and increase over time to see how your body reacts. See “What Forms of Zinc are Better” for more information.

Which Zinc is the Best? (undecylenate or picolinate or pyrithione or gluconate or carnosine)?

See “What Forms of Zinc are Better” for more information.

Is Zinc Oxide good?

Zinc oxide has not been shown to absorb in the body as well as other forms. See “What Forms of Zinc are Better”  for more information.

Can Candida be Caused Because of Zinc Deficiency?

Yes. See the “introduction” and “Benefits” section for more information.

Can zinc feed candida yeast overgrowth?

Studies have found no evidence that zinc feeds candida.

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Can zinc cause die off effect? How long can it last?

Yes. If the die-off effect is too strong or undesirable, cut back on the amount of zinc being taken. And to answer your question of how long it can last check the video below.

Let us know how zinc has helped you in your fight against candida.

Can Cranberry Help Against Yeast Infections?

Cranberries are a high antioxidant fruit with overwhelming support and scientific evidence in fighting urinary tract infections. Cranberries help flush out the urinary system and prevent bacteria from adhering to the cell wall, thus preventing bacteria from multiplying. Can these same principles be applied to yeast infections? The short answer is that there is little research on whether or not cranberries help in treating yeast overgrowth, and many health practitioners can only speculate on the use of cranberries for yeast overgrowth. However, recent studies, albeit limited, have shown that cranberries have potential attributes that may help fight candida yeast.

Benefits

Despite the lack of conclusive evidence on whether or not cranberries have antifungal properties, there has been research suggesting that cranberries can inhibit yeast formation and adherence to cell walls. In 2014, Pathogens and Disease published a study on how cranberries affected oral yeast. The results concluded that while cranberries did not demonstrate antifungal properties, they did have a strong antimetabolic effects on yeast by preventing adhesion. A similar 2012 study published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that while cranberries did not have an effect on the growth of oral yeast, the proanthocyanidins in cranberries did reduce yeast from adhering to areas in the mouth and prevent biofilm formation.

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Cranberry products may help fight vaginal yeast infections based on the above research that cranberries prevent bacteria and yeast from bonding to cell walls and reducing reproduction rates. Any other forms of yeast, such as intestinal or external, need further research with cranberry before reaching a conclusion.

Cranberry fruit, juice, and supplements can provide a healthy intestinal and digestive system. Cranberries have a low pH balance, meaning that their acidic nature promotes healthy digestive secretions, an important component for flushing out excessive yeast. A cup of cranberries contains 4.6 grams of fiber, which is another important nutrient for yeast elimination. Cranberry may also have a positive effect on fighting yeast when taken in conjunction with other natural remedies, such as probiotics, garlic or onion (see article “Is Onion Good“).

We have written a lot on topic of garlic and in combination with cranberry you are looking for a solid treatment protocol.

Even without an infection, cranberries can help prevent yeast overgrowth because of their nutritional content and ability to prevent yeast from adhering to cell walls and reproducing. To find out if cranberry is a good option for you, take our free quiz.

Dosage

There is no established dosage for cranberry. Some suggestions include drinking 1-3 cups of pure cranberry juice a day, or 500-1000mg of cranberry pills, while other sources found that as little as 1 or 2 ounces of cranberry juice were effective in preventing yeast from adhering to the lining of mouth or vaginal walls.

While cranberry dosages may not be well established, there are strict guidelines when purchasing cranberry products. Cranberry juice must be unsweetened, as added sugar feeds the yeast in your body. Avoid buying cranberry cocktails, even if they are 100% juice, as they consist of different juices together and often have higher sugar content without much cranberry in the blend. Extracts and freeze-dried cranberry pills are available for people who do not have access to pure cranberry juice or cannot stomach the tart and sour flavor of cranberries. Pill extracts are just as effective, if not more desirable, as there is no sugar in the extracted or freeze-dried form.

Insufficient data exists for the effectively of other forms of cranberry, such as tea.

Side Effects

Cranberry is considered likely safe. The fruit and juice can be taken by pregnant or breast-feeding mothers, however, cranberry supplements have not been tested for use during pregnancy or breast-feeding. Minor side effects such as diarrhea or stomach upset may occur if taking high amounts of cranberry. Anyone allergic to aspirin should avoid drinking high amounts of cranberry juice, as cranberries contain high levels of salicylic acid, which is similar to aspirin. There is some concern about cranberries causing kidney stones if taken for long periods of time, as cranberry extracts and juice contain the chemical oxalate. Kidney stones mostly contain oxalate and calcium, and so anyone taking high amounts of calcium or who have a history of kidney stones should avoid high dosages and long-term use of cranberry. Persons taking Warfarin or any medications changed by the liver should avoid consuming any cranberry.

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Other Uses

Cranberry is best known for preventing and treating urinary tract infections. Research on the effectiveness of cranberry for other health benefits is either lacking, inconclusive, or dubious. Other common uses for cranberry include improving memory, and reducing blood sugar levels. Cranberry has also been promoted for weight loss and healthy skin.

Is Aloe Vera Good For Yeast Infection?

Aloe vera is used to treat a wide variety of internal and external conditions, and has two important roles that can help prevent and fight yeast infections: natural antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties, and the ability to increase white blood cells to fight infections.

Benefits

Studies have shown that aloe vera juice may help increase white blood cells, which kill infections caused by bacteria, viruses, and other harmful organisms including yeast. The Immunopharmacology and Immunotoxicology journal published an article in 2011 which found aloe vera significantly increased macrophages, the type of white blood cells that fight yeast infections. Research has also suggested that aloe vera contains natural fungicidal properties. A 2011 study conducted by All India Institute of Medical Sciences found that a purified protein from aloe vera leaf gel had potent anti-fungal activities.

Think you may have a yeast infection? Take our yeast infection quiz to find out!

Side-Effects

Aloe vera is generally considered safe, however, aloe vera may interact with certain medications, including prescription drugs and natural remedies for diabetes, digestion, and heart. Insufficient research has been conducted for safe use during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or usage in young children.

Some individuals may have allergic reactions to aloe vera, particularly those who are allergic to onions, garlic, and tulips. To test for an allergy to aloe, apply a small amount of gel behind your ear or near your underarm. If any stinging or rash emerges after a couple of minutes, discontinue use. Make sure that the aloe vera gel is free from preservatives or other ingredients that may cause skin irritations.

Taken internally, aloe vera may cause stomach upset and have a negative laxative effect if the juice or gel blend is from the whole leaf. These formulas contain aloin, the amber sap in the outer aloe leaf, which is known to cause gastrointestinal irritation. If you have digestive concerns, take inner leaf aloe vera juice or gel to avoid aloin. If undergoing a colonoscopy, do not drink aloe for at least one month beforehand.

Dosage

For external yeast infections, apply aloe vera gel to the infected area 3-5 times per day. For internal consumption, drink 4-6 ounces of inner fillet aloe per day to help fight excessive yeast, or 1-2 ounces per day for maintenance. Aloe vera suppositories are also available for vaginal yeast infections. Follow directions on the label if using suppositories.

Other Uses

Aloe vera is perhaps best known for applying directly on the skin to help soothe and heal sunburns, but can also aid in healing and reducing symptoms for: acne, bruises, bug bites, eczema, minor burns, minor cuts, poison ivy, and other injuries or irritations on the skin.

Aloe vera is used internally for its anti-inflammatory properties and to support a healthy immune system, aid digestion, and heal intestinal issues and colon-related problems such as rectal itching and hemorrhoids. In 2012, research published in Planta Medica demonstrated that aloe vera may help lower blood glucose in type 2 diabetes, as well as reducing LDL cholesterol levels.

FAQ

Can aloe vera cause yeast infections?

Research has not linked aloe vera to causing yeast infections.

How to apply aloe vera if you have yeast infection?

Please see section on dosage on top.

For what type of yeast infection is it good?

While most studies on aloe vera have only been conducted on Candida albicans, aloe has immune-strengthening benefits which strengthen white blood cells that fight off every form of invasive and excessive yeast.

Is aloe vera also good for male yeast infection?

Yes. Aloe vera strengthens white cell blood count which in turn can fight harmful fungi, including different forms of yeast. Studies have also found that natural fugicidal attributes in aloe vera can help fight Candida albicans, a form of yeast infection which includes intestinal yeast and thrush.

Is it good for baby yeast infection?

Pure aloe vera juice or gel can be used topically on babies for diaper rash, however, there is insufficient research regarding the safety of using aloe vera on babies and young children. I have known many parents who use 1tsp aloe vera juice to aid in their toddler’s digestive support without side effects, but before administering aloe vera to a child, ensure they are not allergic (see side-effects), and only give small amounts.

Can it help with nail/skin infection?

Yes, aloe vera is used for a variety of topical treatments and has anti-fungal properties for both internal and external use.

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Is aloe vera juice also good?

Studies have researched both aloe vera gel and juice for health benefits and found that both forms of aloe vera can yield positive results in treating health problems. Aloe vera juice often contains aloin, a questionable ingredient that may cause digestive upset for some people. If you have a sensitive stomach or compromised colon, use aloe vera juice or gel that is from the inner leaf only.

Is Kombucha Tea Good for Yeast Infection?

Our take on kombucha is that it is great for candida yeast infection sufferers. Fermented foods are the way to go. We have done numerous videos on the topic and below is one of them:

What are the benefits of Kombucha tea for Candida patients?

Kombucha is generally not recommended for people struggling with an overgrowth of yeast or Candida. This in all likelihood has had to do with the sugar and alcohol levels of the Kombucha, which can vary widely from batch to batch and manufacturer to manufacturer. It has been noted that the liver and kidneys can be adversely affected especially if they are not functioning properly to begin with. It is recommended that commercially prepared brands of this beverage be consumed to insure only helpful strains of yeast are used, proper acidity is maintained and levels of alcohol kept low. It’s one of the reasons that many patients never fully recover from yeast infection.

It is known that foods and beverages have different benefits for each individual. For many, this beverage will not only be a pleasant one but can also have profound health benefits.

There is no conclusive study which renders a right or wrong opinion or a study that offers a set in stone answer for every person with yeast issues. It is by experience that you will determine what is right for you as an individual. If you are working with someone regarding your yeast problem, you will want to discuss their opinions and recommendations, share what you have learned and present what you would like to try. Healing is an art and is influenced by many factors, which cannot be accounted for in a “controlled study.”

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Side-effects of Kombucha you might experience.

One issue of great importance is be certain of what strains of yeast the Kombucha Scoby contains. A study found that some samples contained Candida Albicans, the strain of yeast responsible for Candida overgrowth.

If the Kombucha contains only beneficial yeasts and not pathogenic ones, then the drink can begin to balance the gut flora. There may be an initial flare up of symptoms, which can falsely lead to a person to conclude that Kombucha is making the yeast problem worse. This not always true. In most cases, a rebalancing of the gut’s environment may result in discomfort while changes are taking place. Kombucha, taken in small quantities increased slowly over time can help minimize the discomfort and rebalance the flora of the gastro-intestinal system. It can help people with candida in the gut, Eric Bakker did a video on the topic which you can watch below.

What is Kombucha good for?

It is difficult to define conclusively what Kombucha is good for as a claim would need to apply to all people in the culture that the claim is being made. Kombucha can vary widely from batch to batch as it is typically uncontrolled and unregulated as far as the manufacturing process goes. However, Kombucha should not be discounted and deemed harmful or declared unbeneficial for all people. Testimonies prove otherwise and many people find Kombucha to be an essential part of their recovery and maintenance program.

There have been many claims that Kombucha has helped many people with various conditions. There also have even been reports of increased libido. None of this has proven to be true in “controlled” studies. In spite of this, Kombucha is worth careful study and consideration.

“In a systematic review, 2003, Edzard Ernst characterized Kombucha as an “extreme example” of an unconventional remedy because of the great disparity between implausible, wide-ranging health claims lacking evidentiary support, and the potential for harm the preparations seem to hold. Ernst concluded that the unsubstantiated list of proposed therapeutic benefits do not outweigh the known risks.”

How much Kombucha should I consume and when?

Recommendations vary and should depend on careful consideration of the individual. Eric recommends drinking 150 mL three times per day which amounts to about 3 liters per week but also notes that the amount is influenced by dietary intake, supplement regimen and of course, the individual’s response to the beverage. Smaller amounts are recommended if a chronic sickness is an issue and a half glass in the morning before breakfast is recommended.

Eric also suggests increasing the frequency to twice a day if there have been no adverse affects after a week. One can increase quantity and frequency always adjusting according to how you are feeling. It is noted that bowel movements may become smellier and suggest that this is due to the elimination of toxins from the body. Increasing water intake is advised and adjusting the quantity and frequency according to your body’s signs and symptoms is emphasized.

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Conclusion

There are many claims of health benefits ranging from support of detoxification, enhancement of immune health, reduction joint of pain, improvement in peristaltic function, lowering of cholesterol and a myriad of digestive improvements. Better functioning of digestion and elimination alone insures positive health changes. This antioxidant rich and pro-biotic packed beverage is a bargain beverage with many benefits. . Simply listen to your body and proceed slowly. Kombucha can be a pleasant replacement for other beverages, which do not enhance health!