Coconut Oil as a Natural Antimicrobial

Natural antibacterials, natural antifungals, and natural antimicrobials have captivated the attention of health enthusiasts for years. Many tried and true options exist and information on many of them can be found with a simple internet search, but most searches won’t turn up coconut oil.

 

How is Coconut oil a Natural Antimicrobial?

Among these options, coconut oil stands out as a remarkable natural antimicrobial and a natural remedy. With its rich history and diverse applications, this versatile oil offers a wealth of benefits backed by scientific research. Whether you’re looking to boost your immune system, promote skin health, or explore alternative healing methods, the information available today makes it easier than ever to harness the power of coconut oil in your wellness journey.

 

 

The effectiveness of coconut oil is a result of the short chain fats having the effect of entering and dissolving the cellular membranes of fungi, bacteria, protozoa, and viruses, as well as other mechanisms of action. This action is non-toxic to the beneficial bacteria or your cells. The case for coconut oil and its derivatives (caprylic acid, lauric acid, monolaurin) has already been made. [2,3,4] The organic, virgin pressed coconut oil is the most trustworthy and while it is more expensive it is still reasonably priced, as effective supplementation goes. I have found that coconut oil can help with chronic sinusitis. It has a long record of accomplishment of effectiveness with Candida Albicans. Why isn’t coconut oil more popular? Let us look at it.

 

Fat Taboo

 

Ever since the AMA cancelled Dr. Robert Atkins (way before cancel was cool) health care opinions rarely stray away from the “saturated fat is bad” mantra [1]. In a landscape where the population with the greatest incidence of atherosclerotic morbidity and mortality occur in the Type 2 Diabetic cohort, there is clearly room for great improvements in the western diet without discouraging the use of a couple of tablespoons of coconut oil. [5,6,7] You should, of course, talk to your health care provider before adding anything to your diet.

 

Barriers to compliance

 

I find two tablespoons of coconut oil to go down quite easily stirred into a hot beverage. Others can take it straight from the spoon. You might cook it into your food or add it to a smoothie (it thickens it nicely). There are some people that do not like the taste, cannot get it or keep it down. There are coconut oil, caprylic acid, lauric acid and monolaurin capsules that are available. It should be noted that the extra virgin coconut oil in a jar is by far the most economical way to try coconut oil. I like the monolaurin product by Dr. Jon J. Kabra[8] and find it to be by far the most reasonably priced product of its kind.

 

If you choose to try it as a Natural Antimicrobial

 

Coconut oil is not just good as a natural antimicrobial. Other possible benefits of adding coconut oil to your diet could include stabilized energy levels, stabilized appetite, improved brain function, diminished inflammation, and improved gut health. Topical application of coconut oil also has many benefits, such as controlling fungus on the skin or toenails.

 

Attempts to assist with chronic sinusitis usually takes several weeks of regular use as the oils must make their way to your sinus mucosa (a place where microbes find good living conditions). Efforts to support fungus issues, such as toenails, are frustrated by the vegetative/spore life cycle of fungi. The spores are nearly invincible, and you need them to go through their life cycle while being constantly exposed to the anti-fungal.

 

After many years of using and prescribing supplements and alternative health-care interventions it is clear to me that almost nothing works for everyone. A certain amount of careful trial and error can lead us to improvements that make it worth the effort. In this day of increasing health care specialty, it is important to keep all your providers informed of changes, so remember to share your plans with your other providers.

 

 

[1] The New York Times. (1973, March 10). Atkins issues reply to A.M.A. criticism. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/1973/03/10/archives/atkins-issues-reply-to-ama-criticism.html

 

 

[2] Vásquez Vereau, G. P. (2021). Antibacterial effect of coconut oil (Cocus nucifera) on … https://www.scielo.cl/pdf/ijodontos/v15n4/0718-381X-ijodontos-15-04-922.pdf

 

 

[3] Ajmera, R. (2023, May 12). Is coconut oil good for your skin?. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/coconut-oil-and-skin#:~:text=It%20Can%20Kill%20Harmful%20Microorganisms,strains%20of%20bacteria%20(%207%20).

 

 

[4] Bhardwaj, V. (1970, January 1). Antimicrobial potential of Cocos nucifera (coconut) oil on bacterial isolates. SpringerLink. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/5584_2023_786#:~:text=Coconut%20water%20and%20coconut%20kernel,wound%20healing%2C%20and%20cardiac%20disorder.

 

[5] Schwingshackl, L., & Schlesinger, S. (2023a, May). Coconut oil and cardiovascular disease risk. Current atherosclerosis reports. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10182109/

 

 

[6] Ghorbannezhad, G., Derakhshan, A. R., & Daneshfard, B. (2022, April). Potential therapeutic effects of virgin coconut oil on covid-19. Tanaffos. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10423862/

 

 

[7] Angeles-Agdeppa, I., Nacis, J. S., Capanzana, M. V., Dayrit, F. M., & Tanda, K. V. (2021, August). Virgin coconut oil is effective in lowering C-reactive protein levels among suspect and probable cases of covid-19. Journal of functional foods. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8142857/

 

 

[8] Lauricidin® 8oz jar. LAURICIDIN PRO – PRODUCTS. (n.d.). https://www.lauricidin.pro/products-1

 

The information provided in this blog is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. While coconut oil has been studied for its potential antimicrobial properties, results may vary based on individual circumstances. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new treatment or therapy, especially if you have existing health conditions or are pregnant or nursing. The author and the publisher of this blog are not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information contained herein.