Coconut Oil Detox – Detox Without The Hunger

Writing a number of articles recently about Candida reminded me of the Coconut Oil Detox. Caprylic acid and lauric acid are both natural anti-fungals that are derived from coconut and are contained in the oil. So, the Coconut Oil Detox has become popular with people with Candida as well as others. Lauric acid, converts to monolaurin in the body and has adverse effects on bacteria and viruses as well.

The detox or cleanse is usually done for 3 days although it can be done for longer if you like. The fats in the oil provide a lot of energy on the detox when you are not consuming much in the way of food. The oil should make you feel fuller and less hungry.

Saturated fat can be good

You might think that coconut oil would be bad for you because it is saturated fat but that is not the case.  Dr. Mary Enig who reviews research on and writes articles about fats states:  “The research over four decades concerning coconut oil in the diet and heart disease is quite clear: coconut oil has been shown to be beneficial. Studies have shown that natural coconut oil (not hydrogenated coconut oil) has health benefits and was more beneficial in preventing heart disease than most vegetable oils.

The  fats in coconut oil are predominately medium chain fatty acids (MCFA).  They are absorbed easily from the digestive tract and go straight to the liver where they become available for energy production in the cells of the body rather than storage. MCFA help to lower the risk of both atherosclerosis ( narrowing of the arteries with fatty deposits and calcification) and heart disease. It is primarily due to the MCFA in coconut oil that makes it so special and so beneficial.

One study of 40 women with  abdominal obesity found that supplementation with coconut oil resulted in a reduction in abdominal obesity without causing any increase of blood fats.

Lose weight with coconut oil

If you are worried about putting on weight there is research that shows that coconut oil helps to raise your metabolic rate for 24 hours after you eat it.  You won’t be eating much on this detox so it should help you lose weight. In fact, many people find, that by changing the fats in their diet from the unsaturated long chain fatty acids which are found in found in seed oils to the medium chain fatty acids found in coconut oil, they gradually  lose weight without much effort.

For more information about coconut oil for weight loss check out this article about MCT Oil Health Benefits vs. Coconut Oil for Weight Loss and Ketosis.  

The best type of oil to choose is raw, organic, extra virgin coconut oil in a glass jar.  Chemicals from plastic jars may leach into the fat. It should be cold pressed and unrefined. Expeller pressed is fine too. Processed oils won’t give you the same benefits. Because it is a saturated fat it becomes solid white at temperatures below about 76 F and more liquid at higher temperatures.

If you have never used coconut oil before it will pay you to get your body used to it gradually before you start the coconut detox. Start to eat 1/2 – 1 teaspoon 3 times a day. Gradually increase this to 1 – 2 tablespoons three times a day over a couple of weeks. Eat healthily too increasing fresh fruit and vegetables and reduce coffee, sodas, sugary foods, fatty foods and refined foods.

The Coconut Oil Detox

All you have on this detox is the coconut oil, some plain, live yogurt and some fresh lemon water with sea salt.  Take 2 tablespoons of the oil when you get up and continue to take 2 tablespoons every 2 hours throughout the day until you have taken 10 – 12 tablespoons. I have seen some instructions that say go up to 14 tablespoons. Do what ever feels most comfortable.

To make the lemon water, add a cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice to 7 of filtered water. Add 1 teaspoon sea salt and a few drops of Stevia to sweeten if you really have to. Eat unsweetened live yogurt for snacks. Dr. Bruce Fife who popularized this cleanse in his book The Coconut Oil Miracle says you can eat up to four ounces of fresh coconut meat daily while on the detox if you get really hungry.

If you know your metabolic type and are a carbohydrate type you may not feel so well on this detox as it is high fat and protein, more suited to protein types.

It’s best to do this cleanse over a week-end or when you have no commitments as you will very likely be running to the bathroom a lot. To get the full benefit of the detox you may need to do several 3 day cleanses especially if you want to clear a Candida infection. It can also to clear up other digestive problems.

There are many ways to use coconut oil and incorporate it into your diet. Try adding a tablespoon to your smoothies and replace unhealthy oils in your diet with coconut oil.  It is the best oil to use for cooking as it is more stable when heated than polyunsaturated oils which should never be used for cooking.   It’s no good for salad dressings as it is too solid.

Coconut oil can be used externally too. It is good for the skin and studies have shown that it may improve skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Try the Coconut Oil Detox and see what it does for you.
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