Coconut Oil As a Colon Cleanser

The health benefits of the coconut have long been acknowledged by Polynesian and Asian cultures, according to an article on the Coconut Research Center website 1. Coconut oil is rich in vitamins, minerals and amino acids. It’s made up of medium chain triglycerides and contains antimicrobial properties, which may help improve symptoms associated with digestive disorders, bacterial, fungal infections and viruses. Modern medicine has begun utilizing coconut oil for its medicinal properties, although more scientific research is needed to support claims of its usefulness as a colon cleanser 1.

Colon Cleansing

Colon cleansing for detoxification purposes is largely discouraged by many medical doctors, according to Mayo Clinic, which says the digestive system is sufficient in removing all toxic waste and bad bacteria from your body 2. However, the article stresses that little scientific evidence exists to support or deny the benefits of colon cleansing. Colon cleansing is regarded in alternative health fields as a useful detoxification tool. Cleansing your colon with coconut oil could remove waste and toxins from your digestive tract, while healing and nourishing surrounding tissue cells and organs.

Coconut Oil

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According to the Coconut Research Center, coconut is a rich source of fiber and nutrition 1. Its oil differs from other dietary types as it is largely made up of medium chain triglycerides, or medium chain fatty acids, as opposed to long chain triglycerides. These have been proven helpful in improving nutrition absorption and eliminating parasitic infections. Coconut oil’s antimicrobial properties also prevent the overgrowth of bad bacteria and fungal infections such as candidiasis, making coconut oil a useful method for colon cleansing.

Eliminates Infections

Coconut oil is mainly composed of medium chain triglycerides, or MCT’s, such as lauric acid. These are similar to MCTs found in breast milk, according to Dr. Bruce Fife, in an article on the Coconut Research Center website 1. Fife highlighted the benefits of MCTs in aiding digestion and strengthening the immune system to fight bacterial, parasitic and fungal infections. Fife also explained that medium chain triglycerides transform into antimicrobial agents in your digestive tract. These antimicrobials help kill bad bacteria while leaving good bacteria intact, to re-establish balance in the digestive tract and promote colon health.

Relieves Digestive Disorders

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Coconut oil may not only help cleanse your colon, it can possibly counteract digestive disorders and nutritional deficiencies common in inflammatory bowel diseases. Crohn’s disease, a digestive disorder, starts in the ileum and can spread throughout the colon and small intestines and, according to an article on the National Digestive Disease Clearinghouse website, Crohn’s disease inflames and irritates the digestive tract causing ulcerations, fistulas, infections and diarrhea. Some symptoms of Crohn’s disease can lead to digestion and absorption disorders and nutritional deficiencies. Sufferers of Crohn’s disease and irritable bowel syndrome have reported a relief of symptoms upon eating coconut macaroons, according to an article in the Healthy Ways Newsletter 3. The article suggests this response is due to the short chain fatty acids found in the fiber of coconut meat.

Assists Digestion and Absorption

Coconut oil is easy to digest, making it useful if you suffer from digestive and absorption difficulties. The digestion process of medium chain triglycerides begins as soon as contact is made with the saliva and gastric juices, according to Dr. Fife in an article on the Coconut Research Center 1. This, Fife explained, places less strain on the pancreas and digestive system. Parasitic infections, Fife explained, can also result in absorption and digestion problems and mineral deficiencies long after the parasites have been destroyed. Cleansing your colon with coconut oil can help restore lost nutrition 2.