How does Coconut Oil Improve Digestive Health?

The gastrointestinal (GI) system is crucial to our overall health and wellbeing. A poorly functioning GI tract can be the source of many chronic health problems that can severely interfere with quality of life such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn’s Disease, Diverticulosis, Twisted and Redundant Colon, Proctitis, and Stomach Ulcers. In Australia, almost 50% of adults report they experience some sort of digestive issue.

Many different organisms live inside our intestines, all of which interact with each other and with our gut wall. When bacteria and fungi multiply, the nerves in the intestinal walls react abnormally, interfering with proper nutrient absorption and causing digestive distress such as feelings of bloating, runny stools, constipation, and gas. The fact that this causes us to not absorb many, if any, of the nutrients we are consuming means all the money you’re spending at the health food store is being wasted.

Coconut oil to the rescue! Coconut Oil is largely made up of Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) such as lauric acid. These MCTs are comparable to the MCTs established in breast milk and therefore work as a natural aid to enhance immune system functioning in combating bacteria, parasitic and fungal infectivity.

When consumed, coconut oil’s anti-microbial properties become activated once triglycerides (fats) are converted into monoglycerides and free fatty acids in the digestive tract. All of this leads to improved digestion and nutrient absorption. The healthy fats contained in coconut oil have a destabilizing effect that weakens the membrane of the harmful bacteria to the point that it disintegrates and dies. This process is so effective it can kill even the super germs that have become resistant to antibiotics.

This is great news for those of us who suffer digestive issues. Studies have shown that coconut oil also plays a key role in healing and soothing inflamed tissues along the digestive tract, which can aid in calming the pain and discomfort you might experience after eating.

So, rather than opening the pill cabinet next time you feel your digestion playing up, why not try an all-natural, delicious tablespoon of coconut oil? When it comes to promoting overall health and wellbeing, it seems Mother Nature really does know best.