Coconut Oil and Hypothyroidism: Can It Help?

Are you worried about your weight gain due to hypothyroidism? Wondering what you can do? Many people simply do not know the cause of their sudden weight gain or fatigue.

Hypothyroidism generally affects women and causes serious health symptoms such as dry skin, restlessness, weight gain, hair loss, itchy scalp, and more (1). Although medication can control the symptoms to some extent, doctors stress on lifestyle changes and eating healthy foods to overcome the complications caused by hypothyroidism.

Coconut oil has been believed to help treat hypothyroidism. But how? This post answers that question. Read on to know more about hypothyroidism and coconut oil.

What Causes Hypothyroidism?

Studies have revealed that there is a correlation between the increase in thyroid problems and certain dietary changes. However, health experts are still debating on the exact cause that can lead to hypothyroidism. According to many published studies, coconut oil has been found to be extremely helpful in boosting metabolism and stimulating weight loss (2).

Research also has unveiled the fact that the unique fatty acids present in coconut oil give a tremendous boost to the body’s metabolic activity, thereby enhancing the overall energy supply to the body (3). Very few people are aware that hypothyroidism is a type of autoimmune disease, which is why pharmaceutical treatments are not quite effective in more than 80% of the patients.

Some Facts About Coconut Oil

1. Earlier, coconut oil had been criticized a lot because some scientists wrongly promoted it as an oil that increases LDL cholesterol. However, recent findings suggest otherwise and say that coconut oil does not increase LDL cholesterol. It is rather responsible for increasing the good-HDL cholesterol. Since this difference never properly reached the masses, even today, many misconceptions regarding this oil prevail.

2. 50% of the fat present in the coconut oil is of a rare kind, and is known as lauric acid (4). The human body converts the lauric acid into monolaurin, which is rich in anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-protozoa properties. Lauric acid is the most powerful destroyer of gram-negative bacteria and virus, and coconut oil is the major source of this acid on earth.

3. Coconut oil directly affects by suppressing the inflammation and repairing the damaged tissues in the body. It also contributes by restricting the harmful intestinal microorganisms that lead to chronic inflammation.

4. The monoglycerides and the medium-chain fatty acids present in the coconut oil are similar to those in the milk of the mother. These acids carry extraordinary antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and disrupt the lipid structure of the microbes, thereby causing their deactivation. Though coconut eliminates the negative bacteria, it does not affect the gut bacteria that is good for health.

All the above facts prove that the consumption of coconut oil is good for health and can help reduce the symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as inflammation, joint pain, fatigue and weight gain.

According to a study conducted by the McGill University researchers and published in the Journal of Nutrition, a person can lose up to 12 to 36 pounds per year just by changing his cooking oil and the way of preparing food. Most of the oils that are used for food preparation at home and commercially, contribute to an increase in the symptoms of hypothyroidism.

Coconut Oil For Hypothyroidism

Can coconut oil cure hypothyroidism? The thyroid, however small, is the largest endocrine gland and the diseases related to the endocrine system are usually caused by a disorder in the production of hormones. This leads to an excess or inadequate production of hormones. Sometimes the cause can be an inappropriate response of the tissues to the hormones (5). It is the main cause behind the occurrence of thyroid disease.

Have you ever used coconut oil for hypothyroidism? So, can coconut oil cure hypothyroidism? Not alone. Can it help people suffering from improper functioning of the thyroid? Yes, it can, because it is known to pump up energy and stimulate metabolism. Thus, it can be easily said that with the right combination of a balanced diet (that includes coconut oil), removal of junk and processed foods, and exercise, it is possible to overcome the symptoms of hypothyroidism.

Tell us how this post has helped you. Do let us know by commenting in the box below.