Why does coconut oil cause diarrhea

The most common side effect was loose stool, which generally resolved after the second week of supplementation. Nutrition Nutrition Basics Vitamins and Supplements. Mentzer Updated March 1, Reviewed by Kirsten Nunez, M. Kirsten Nunez, M.

Kirsten Nunez is a writer who covers food and health. Connect on LinkedIn. She worked in pharmaceutical research as a biologist, study analyst and technical writer and was a science editor for an educational publishing company.

As a freelancer, Mentzer edited a holistic health magazine that centered on family wellness issues. She enjoys writing about health, medical, nutrition and fitness topics from a scientific perspective. Coconut oil is somewhat more heart healthy than saturated animal fats. Video of the Day. Even in healthy individuals, coconut oil can cause diarrhea and other gut problems when consumed daily. Davis says. Even if you haven't noticed an allergic reaction when eating coconut, it's possible that your skin will react negatively to using coconut oil.

In the case of food allergies, ingestion of an allergen can cause mild or life-threatening reactions, from hives to anaphylaxis. Using coconut oil as lube is tempting for a lot of reasons, but can be dangerous if you aren't careful. While it's great that coconut oil is anti-bacterial , that also means it may have the potential to upset vaginal pH balance.

According to Planned Parenthood , the research is inconclusive on whether coconut oil itself is a sexual health risk, but that additives and sugars can lead to yeast infections. Moreover, it's very important not to use oil-based lube if you're going to use a condom. This is perhaps the greatest danger of using coconut oil as a lubricant , becuase it can damage condoms and lead to breakage.

As noted by Planned Parenthood , coconut oil can include additives that are harmful to your health. But the commercial coconut oil which most of us use, possibly is the processed variant. It does have certain side effects. A few of these include weight gain and an increase in bad cholesterol levels.

Check out some of the surprising side effects of ingesting coconut oil. Only a few of the side effects are backed by research. We have categorized them accordingly. Some research states that saturated fat can elevate total cholesterol levels and the levels of LDL the bad cholesterol 2.

This can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Coconut oil is among the foods with high saturated fat content. Though coconut oil can boost good cholesterol levels, it may not be preferred to other healthy vegetable oils. The saturated fat content in coconut oil is higher than other fats or oils butter or olive oil 3.

According to an advisory published by the American Heart Association, the saturated fat in coconut oil raised LDL cholesterol in ways similar to that in butter, beef, and palm oil 4. Though not as prevalent as other forms of allergies, coconut oil does cause allergies if one is sensitive to it. Some of the allergic reactions include hives and anaphylaxis a lethal emergency that involves troubled breathing. The information on coconut allergies is limited, as only a small number of individuals have been affected 5.

According to a Boston study, children having peanut allergies or allergic to tree nuts are less likely to be allergic to coconut oil as coconut is not basically a nut, but a fruit 6.

However, if your child has any of these allergies, it is better to consult your doctor before letting them try coconut oil. If you suspect allergic reactions to coconut oil, it is better to keep track of your symptoms in a food diary and visit your health care specialist.

This can help you get an insight into the allergy. Some anecdotal evidence also suggests that coconut oil may lead to a rapid heart rate, facial swelling, and light headedness.

If you are experiencing any of these, visit your doctor immediately. A substance called coconut diethanolamide is manufactured from coconut oil, and it is used as an agent in hand washing liquids. As per a Finnish study, certain individuals experienced allergies after using products containing this agent 7. Studies suggest that replacing coconut oil with unsaturated fats can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease 8.

According to the American Heart Association, consuming fewer saturated fats and more unsaturated fats is the best way to prevent heart disease. Coconut oil, being higher in saturated fats , may affect the heart 9. Though coconut oil also contains unsaturated fat, there is no research that shows it mitigating the ill effects of saturated fat. Coconut oil contains more bad fat than beef or butter 9.

As per a New Zealand study, coconut oil increases bad cholesterol to a greater extent than unsaturated plant oils Some individuals taking virgin coconut oil experienced mild diarrhea during the first week.

Other related symptoms included stomach ache and vomiting. When you deprive your body of carbs, you quickly burn through glycogen — the carbs stored in your muscles and liver — for energy, before entering ketosis, a state in which you burn fat for energy instead of carbs 7.

Glycogen is stored with water, so when you burn glycogen, this water is released and excreted through your urine 8. So although this fast weight loss is likely only water, some people might feel motivated by the quick drop in pounds. You can eat a variety of nutritious low-carb foods — including meats, eggs, non-starchy vegetables, nuts and seeds, low-sugar berries, and certain dairy products — and achieve the same goal. Candida is a common fungus found on the skin and in areas like the mouth and digestive tract.

Uncontrolled growth of Candida can cause an infection called candidiasis. Consuming excess sugar and refined carbohydrates may make you more vulnerable to candidiasis 9. For this reason, proponents of coconut oil detoxes believe that this cleanse can help rid the body of these toxins and reduce Candida overgrowth. If you have candidiasis, a diet geared toward reducing Candida overgrowth may help.

Animal studies have noted that replacing other fats in the diet with coconut oil may reduce harmful fungal growth.

And test-tube studies have noted the antiviral and antibacterial effects of coconut oil and the MCT caprylic acid, which is present in small amounts in coconut oil 10 , 11 , Some components of coconut oil may also have antifungal, antibacterial, or antiviral properties.

Ingesting large amounts of coconut oil can cause diarrhea, cramps, and gastrointestinal discomfort. Coconut oil may also increase levels of LDL bad cholesterol , increasing your cardiovascular risk. If you have high cholesterol, talk with your doctor before doing a coconut oil cleanse. If you decide to do a cleanse, do not stop taking your prescribed medications for lowering cholesterol Eating large quantities of coconut oil can cause digestive discomfort and may increase your LDL bad cholesterol levels.

This is only a partial list. Coconut oil cleanses are not a safe or sustainable way to lose weight. People who are pregnant or breastfeeding, children or adolescents, people with disordered eating conditions, and people with certain medical conditions should not attempt them. The key to healthy, sustainable weight loss is finding a dietary pattern and lifestyle that works for you and is supportive of your overall health.