Coconut Oil
Health Benefits

Coconut Oil Benefits, Side Effects and Reviews

Hypothyroidism

9 User Reviews
5 star (7) 
  78%
4 star (1) 
  11%
1 star (1) 
  11%

Posted by Ron (Bradenton, Fl) on 07/06/2009
★★★★★

I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism last year. I found this out because I had been gaining weight steadily, (over 40 lbs) even though I tried cutting back on my eating. I had no energy, couldn't sleep, was feeling anxieties, and just thought at one point I may be dying of something. My vision started to change too. So I went to my Dr., had tests done and was told my TSH levels were high, close to 12. I asked what the normal was, she stated between 3.5 to 5.6. My Dr. wanted to put me on synthroid. I asked how long I would need to be on it. She told me, for the rest of your life!!! I said there must be a natural cure. She said no. I wasn't convinced because I had heard from my mom (who is a nutritionist) that the body is designed to heal itself. Those words always stuck with me.

So I did research on my own and found that coconut oil was what I needed to get my thyroid back to normal. So I tried it. 1 TBSP per day for the 1st week, 2 TBSP per day the 2nd week, then 3 the 3rd week. I saw my Dr. at the 3 week mark and was tested again. My TSH level had dropped to 7.8. Dr. said it was just a coincidence and that I needed to be careful because it could spike again. I continued to take coconut oil (organic type) for another 3 weeks. This time when I was tested my TSH was down to 4.2. Even though it was down where it was supposed to be, she still felt that I was a candidate for Synthroid. It was at that point I came to the realization (as others before me have) that Dr.'s are out for the income, not to help. I have been doing great ever since. My thyroid is back to normal and I lost all the weight I had gained and even gained muscle in the process, without even working out! Since then, I have continued to do research on the healing properties of coconut oil and can't stop talking to everyone about it.

Replied by Melinda
(Rochester, Ny)
05/25/2011

I was actually diagnosis back in 2002 with pappillary carcinoma which was deemed cancer after the lump was removed from neck so I had to get my thyroid taken out completely. I have just started taken EVCO and was wondering from all great info on this site if it would still work for me? I am pretty much hypo all the time since I have no thyroid..... Just curious


Hypothyroidism
Posted by Sangeetha (Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands) on 05/09/2009

Can someone please tell me if it is necessary to melt the EVCO before taking it as a cure for side effects of hypothyroid? Is there any particular time this should be taken? Can it be taken close to taking thyroid medication?

Also is Armour Thyroid a better suggestion than Eltroxin, if so, I can ask my doctor to switch me to Armour.

Replied by Desertpunky
(Socaldesert, Ca/usa)
01/02/2013

Before thinking exclusively about Armour Thyroid, check out your options if you are going to take a 'natural' thyroid at www.stopthethyroidmadness.com and check out all the natural thyroids. This site says that Armour has changed their recipe and after taking it for a while, you go back to square one. Good luck.


Hypothyroidism
Posted by Cathy (Villa Park, Illinois USA) on 02/13/2009
★★★★☆

I have been using Extra Virgin Coconut Oil since April of 2008. One tablespoon per day. I have Hypothyroidism and was having a lot of problems with brain fog. I was having difficulty doing my job and sometimes would forget where I was going when driving home for a few seconds. I am a creative person but was totally unable to express my ideas in artwork or my writing. I could not organize my thoughts. I could not make decisions or remember what I was supposed to do. This on top of all the other symptoms of hypothyroidism. 2 weeks after I started taking it the brain fog totally went away. I am very dependent on the coconut oil now as I do not want to go back to not knowing what I was doing. As for my other symptoms such as totally lost my sex drive which is destroying my relationship and sleeping too much and low energy etc. it has not changed any of that. My thyroid has gotten worse and I have had to double my thyroid medication (Thyroxine). I am working with a Naturalpathic doctor which was a very wise thing to do. She told me to keep taking 1 Tbsp of coconut oil per day. I just wonder if I should take more than that since I have heard of other people have been able to go off the thyroid meds when taking 2 Tbsp per day. She is also treating me for Adrenal Fatigue and cervical dysplaisia and fibrocystic breasts. I guess I'm a mess right now and just want to be well again. I am a big fan of the coconut oil because it is the one remedy that has made the most difference for me. Also I want to add that the doc specified I should use the solid coconut oil instead of the capsules which I started out on because she said that way you can tell if it has gone rancid. But I still use the capsules for backcountry trips and road trips for convenience.

If anyone knows a way to bring back the sex drive I would be grateful.

Replied by Stephanie
(Sugar Hill, Ga)
02/19/2012

ARGAN OIL FOR SEXUAL DRIVE, JUST USE IT IN YOUR LOTION EVERYDAY OR YOUR SHAMPOO

Replied by Mary
(Sapphire, Nc Usa)
04/21/2012

You might want to research Armour Thyroid. It is derived from pigs, making it a much closer replacement to human thyroid than the stuff made in a test tub. Some people notice no difference between synthetic thyroid and Armour but for others it's a huge difference. You can't know until you try it for awhile. The natural thyroid hormone is a complex combination of chemicals. Man made thyroid hormone is is very simplistic.

Replied by Apelila
(Santa Cruz, Ca. USA)
05/06/2012

I'd suggest bio identical estrogen.

Replied by Aep
(Small Town, Mi)
05/21/2012

Hi, I know this is an old post, but I recently posted about my accidental success in finding my long lost sex drive after using Magnesium Chloride. I posted under the female hormones/ dysfunction. I was using MgCl (Swanson brand) to balance my urine pH, and insomnia. To give a history, I had cancer at a young age about 27 yrs old. Now, at 43, I have been with out my sex drive for nearly 15 years- when I finished chemotherapy. I have been seeking my health since then but doctors were not able to help. I researched a lot and decided to start with basic vitamins- b complex, methyl b 12, vitamin A, E and benfotiamine( a fat soluble B1). The methyl B12 and benfotiamine helped significantly with chemo induced nerve damage in my feet and hands 15 years ago. Within a week my feet burned and numbness increased and then started to get better. I was taking 150 mg benfotiamine and 3000 ug at the time. Improvement quickly followed. I later increased the b12 to 5000 ug and again the pain increased and then the numbness got even better. My numbness is not 100% but at least 80-90% better. I only feel the numbness now when it's really cold, and it is much much less noticeable. I have been taking these since thanksgiving 2011. A side effect I immediately noted with b12 was a significant increase in body temperature from 97.2 to 98.0-98.6. I also noticed more energy and less fatigue which is huge since I have had chronic fatigue syndrome since completing chemo in 1997. The vitamin A (30,000 iu daily) has kept me from getting all the usual colds and flu. I am normally the first person sick and the last one too since I usually get sick a second time after my family catches the illness from me! I did not get sick once since starting the vitamin A. I tried to reduce the dosage twice but both times started getting something in my lungs within a week or so of lowering the dosage. Needless to say, for now I am staying at the higher dosage. I found accidently that vitamin E reduced my menstrual cramps from needing three days of ibuprofen Every 6-8 hours to not taking any for the last three months. I started taking 1000 iu daily of natural vitamin E but will reduce to 800 iu once this bottle is gone.

Now for the most important fix: sex drive! I was taking magnesium citrate at about 50 mg daily then worked my way up to 200 mg daily internally. I also have ibs and had a low tolerance to Mg as it caused diarrhea. In order to get more Mg, I started MgCl oil and rub it undiluted on my legs and arms and belly just before bed. Most people wash it off but I guess I'm too lazy and just go to bed. If it itches- cuz sometimes it does, I rub on lotion or coconut oil. After about a month, my sex drive started to return. Sex is more enjoyable- no tightness or discomfort of low hormones like before, and the Big O is easier to achieve than ever. The magic of magnesium is worth every penny. And that is not counting the deep sleep, improvement in insomnia, and the reduction of muscle tension I never realized I had. The chiropractor had been adjusting me three times a week since the adjustment just wouldn't stick. Now he adjusts me once a week and only a couple spots compared to all over my back and neck before. I started each supplement individually due to my extreme sensitivities to supplements and foods.

I must say I also have a lot less spasms in my GI from IBS and food sensitivities since taking magnesium!

Ps. I have found this site tremendously helpful and only hope to give back!

Oh yea. Too much benfotiamine can cause diarrhea. I could only tolerate the 150 mg daily although the studies I read used up to 600 mg daily.

Good luck on finding your health and my God bless and heal you.

Bt
(Cincinnati)
07/21/2016

Try Magnesium Glycinate. You can take much more w/out getting loose stools.

Replied by Joanne
(Ca)
07/23/2012

I'm so glad I have found this website and read how Coconut Oil has helped with Hypothyroidism! I have recently changed my prescription from Synthroid (of about 10 years) to Armour (after struggling with my Dr.), and changed my diet after meeting with a nutritionist. I have more energy and my sex drive is much better. I am taking Symplex F (by standard processing), but I honestly don't know if it's the supplements, the diet or my new thyroid pill! I just know that I'm feeling better! I still get a little bit of the "brain fog", and have dry skin & hair so I'm excited to start taking some coconut oil and hopefully that will help!

Good luck to all of you who are trying coconut oil! This is a great site!

Replied by Cstreet
(Champaign, Il)
08/01/2012

How did you convince your doctor to prescribe you the Armour?

Replied by Namaw
(Bama)
07/22/2016

I've tried every way to get magnesium and they all give me diarrhea. I've done the oil, under the tongue liquid, every compound. What can I do to get more mag? I feel like I desperately need it but can't find a way to get it without the diarrhea.

Replied by Mmsg
(Somewhere, Europe)
07/22/2016

Namaw, transdermally. Epsom Salt baths.

Replied by Robert Henry
(Ten Mile, Tn.)
07/22/2016

Mmsg, as usual, you gave our friend Namaw good advice. There is a second way and that is to spray your body down with MgCl about 20 minutes prior to a shower. You really can do this even without a shower. You can do this on your arms and legs anytime.

The guy who told me about this had AFIB and this technique helped his situation.

=========ORH========

Replied by Namaw
(Bama)
07/23/2016

I already do epsom salt soaks and magnesium oil sprayed on my skin. If I do both in one day, I get diarrhea. I have terrible cramping in my legs and feet at night and the mag oil applied then does help, but I just can't seem to get enough of it to not have the cramps. I bought the mag liquid that you hold under your tongue to let it absorb and was out from work the next day with diarrhea (but I slept so well! ). Maybe I don't need the magnesium for the cramping, but what should I try?

Replied by Hisjewel
(America, New York)
07/23/2016

Namaw,

Potassium also chases cramps. And for me Orange Juice works quicker than pills.

I use potassium to come off a fast without cramping.

Be sure to drink your 8 glasses of water.

HisJewel

Replied by Rsw
(Oh)
07/24/2016

Hi Namaw,

This subject has come up in a group that meets for exercise each week in my church, and it has been suggested by one person (per her doctor) to take tonic water with quinine, while another lady said to stand on a low step with just your toes and the front part of your foot on the step, holding on to something to prevent falling, and then stretch your legs down towards the floor. I am not sure how frequently quinine can be taken nor the amount. I like magnesium oil but these remedies may be helpful if you can't take magnesium.

Replied by Mama To Many
(Tennessee)
07/25/2016

Dear Namaw,

I have been thinking about your cramping issue and the need to not have things that irritate your ibs.

I know you have tried many things, but have you tried a banana before bed at night? My husband used to take banana before bed to ward off cramps if he had been sweating a lot in the day. I also give banana to kids who are cramping from dehydration with a stomach virus. Bananas tend to have a binding effect, for most people that is...

Have you tried turmeric? I do not see it listed on the cramp page as a remedy, but perhaps it hasn't been tried. According to my Nutritional Herbology book, turmeric is high in potassium and magnesium, both good for cramps. And turmeric is a great diarrhea remedy. A typical dose would be 1 teaspoon in water or milk or yogurt or whatever. Some people take that even 2-3 times each day for different ailments.

Also, red raspberry leaf is high in magnesium and potassium and also a anti-diarrhea herb. You would want to make a strong tea of it, taken at bedtime or in the evening.

Just a few thoughts...

~Mama to Many~

Replied by Melnda
(Corona, CA)
09/07/2022

Lugol's iodine or Iodoral can help increase your sex drive.


Hypothyroidism
Posted by Peter (Koh Samui, Thailand) on 10/05/2007
★☆☆☆☆

I was diagnosed with mild Hypothyroidism in May 2006, studied the benefits of VCO and started to use it shortly after. For the first 6 manths I experienced an increased energy and a better digestion. However this effect did not last. The oil did not have any effect on the funtion of my Thyroid and my general wellbeing. I am still using the VCO internally(every heated meal is prepared with it) and I also use it externally (on some parts of my body). I do this, because I am convinced by the benefits of this oil. However it does have not any dramatic effect, as testified by others. Since about one week I am having digestion problems and feel congested in my liver and spleen area. I am still on my Thyroid medication (50 mcg of Euthyrox). Does anyone have a similar experience that they seem not to benefit so much from the oil? I am of the blood type O and according to the bloodype diet I should avoid coconut and also the oil from it. Has anybody experiences with the effect of VCO on blood type O people?

Replied by Dawn
(London, UK)
08/08/2008

The coconut oil can make have an 'effect' on hormones, with hypothyroidism there are various reasons for underactivity, autoimmune, iodine deficiency etc. Ask your doctor to test for thyroid antibodies because Hashimotos autoimmune thyroid disease makes the hormone releases irregular and causes other symptoms. You still need to take your thyroid hormones :) You might like to join a forum for thyroid sufferers?I have Hashis, I am trying the oil again, I couldn't tolerate it before.

God bless


Hypothyroidism
Posted by Rischa (Seattle, WA) on 08/26/2007
★★★★★

I began taking coconut oil about June 1st this summer, primarily for my long term hypothyroidism. Now not yet 3 months later I am completely off my synthroid and cytomel. I was on more than 300 mcg for about 7 years. It has changed my life. I feel so much better than I did on the thyroid meds. I am not cold, I am sleeping better. It made a herpes outbreak completely dissappear in 4 hours when applied topically. my periods which have been abnormal all my life are normalizing,(I am 45) and I am finding that I am eating smaller meals and more satisfied and not hungry. I swear I can hear the click in my head that says I have had enough to eat! Ive lost 10 lbs. I attribute it all to 4tbsp VCO a day(2w bfst/1w lunch/1w dinner) and also trace minerals, and fish oil. none or very little bread and refined carbs. I did have a day of scary high blood pressure symptoms, after which I reduced my meds by 1/3rd, and the symptoms went away. A wwk or so later when I began feeling the same things again, I reduced my meds again and again until I quit all together. the last step is to get my blood levels tested by my doc, just to confirm I am doing as great as I feel, tho I am starting to think it is not necessary, except to gloat to my dr.

Replied by Atm
(Greenville, Sc)
09/11/2012

Rischa, That is great news, I am curious to know what your test results revealed? Complete healing I pray for you, please let me know!


Hypothyroidism
Posted by Andrea (Las Vegas, Nevada) on 07/14/2007
★★★★★

I have been battling hypothyroidism for 8 yrs now, i gained 82 lbs over the yrs,diet after diet failed umtil i started on coconut oil and let me tell you that in 2 months of taking coconut oil combined with a low carb diet, i have lost 35 lbs feel great energetic again, on my way of losing all the weight i plan to lose an aditional 40 lbs by december since i"ve taking the coconut oil softgels i have not had any side effect coconut oil is the miracle oil but again combined with a low carb diet.


Hypothyroidism
Posted by Rischa (Seattle, WA) on 06/23/2007
★★★★★

coconut oil. I started taking it because I read it could help regulate my thyroid. Even tho medicated for my hypothyroid, I continue to have symptoms. I began coconut oil and found I had to reduce my levothyroxine by 1/3 2 weeks after starting taking about 3 tbsp daily. I am hoping it will continue to get better!


Hypothyroidism
Posted by Christine (San Diego, California) on 04/06/2007
★★★★★

I have been suffering with the symptoms describing hypothyroidism. Last week I started the EVCO and added the ACV, of course, decided to throw in the molasses. I will keep you all posted on my progress, trying to feel better and lose the 40 pounds I have picked up. Today I write because I have come up with a great drink. It kills two birds with one stone. Here goes:

ONE LARGE MUG
2 BAGS OF LIPTON CARMEL TRUFFLE TEA
ONE TBSP EVCO [Extra Virgin Coconut Oil]
ONE TBPS BLACK STRAP MOLASSES
ONE HALF TO ONE TBSP HONEY

POUR BOILING WATER OVER THE INGREDIENTS IN MUG AND STIR GENTLY WHILE STEEPING TO MELT THE COCONUT OIL.

I could not stand the taste of the molasses, however it is so yummy in this tea. Hope you like it. I have noticed since the evco and acv that like most everyone else, my ENERGY has soared, skin soft, body temp up, hair and nails gowing, dry seriously cracking heels softer and healing (using oil dirrectly) no more claritin, sleeping better, brighter outlook. This is only my seventh day. At first I seemed to gain a little weight, but just today I noticed the scale is down 1 pound. I am keeping at it and will keep you posted. Christine


Hypothyroidism
Posted by Carolyn (Lorain, OH) on 02/25/2007
★★★★★

I have been taking virgin coconut oil for eight months now because I read it will help regulate my thyroid.I am hyper-thyroid and have been on medication for the past four years.Last month I stopped my meds.because I was told my thyroid is in remission now.I believe the oil is what helped me.


Hypothyroidism
Posted by Linda (Orlando, FL) on 02/22/2007
★★★★★

Hypothyroid / Coconut Oil: I suffer from hypothyroid and have taken levoxyl for about 7 years. I also have suffered with fatigue for most of my 47 years for a wide variety of reasons (anemia, depression, hypothyroid, sleep apnea, RLS). It seems I have every condition that can rob one of sleep and energy. Anyway, I was looking for a natural form of thyroid support and came upon information about coconut oil being helpful (about two weeks ago). I just found this wonderful site this week, which I intend to frequent OFTEN, and I thought I'd contribute my experience with coconut oil. So far (2 weeks) I have a bit more energy. I have gained about 8 pounds since January (I tend to be slim), which I want to lose. I hope the energy helps the weight loss. I'll keep you posted.


Inflammation in Digestive System

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Robert (Lafayette, Louisiana, Usa) on 05/30/2017
★★★★★

Actually I have battled this same issue (inflammation in the digestive system) twice not over several years with two different methods but will limit this remedy to my experiences with coconut oil.

I am a typical late 50's guy that eats too much bad stuff, about 40 pounds overweight (doesn't drink or smoke) and as time goes, it catches up with you! Since I was a child I have battled Asthma and horrific allergies with their effects on the body and mind. A couple of years back, I discovered caffeine was a huge issue within the lower intestine and it let me know about it 48 hours after consumption! I have drank countless sodas over the years and cut them back to 1 every 10 days. When I did this, no side effects, however... the real damage had been done.

While I chose not to go see a professional regarding this, I had my suspicions as to what was the issue. Even after cutting back on Caffeine (plus doing away with store bought milk which caused the same effects), I just wasn't feeling right. While this may sound odd, I could feel a build up of internal heat within my lower intestinal tract which I believed was inflammation and the problem became so severe with the heat level, it felt like I was sitting on a heating pad all day long!

Naturally my thoughts turned to Cancer of the colon/lower intestinal tract, but I don't believe in the quack medical field today concerning "Cancer Specialists" and chose to self diagnose. Jumped on the internet, looked up the symptoms and didn't find anything regarding actually feeling a internal temperature change. I was becoming more concerned.

The previous time (approx. 2 years earlier), I knocked it out with a combination of a couple of small apples every day (only red apples, skin and all) with fish oil capsules and it disappeared after 6 weeks. This time, I tried several variations to see what the results would be.

I attempted to resolve the internal issue with only Fish Oil and Garlic Oil capsules and this was not enough by itself. I also tried the same thing with apples alone with the same results. After reading several posts by Bill in the Philippines regarding Coconut Oil and Candida Overgrowth ( which I felt I had also from a less than desirable diet), I started cooking my breakfast every morning with coconut oil. Eggs, sausage, fried potatoes and a English muffin with the same oil spread onto it instead of butter. Problems have disappeared over a 6-8 week period.

While I still haven't been consistent with this method as far as continuing past the 8th week, I still feel a "small reminder" now and then telling me to stop screwing around and stick to this method. Many thanks to individuals like Bill and Ted whom have done the research and decided to post their results on this website.


Ingrown Toenail

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Maria (Vallejo, USA) on 11/03/2007
★★★★★

Two weeks ago i have toe nail ingrown .So i put cuticle remover till the nail is soft. I used Toe Nail Nipper and the ingrown nail was took off but the area was in pain and at night it was swelled. I put HOME MADE COCONUT OIL IN THE AFFECTED AREA AT NIGHT AND ON THE FOLLOWING DAY. oN the third day the affected area was healed and the swollen area has gone. I also used coconut oil if i have cuts coz of knife. This is my real experienced. Maria


Insomnia

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Maureen Davis (United States) on 07/02/2019
★★★★★

I've googled for this but I haven't found any thing about using coconut oil externally and sleeping better. Since I hit full blown menopause a couple of years ago getting a good night's sleep has been a problem. I've had, at times, difficulty getting to sleep and staying asleep. Quite by accident I noticed that on the nights I used coconut oil to moisturize my leg, feet, hands, and arms I would fall asleep within 20 minutes instead of my hour or more of tossing and turning. I tested using it and not using it and consistently the nights I used it I fell asleep effortlessly. So, one night when I had something I was worrying about I woke up at 4:00 in the morning and was unable to go back to sleep. I thought to myself, well why not try rubbing on some coconut oil. I couldn't believe it when I found myself waking up at 7:00 fully refreshed. Like I said, I haven't seen this anywhere else on the internet so I hope it helps someone else.


Itchy Skin

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Mark (San Diego, California) on 08/23/2008
★★★★★

I have had a really bad itch on my forearms for the last 4 or 5 years, every time the weather warms up. It is something that effects me on a daily basis. Since using the virgin coconut oil, it has basically gone away. The one day I didn't use it though, I itched a bit, but as long as I put it on my arms daily, no itch.


Joints

2 User Reviews
5 star (2) 
  100%

Posted by Larry (Boise, Idaho) on 11/29/2006
★★★★★

I consumed 1 tablespoon of Extra Virgin Coconut oil before each meal, and if I skipped a meal, I would still take the 1 tablespoon of Virgin Coconut oil. My problem was my left hip would have a popping type of action every time I rotated my leg out away from my body, same sound as if you were cracking your knuckles, after 1 week of using the Virgin Coconut oil, and now my hip no longer makes any popping sound. Still taking it to see about the weight loss benefits. Now on week 3.



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