Can coconut oil relieve constipation ? - Chemistry and health part

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Many scientists and researchers have been endorsing about the coconut oil products. Their research have been giving evidences about the benefits of the products. Recently, the supporters have been claiming that the coconut oil can be used during constipation. It acts as a laxatives.

Coconut oil has been a natural remedy for constipation. Effective laxative when taken in proper amount. Even it can help in preventing the dangerous situations like tear and hemorrhage which can happen during the forceful bowel movement by softening the hard stool.

How can coconut oil relieve the constipation ?

In the chemistry part,

Coconut oil has medium-chain fatty acids. This is the component which makes the coconut oil more powerful. These are the groups of fatty acids which chains 8 to 12 carbon atoms. Coconut oil has mainly three medium chain fatty acids namely

Caprylic acids
Capric acids
Lauric acids

Fig: Structures of three main medium chain fatty acids

The caprylic acid has 8 carbon atoms chained, capric acid has 10 carbon atom and the lauric having 12 carbon atom chained with each other. These are mainly the three medium chained fatty acids contained within the coconut oil. These three acids are chained by a glycerol molecule forming a backbone (not shown in figure)

These above three acids do not occur in individual form, but occurs in a single as Medium chain tryglycerides in the coconut oil. These MCT are transformed into the medium chain fatty acids only after we consume it.

From the health part,

It is believed that Medium chain fatty acid has a great health benefit. It actively stimulates the bowel and help in softening the stool gradually eradicating the constipation. Not only this, even the studies has suggested that it is beneficial in reducing the weight and preventing the obesity.

Fig: C.albicans grown in cornmeal agar 1: pseudohypha 2:chlamdospore 3:blastospore 4:yeast like cells (source)

[Normal Flora] Candida albicans is a bacteria which can cause some kind of white creamy infections in the tongue and cheeks. Even it can carry onto vaginal yeast infections. It's a normal flora meaning it is found in the body in a non-infectious state. Mainly, it is found in the gut

Believe it or not,- " We have more no. of bacteria living in our body than our own body cells."

The coconut oil has a intensity to kill these organisms off from the gut and prevents it growth inside the gastro-intestinal tract system. It is effective against it's colonization. Due to this effect against C.albicans, the constipations are relieved. Having these, it is now used as anti-bacterial, antifungal and antiviral medications.

Another research suggests that ,

Fig: Stool types during various stages of constipation and diarrhea (source)

Medium chain fatty acids stimulates the cell lining of the gut and colon by increasing its efficiency and metabolic activity. It is only active in the acute cases of constipation which occurs due to alcohol consumption, dehydration. It relieves the symptoms like blood in the stool , inflammations around the anal tissue.

Forceful act during passing of stool during constipation can cause rectal bleeding. Stool is hard during this case . Coconut oil serves as friction material making the stool soft and pass it easily without sticking to the rectal tissue.

Not only for constipation, it is also used in storing and processing to prevent spoilage of the food by bacteria and fungi.

How do you use it for constipation ?

If you are using for the first, take a 1/2 spoon of coconut oil and mix in a juice. You can used a glass of warm water or your oatmeal. Repeat this process every 30 minutes before every meal. when you body gets habituated with this amount of coconut oil, take a spoon full . You body needs to adjust acting on the GI tracts. Evaluate the affects of constipation. Many people need about 1-2 tablespoon of oil to relieve it, some also need about 4-5 per day.