There is a widespread prevalence of various infectious diseases despite the development and wide use of various drugs such as antibiotics, and antivirals among others. Infectious diseases such as Flu, TB, Pneumonia, Hepatitis, Cholera, Malaria, and Dengue are quite common in many countries. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and other parasites kill more people worldwide than any other single cause.
Many scientific studies have shown that overuse of antibiotics has increased the rate of infections as well as created many drug resistant bacteria over the past few decades (1). Antibiotics don't work on viruses, they only work on bacteria. In fact, there are no effective drugs that can kill the viruses. Boosting the body's immune system is the only effective way of fighting these drug resistant and ever mutating microorganisms.
Coconut oil happens to be a super germ fighter and an immune booster.
Extensive research done by scientists such as Jon J Kabara, PhD, has shown that the Lauric acid found in Coconut Oil is a potent antimicrobial agent (2). Lauric acid is a major component (49%) of Coconut oil. It has also been found to kill the H.
Pylori bacteria (3) in the stomach which are responsible for many stomach problems such as ulcers. The good thing about Lauric acid is that it doesn't kill friendly bacteria in the stomach. Antibiotics kill both good and bad bacteria in the stomach and often need to be followed with probiotics such as acidophilus bacteria to replenish friendly bacteria in the gut.
Virgin coconut oil can be used as a natural medicine in common cold, flu or viral fever. It can be consumed by using it as a cooking oil or you can simply consume 2-3 tablespoons along with meals or with your favorite juice or plain water. Make sure that your drink is lukewarm so that coconut oil can easily mix with it.
Massaging with oil gives far superior results as compared to oral ingestion. Some studies that a massage with coconut oil gives rapid & superior results in acute diseases like common cold or flu. Massaging the arms, legs, chest, back and neck regions allows a large amount of oil to be quickly absorbed into the body via the skin and helps facilitate rapid recovery.
Coconut oil consists largely of what is called as Medium Chain Triglycerides, also known as MCT or MCFA, which gets digested and absorbed quickly in the body and provides a much needed energy boost. This is why the MCT, found in coconut oil, is used in hospitals to prepare food for the sick (4) and the elderly. It is also used in baby formulas. When coconut oil is not available, coconut milk can be used as a substitute to feed sick people.
Wishing you Health, Wealth, Love and Happiness,
Pankaj Kotak
REFERENCES
1. Patrick DM., et al. Antibiotic use and population ecology: How you can reduce your "resistance footprint". CMAJ 2009;180:416-421
2. Kabara JJ., et al. Fatty Acids and Derivatives as Antimicrobial Agents. Antimicrobial Agents & Chemotherapy. July 1972;2(1):23–28.
3. Petschow BW., et al. Susceptibility of Helicobacter pylori to bactericidal properties of medium-chain monoglycerides and free fatty acids. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy. Feb 1996;40(2):302-306.
4. Ball MJ. Parenteral nutrition in the critically ill: use of a medium chain triglyceride emulsion. Intensive Care Medicine. 1993;19(2):89-95.
