Do you feel tired and depressed all the time? Do you experience insomnia, constipation, low sex drive, weight gain and hair loss? If you have these symptoms to some degree, it is possible that you have an underactive thyroid.
When the thyroid gland can’t function properly, hypothyroidism occurs. It is the condition when the thyroid gland can’t produce enough thyroid hormone which leads to a decrease in the metabolism rate. According to a rough estimate by endocrinologists, more than 40% of the U.S. population is affected by hypothyroidism and up to 60% of these people are undiagnosed, because we generally don’t know how exactly an underactive thyroid feels like. We just can’t put our finger on it even though we feel something is off.
Coconut oil has lots of health benefits. It has been found in the recent years that coconut oil also helps against hypothyroid symptoms.
Coconut oil contains lauric acid, some type of triglyceride which has excellent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Lauric acid is also found in mother’s milk.
Caprylic acid is another fatty acid found in coconut oil. It has potent antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Caprylic acid is used for the treatment of yeast infections, skin conditions, digestive disorders and high cholesterol.
One tbsp of coconut oil a day is an excellent remedy against thyroid problems. You can use the oil with hot beverages, as cooking oil or salad dressing.
Let’s take a look at some signs that may indicate your thyroid is not working properly.
1. Slow metabolism
Feeling tired even after a good night’s rest is a common sign that your thyroid hormone levels are low. Coconut oil energizes your body with healthy saturated fats such as lauric acid and caprylic acid. This particular fat balance nourishes the thyroid perfectly.
2. Weight gain
Gaining weight alone cannot be considered as a symptom of a thyroid problem. However, people who suffer from hypothyroidism are usually overweight. An underactive thyroid can prevent you from losing excess weight even though you are eating normal sized meals and exercise regularly. The healthy fatty acids in coconut oil are metabolized differently than most other fats, leading to beneficial effects on metabolism which in turn facilitates weight loss.
3. Constipation
When the thyroid hormone is low, all bodily systems, including digestion and elimination, work slower. So people can end up being chronically constipated as a result of this disease. The fatty acids in coconut oil act as a potent laxative and can help resolve your constipation problems. So if you suffer from constipation, adding coconut oil to your daily diet is the way to go.
4. Inflammation
Hormonal imbalance caused by a thyroid disorder may cause muscle and joint pain. Regular consumption of coconut oil has a direct effect in suppressing inflammation. It may also contribute by inhibiting harmful intestinal microorganisms that cause chronic inflammation.
5. Acne
Acne is an inflammatory condition. Acne medications aim to treat inflammation in order to get rid of acnes. The fatty acids in the coconut oil may help reduce inflammation in the body. So it can be considered for acne treatment.
The best way to use coconut oil for acne is to apply it directly on the affected area.
