Coconut oil is very high in medium-chain fatty acids, healthy types of fatty acids that are both easily digested and absorbed by the body. Aside from being a source of energy, these fats are used by our body for other restorative and preventive measures. Moreover, the oil is also capable of improving our body’s ability to absorb nutrients particularly vitamins A, D, E, and K, and also possesses powerful antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic properties.
Coconut Oil Versus Acid Reflux
Coconuts are also found to be effective in relieving heartburn and acid reflux symptoms.
Acid reflux happens when acids in the stomach are pushed back up through the esophagus. Its major symptoms include burning sensation around the lungs and heart, loss of voice for a prolonged period of time, persistent coughing and burping throughout the day, hoarseness, and sour, acrid taste in the mouth.
Being an antibacterial, coconut oil helps kill and clean bacteria out of the esophagus. Aside from this, it also relieves some of the damages done to the esophagus by the acid it’s constantly exposed to and aids the body in the production of chloride which balances stomach acids. It is one of the best fats that we can try to support and improve our health.
There are ways of using coconut oil as a form of relief for acid reflux. First is that we can simply apply it topically in the stomach. It can also be taken internally in the form of virgin coconut oil which was found to have a high anti-oxidation capacity. A tablespoon of virgin coconut oil each day may help kill off the strains of bacteria that cause acid reflux. We can also incorporate it into our smoothies as well as into our cooking and in tea.
If we often suffer from acid reflux, we might need to try eliminating these foods and notice a difference:
- Alcohol
- Ice Cold Water with Meals
- Smoking
- Refined Sugar
- Coffee
- Citrus
- Tomatoes
- Garlic, Raw Onions, Spicy Food
There are also some lifestyle actions that we can do to promote healing of the underlying cause of acid reflux, and further, prevent the occurrence of symptoms.
- Eat without distractions
- Chew food thoroughly.
- Drink plenty of water
- Include probiotics in your diet
- Manage stress levels
