Ayurveda Explains Why Coconut Oil Helps Crohn's Sufferers

Crohn's disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Some of the symptoms of the condition include intestinal swelling, cramping, and diarrhea.  Once diagnosed, Crohn's disease is considered a chronic, long term condition where symptoms need to be managed to maintain optimum health.

Modern medicine treats Crohn's with medications such as steroids and immunosuppressants to slow the progression of disease. Crohn's is a serious condition and I would never recommend forgoing medical treatment. However, many of these medications have difficult and potentially harmful side effects. It is best to use as little of them as possible to keep the condition under control. From an Ayurvedic perspective Crohn's would be addressed by trying to reduce inflammation using food, herbs and lifestyle.  The goal is to reduce overall inflammation through gentle, natural means so the body will have less uncomfortable symptoms.

A recent study found coconut oil and other good fats (like avocado, cocoa butter, etc.) can bring about positive changes in one's gut bacteria thereby decreasing the symptoms of this debilitating, long-term condition.

Coconut oil in Ayurveda is recommended for people prone to or having inflammation. It has cooling properties that soothes the inflammation. It can be used for cooking and is wonderful for sauteing vegetables for side dishes, soups and stews. It can be used externally for massage and skin conditions.  Ayurveda teaches that it also has anti fungal and anti viral properties as well.

It really is no surprise that coconut oil has been shown to help people with Crohn's disease. Coconut oil is wonderful for anyone with inflammatory conditions.

Yes, the American Heart Association has condemned coconut oil as a bad saturated fat and recommend not eating it.  Ayurveda does not recommend eating and slathering coconut oil by the cupfuls.  All diets need some fats. And some people need to eat more fats and some people need to eat less fats (depending on their body type). Coconut oil is a good fat option for people with inflammatory conditions. Advice from an Ayurvedic Health Practitioner on your body and common sense will help guide people to the right amount of coconut oil.

Stay healthy & well,
Lisa