Lately several of my patients have asked if using coconut oil can help boost thyroid health. This apparent link likely comes from the popularity of coconut oil among health circles for its many potential benefits.
In this blog, we’ll explore the current research about coconut oil and thyroid function. As an Ayurvedic physician, I aim to take an evidence-based approach to making recommendations for my patients. My goal is to educate and empower you to make informed decisions about your health.
An Introduction to the Thyroid Gland
Before diving into coconut oil, let’s ensure we have a shared understanding of the thyroid. This vital gland is located at the base of your neck, just below your Adam’s apple. It produces thyroid hormones that regulate your metabolism.
When your thyroid doesn’t make enough hormones, it leads to hypothyroidism, causing symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, and feeling cold. On the flip side, too many thyroid hormones result in hyperthyroidism with nervousness, unexplained weight loss, and rapid heartbeat as common complaints.
As you can imagine, keeping thyroid hormones balanced is critical for overall well-being. The right lifestyle approaches can help maintain healthy thyroid function. Could coconut oil play a role? Let’s explore further.
The Potential Thyroid Connection with Coconut Oil
What is the link between coconut oil and the thyroid? While more research is still needed, some early findings suggest coconut oil may offer thyroid support.
1. Provides Medium Chain Triglycerides
Coconut oil contains a high amount of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). MCTs are a type of beneficial saturated fat easily used for energy by the body. Emerging research finds that MCTs may help boost metabolism and promote weight loss. Both are important for supporting thyroid hormone function.
In one study, researchers found that women who ate 2 tablespoons of MCT oil at breakfast ate less food at lunch compared to those who had olive oil. The MCT group also reported increases in energy expenditure.
While promising, longer clinical trials are still needed to clarify the effect of MCT oil on metabolism and weight regulation in humans. Early rat studies report similar findings as well.
2. Contains Lauric Acid
Around 50% of coconut oil consists of lauric acid. This fatty acid gets converted into a compound called monolaurin in the body. Both lauric acid and monolaurin are linked to antimicrobial, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory benefits.
They may help fight infections contributing to thyroid issues like Hashimoto’s disease. More research is underway to explore how lauric acid and monolaurin influence autoimmune thyroid disorders.
3. Functions as Antioxidant
Oxidative stress refers to cell damage from an excess of free radicals in your system. It may play a role in the development of hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s.
As an antioxidant, coconut oil helps counter oxidative stress to protect your cells from harm. It also supports your liver’s natural detoxification process to clear these free radicals from your body.
4. Contains Phenolic Compounds
Certain phenolic compounds and flavonoids found in coconut oil display antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits as well. The combination of these protective plant compounds adds to the thyroid and immune-supporting effects of coconut oil.
Early research suggests they may be particularly helpful for lowering inflammation in Hashimoto’s disease.
In summary — while coconut oil shows theoretical promise for benefiting thyroid function, more clinical studies in humans are still needed to substantiate these connections.
Adding Coconut Oil to Your Routine
If you decide to try coconut oil, here are some simple ways to incorporate it.
1. Use for Cooking
Replace your current oils with coconut oil when making eggs, stir-fries, baked goods, etc. Its high smoke point makes it suitable for most cooking methods. Those with coconut allergies should avoid using coconut oil.
2. Add to Coffee or Tea
Try using a tablespoon of coconut oil in your morning coffee for a creamy, energizing drink. You can also blend it into herbal teas. Some people notice improved cognition and sustained energy levels from adding coconut oil to their hot drinks.
3. Apply Topically
Use extra virgin coconut oil to moisturize your skin instead of lotions. Applying it can also help strengthen the health of your hair. Some even oil pull by swishing a tablespoon around their mouths for better oral health.
While more research is underway, plenty of people already use coconut oil without thyroid issues. However, due to potential drug interactions, check with your doctor before taking coconut oil supplements if you have a thyroid condition.
Let’s now explore some frequently asked questions about the relationship between coconut oil and thyroid disorders.
FAQs about Coconut Oil for Thyroid Health
Do thyroid patients need to avoid coconut oil due to the saturated fat content?
No, the unique structure of MCTs found abundantly in coconut oil makes them a beneficial form of saturated fat for most people. Those with coconut allergies should avoid ingesting coconut oil, however.
Can taking coconut oil help resolve hypothyroidism?
No studies demonstrate coconut oil alone can resolve low thyroid function. But used in moderation as part of a healthy lifestyle, it may provide supportive benefits like decreasing inflammation. Discuss supplement options with your doctor.
Is coconut oil safe to use topically for thyroid patients?
Yes, using coconut oil on your skin and hair is considered thyroid-friendly! When applied topically, it bypasses the digestive tract and liver. This eliminates concerns about impaired medication absorption or negative drug interactions.
Can thyroid patients eat coconut meat and use other coconut products?
Yes, coconut meat itself and foods like coconut milk tend to be safe even for those with thyroid issues. Just monitor portion sizes and avoid pairing with thyroid meds, especially levothyroxine. Check label instructions since some packaged products may contain isolated coconut oil as well.
Key Takeaways: Coconut Oil and Thyroid Function
While coconut oil shows theoretical promise for supporting thyroid health, more clinical research in humans is still needed. Some key takeaways include:
- Early findings suggest coconut oil may aid metabolism, fat burning, and weight loss due to the MCT content. This helps regulate thyroid hormone function.
- Compounds like lauric acid and phenolics demonstrate antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activity. This may inhibit infections and lower inflammation involved in Hashimoto’s disease.
- Coconut oil is generally safe for most people. However, due to potential nutrient and drug interactions, thyroid patients should exercise caution with high intake.
- Applying coconut oil topically bypasses concerns about digestive interference with thyroid meds.
- While supplemental doses may provide benefits, ensure you check with your provider first regarding safety and appropriateness.
- When consumed as part of a healthy lifestyle, coconut oil may offer supportive effects for thyroid health. However, more studies are still needed to substantiate this.
Conclusion
This overview has helped explain the developing research on coconut oil and thyroid function. As an Ayurvedic doctor, I’m excited by early findings suggesting coconut oil may help balance metabolism and reduce inflammation involved in Hashimoto’s disease.
However, we need longer clinical trials to truly validate these theoretical benefits for humans. While some patients add coconut oil to their regimens, ensure you exercise caution regarding dosage and medication interactions.
