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Caprylic Acid
ShareHypertension, obesity and other health problems generally blame a diet high in fat as a risk factor. For this reason, most weight loss diets and nutritional plans consist of very low amounts of fat or eliminate fat entirely.
What most people are not aware of though, is that the human body needs adequate levels of fat, both saturated and unsaturated, in order to function well. While you may already have heard of the amazing benefits that the essential fatty acids (EFAs) like Omega 3 and Omega-6 can do to your health, another fatty acid like caprylic acid can also do wonders to those who suffer from an overgrowth of Candida Albican yeast.
Your body plays host to a number of microbes such as the candida albican yeast. Ideally, other microbes keep the growth of candida albicans in check to maintain a healthy balance among them. When the growth of candida is uncontrolled, it becomes a fungal infection that latches on to parts of the body such as the bowel, gastrointestinal tract, the mouth, throat and skin. This is also known as a yeast infection.
Yeast infections can be triggered by a number of factors that interfere with the balance of good and bad microbes. Broad spectrum antibiotics that are used to kill bacteria responsible for chest infections and acne also kill the good bacteria that thrive in your body. Without good bacteria to stop the overgrowth of the candida albicans, you may develop a candida fungal infection. Consuming yeast and mold products like wine, beer, alcoholic beverages, cheese, mushrooms and pickled foods also spurs the overgrowth of candida.
If you develop a candida infection, you may experience symptoms near the site of the infection, such as skin rashes, allergies, abdominal bloating, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome and depression.
How caprylic acid works
Caprylic acid works by dissolving the cell membranes of the yeast to penetrate and kill the fungi. As such, caprylic acid, along with garlic, grapeseed extract, oregano oil and pau d'arco, is said to be a natural anti-fungal remedy. It is naturally found in butters and coconut oil.
Caprylic acid is a fat soluble acid and will need other essential fatty acids like Omega-3 and Omega-6 to fight the yeast infection. For this reason, women should have a moderate amount of fat in their diet or risk getting candida infections.
Nutritional plan for candida albicans
While caprylic acid found in the food you eat may help in the fight against yeast infection, consuming high amounts of butter and coconut oil is still not advisable. The LDL-cholesterol (or bad cholesterol) found in these foods cannot be overlooked so that you should only take them in moderation. Others have tried obtaining caprylic acid in supplement form with safe and effective results.
If you take caprylic acid, you will also need to take a good probiotic such as lactobacilli or acidophilus, to restore good bacteria in your body and to control the growth of candida, while staying away from certain foods that trigger yeast overgrowth such as yeast and fermented products. Avoid beer, wine, alcoholic beverages, cheese, pickled vegetables and treated meats, cheese, and mushrooms. Maintaining a diet low in sugar and refined carbohydrates also helps starve the candida albican yeast.
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