About the Coconut Oil Cleansing Diet

There are a wide variety of detox diets on the market, all utilizing different approaches to cleansing to help you improve your health. One of the more popular detox methods is the coconut oil detox, which consists of a seven-day fast where you are to consume little more than coconut oil. This process purportedly has the ability to destroy Candida yeast, a potentially harmful compound found within your digestive system.

Cleansing Diets in General

Cleansing (or detox) diets refer to any heavily restricted diet that is designed to improve your health through the elimination of toxins present within your body. Cleansing diets vary both in length and in composition. These diets range from several days to several weeks, incorporating all manner of compounds to supposedly help you detoxify your body.

Coconut Oil Cleansing Theory

According to Dr. Bruce Fife, a certified nutritionist and naturopathic physician, a coconut oil detox helps to cleanse the body of potentially harmful Candida yeast. Overgrowth of Candida yeast can cause full-blown yeast infections, or just cause an individual to exhibit a variety of undesirable symptoms, such as joint pain, fatigue, bladder infection issues and irritability. A coconut oil cleanse can help purge the body of this nuisance by removing Candida's primary food source---sugars.

Coconut Oil Cleanse

Dr. Fife recommends a seven-day coconut oil fast to help curb the symptoms of Candida overgrowth. During this time, you are to consume nothing but coconut oil, unsweetened (natural) yogurt and sugarless lemonade. According to Fife, the fatty acids present in the coconut oil will help to destroy the Candida, while the yogurt will replenish your digestive tract with beneficial bacteria (probiotics).

Alternative Coconut Cleansing

If you are looking to benefit from coconut oil but are unwilling to go through the full seven-day cleanse, Dr. Fife suggests an alternative. The best way to use coconut oil without resorting to a full-blown fast is to make it a part of your daily cooking routine. Coconut oil can be liberally added to your existing diet---it can be used for cooking, frying and baking. Additionally, it can be consumed as is or mixed into a protein shake or smoothie.

Considerations

When purchasing coconut oil, remember that price and quality often go hand in hand. The more expensive oils often have a superior texture and flavor, making them far more palatable than the inferior brands. For your best bet, search for a "virgin" coconut oil that retains both the taste and smell of coconuts. Not compromising when making your purchase of coconut oil can help you to get the best possible experience from your cleanse.