Candidiasis y tratamiento con Ácido Caprílico

Candidiasis and Caprylic Acid treatment

Written by: Nutricionista Nelba Villagrán

January 5, 2024

Time to read 2 min

Candidiasis Treatment and Caprylic Acid, a natural antifungal.

What is Caprylic Acid?

Caprylic acid is a medium-chain fatty acid (MCT oil), composed of 8 carbons, a component of breast milk—both from animal females and the human species—coconut, hemp seed oil, and palm oil.

It is a type of oil partially soluble in water that has been considered a GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) substance by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and its properties in human health have therefore been studied.

What are the Benefits of Caprylic Acid?

Easy to digest and non-toxic
It is oxidized in the mitochondria and in the cell cytoplasm, meaning the liver does less work in its detoxifying role
Promotes the absorption of antioxidants from food
Possesses a destructive action against pathogens, such as bacteria and fungi
It is considered useful in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn's disease, because it blocks IL-8 (interleukin-8), one of the causes of these pathologies.
According to the Physicians' Desk Reference Guide to Nutritional Supplements, it has a positive effect on arterial hypertension.
It controls the proliferation of Candida albicans in the intestine, skin, and epithelia (including vaginal mucosa) by attacking the fungus's membrane and altering its permeability, which causes its death
It has been shown to be effective against several types of yeast in addition to Candida.
Its efficacy covers a pH range between 2.5 and 8.5
It has been considered to reduce abdominal fat deposits and normalize cholesterol levels.
It balances gastric pH, benefiting the immune system

Candidiasis Treatment and Caprylic Acid

The Candida fungus is found naturally on the skin, in the mouth, and in the digestive and vaginal tracts. It can proliferate in people with leaky gut syndrome, in people with intestinal dysbiosis, and for other reasons.

Prolonged treatment can cause a “Herxheimer Reaction,” which is also called a “Healing Crisis,” as the destruction of Candida releases waste substances, such as cell debris, which can cause dizziness, nausea, joint pain, or other symptoms that can last between 1 and 2 weeks, with this being a beneficial manifestation.
To avoid the Herxheimer Reaction, it is recommended to gradually increase the dose of Caprylic Acid until reaching, within a reasonable time, the daily dose which can range between 350 mg and 1 gram
Care must be taken with people who have low blood pressure or who take medication to lower blood pressure.
In case of intestinal infection, the fungus is located in the folds of the colon wall, so treatment can last several months or even up to a year.
Since caprylic acid is fat-soluble, it is advisable to consume it with olive oil or omega-3 fatty acids.
The diet must be low in sugar, as sugar promotes the proliferation of the fungus.
During treatment, it is suggested—depending on the individual case—to include oregano oil or garlic oil, Vitamin C, L-Glutamine, omega-3, Lactobacillus-type probiotics, and other antifungals if necessary.