I had never heard of leaky gut before our youngest son was exposed to deadly Stachybotris mold and Klebsiella (a gram negative bacteria)* at the age of almost 5. We didn’t understand what was killing our son and had to find a way to help him.
He rapidly lost weight from being unable to absorb foods properly and wailed with stomach pain. He developed a severe case of eczema from his groin to his ankles, and his jammies stuck to his legs in the morning from the seeping at night.
And worst of all, he started having behavioral problems from what the new food allergies did to him on a molecular/cellular gut/brain level.
*A mother’s nightmare: He (John-Paul), his twin sister, and 7 year-old brother had the run of the property but were expressly forbidden to go into the neighbor’s old barn. The kids had willingly obeyed me up until that day when they were out with their dad, and while he was working on a tractor that needed a tune-up, (and maybe because they felt safer because of his nearness), they decided that day was the day to see if they could get away with going into the scary old barn! They played for several hours (unmissed by their busy dad) in the hayloft of that leaky, unstable building. There were challenging stacks of discarded, molding, green and black-covered straw bales to climb on. Apparently an abandoned raccoon or coyote lair, there was old, dried-up feces that lay around in one place making perfect flying objects to throw out the window on a windy day for active little children. The klebsiella contamination was most likely from the animal feces and fingers going into the mouth! Ohhh!!!
We needed intervention fast and visited a well-known complimentary functional medical doctor I trusted. As an RN, I had already ordered stool tests and asked her to run more. The results showed NO ‘good’ bacterial flora such as lactobacillus acidophilus…none. There was also blood in the stool meaning the stomach or small intestine, or both, was damaged and bleeding.
Spiral Downwards
Our 4 year-old son in particular had a terrible overgrowth of Klebsiella, a powerful gram-negative bacteria, and serious overgrowth of candida albicans in the gut, thrush on his tongue and a very itchy bottom, ears, and skin as it was out of control. Our functional medical doctor explained that his immune system had taken a terrible hit from all the mold and the bacteria. It was able to grow unchecked, damaging the whole lining from the stomach through the small intestines. It was wreaking havoc on his ability to absorb foods and grow.
That was the first time I heard the words ‘leaky gut’.
Our doctor put him on several months (on and off) of Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE) Citricidal and Pau D’Arco (do not take these without researching yourself) with probiotics to control the candida and kill off the Klebsiella since we decided we’d first try a non-pharmaceutical antibiotic route.
But there’s more…way more – and it proved to be pivotal in his gut healing! When that was restored, we were on the road to having our boy back again!
What is a Leaky Gut?
The gut (mostly small intestine) is naturally permeable to very small molecules in order to absorb vital nutrients. And actually, regulating intestinal permeability is one of the basic functions of the cells that line the intestinal wall. Infections, toxins, molds, stress and age can cause tight junctions in the intestinal lining to break apart.
Once these tight junctions get broken apart by an overgrowth of a bad, out-of-control bacteria or toxin, you have a ‘leaky’ gut. When your gut is leaky, things like toxins, microbes, undigested food particles, and more can escape from your intestines and travel into your bloodstream. Your immune system marks these “foreign invaders” as pathogens and attacks them. It is an autoimmune response to protect the body.
The healthy food I fed our son began to be his enemy.
With diagnosed allergies to 64 foods, the doctor said we should stop testing. There wasn’t much more we could test for. He’d have to eat everything on a 4-day rotation in order to eat anything at all. We ended going to an 8-day rotation when he failed to thrive…and that lasted for three years! I earnestly prayed and researched day and night to find things that would help him.
For 6 years he did not grow significantly. No growth spurts.
Real Food Medicine: Anti-Inflammatory, Antibacterial, Anti-fungal, Anti-parasitic
It took us several years to realize one of the most helpful things we could use was virgin coconut oil. It was not expensive compared to the other things we did. It is a superfood no one should be without.
Coconut oil soothes and helps heal stomach and intestinal lining including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The saturated fats (lauric, capric and caprylic acids) present in coconut oil:
- are strongly anti-inflammatory
- have strong anti-microbial properties
- help deal with various bacteria, fungi (including Candida), and parasites
- help with absorption of nutrients in the gut
- have no side-effects
If used for medicinal purposes, Coconut oil should be organic, extra virgin and cold pressed.
Dosage
For severe cases like our sons, we somehow got 2-3 teaspoons (1 TBSP) into him every day (at first off the spoon or melted in warm/hot water like coffee creamer). Later in food, and in a special smoothie just for him (like this one). It was not a battle, especially once he started to feel so much better. We knew when he tested for no blood in his stool that we were on the right track!
Another key to his eventual turnaround.
We also used cod liver oil (EVERY DAY) , mega-Omega-3 fish oil, and real organic butter to help heal the gut. We rotated them like his food. Cod liver oil and a good quality fish oil are anti-inflammatory, helping to “cool” the “heat” of inflammatory leaky gut situations like his.
On Another Note: Coconut Oil Is Also For Diabetics and Pre-Diabetics
Health Impact News Daily (cutting edge medical news you will not hear in the mainstream press) article states:
- Virgin Coconut oil has a measurable effect on blood sugar levels.
- Information is finally making its way into the mainstream media that type 2 diabetes is a lifestyle and diet issue and can be reversed without drugs.
- Coconut oil’s ability to control hunger and cravings is well-documented.
How Do You Get It Into Your Diet?
We use it for frying all our eggs, omelets, French toast, and pancakes.
It is the base of our own amazing chocolate mixture sweetened with our own raw honey (and a bit of sea salt) to satisfy our sweet tooth healthfully.
We use it to sauté zucchini and peppers and to caramelize onions and ‘pan-fry’ potatoes and steaks.
We add Coconut Cream Concentrate (30% coconut oil) to green smoothies.
After coconut oil helped restore our son’s G.I. tract and his immune system, we all started taking/eating it. It is wonderful for 60-year-old facial skin, too.
Consider putting it in your coffee like my hubs does! Check out this Mexican Coffee recipe.
Thankful
We have our son back again, so I must take a moment to point to a faithful God. He answered my prayers for wisdom and understanding. I learned so much through that experience that I can now help others. He was always there even when I experienced defeat and doubt!
Today, our son is in his twenties and runs our organic farm. Once his leaky gut healed, he filled out again and grew another robust 2+ (I’ve lost track) feet to be taller than his dad and me! Thankfully the severe leaky gut pain, eczema and behavioral issues only lasted the first several years. We look back on that time as a blessing of learning and testing. We came out stronger for it.
“And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.” ~Psalm 9: 10
We are told that coconut oil is BAD for us! I don’t believe it for one moment!
Coconut oil is a true treasure of God’s handiwork. We can see results in the health of out family when we use unrefined and unprocessed foods as God intended from reputable sources. I usually get my virgin coconut oil from Tropical Traditions, but you can also find good quality elsewhere like this one.
Also, Coconut Oil is super helpful for Alzheimer’s!
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Thanks for reading!
Anna @ Feminine Adventures says
What a wonderful Creator we serve! I just read “Food-Your Miracle Medicine” and stood (or sat) in awe of just how amazingly God created the foods we eat.
Oh, and we love coconut oil around here too. 🙂
Hannah says
Very interesting post, as I have been studying more about coconut oil and Candida recently. Praise the Lord for his healing in answer to your prayers.
I’m curious, where did you get the egg container I see in the background of one of your photos? Is it glass? Or did it just come with your refrigerator?
Joybilee Farm says
Great post, once again. We use Tropical Traditions coconut oil, too. Love their coconut products and their testimony.
cheers,
Chris
Racheal says
Coconut oil is awesome stuff. I love it! It also helps regulate the thyroid. And for me, it helped straighten my extremely crooked teeth, believe it or not!
You mentioned coconut oil for alzheimers…one of the men in our church has alzheimers and his wife has been using coconut oil now for several years. It has helped him hold his ground. It is totally amazing how well he is doing!
Jacqueline says
There are so many good reports coming from reputable older people who are finally taking charge of their own care. It is encouraging! Thanks for sharing that!
Lisa says
A timely post that I’m passing on to a friend. Thanks for sharing what you’ve learned and what’s worked for your family. We also use coconut oil and have found it to be healing as well, but it was raw milk that really made the difference for our son who struggled with eczema and allergies. God is so good to provide healing foods for us! Blessings, ~Lisa
Jacqueline says
Lisa,
Oh, raw milk is a whole other post! We also drink raw and love the wonderful things it does for our gut. We thought we couldn’t drink milk, but for some people raw is tolerated well, and goat milk (raw, of course) is even easier on those who have allergies, usually! Thanks for your kind words 🙂
Nicole says
Wow, this is amazing! I use unsweetend coconut flakes in a smoothie I make for breakfast and it is delicious. Now, I’m assuming the coconut oil is “sweet.” So can I replace the pam oil sprays with it when making eggs? Do you use it to grease the pan essentially? Thanks for sharing (and thanks for linking up- it’s a blessing!).
Jacqueline says
Hi, Nicole,
Yes, we use coconut oil for lots of things. We don’t feel like it has a heavy coconut taste. In eggs, we don’t even taste it. And I am going to post on making dandelions with onions and chicken sausage tonight as a spring tonic. I used coconut oil for that, too. It really is like using olive oil to ‘grease the pan’! I’m rooting for your new link-up!
Nicole says
You’re too sweet! 🙂 And my husband and I searched and spotted the coconut oil so we will have to try it soon! Thank you again!
Kristin says
I have heard that too much coconut oil can cause effects of that of a natural laxative. Is this true?
Jacqueline says
It is probably true to some extent, but it would take a lot to get one there and the other health benefits would outweigh it. Besides, most people need a good colon cleanse from time to time 🙂
Good question, Kristin!
Blessings!
Mrs. Z says
I love coconut oil here too!! I actually put about a tablespoon in my coffee each morning. 🙂 To me it really has not taste, but is awfully effective for a lot of things.
Pattu says
Hi,
Loved this post on Coconut oil. It is true that it heals a lot of ailments. In India, down south we use it in cooking all the time., for centuries.
Jacqueline says
Pattu, yesterday my daughter and I went into a wonderful little Indian restaurant and had lentil soup with spices and Naan bread with ground lamb and cilantro. The spices are heavenly and, I think it is just real spices…They used coconut oil in several of their dishes. So glad we found this place 🙂
Jeannie says
Hi, I was searching for the benefits of raspberry leaf tea, and found your site, with lots of other inspired advice. I was wondering if it makes a difference in cooking whether you use de-odorised coconut oil or the regular variety? I use the de-ordorised (it’s cheaper and still organic) for massage and as a a moisturizer. I haven’t used this for cooking yet. I have just started to use ghee instead of olive oil for cooking (homemade from store bought butter). Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us. It is a Blessing.
Jacqueline says
Dear Jeannie,
Thank you for your kind words. I hate to admit that I’m not sure what deodorized is…but it is my guess that it may not be cold-pressed (and processed), so it doesn’t become rancid. If you can afford it, always use cold-pressed. But, like I said, I’m not familiar with it.
I like that you are making ghee. I have not one it and think I may just have to so I know all about it. There is so much I still must learn…it is fun to be a life-long learner, isn’t it? there is no end to what we can discover 🙂
Thank you for your comment. It is always wonderful to find new like-minded ladies. May the Lord bless you in all you do.
Jacqueline
Michael says
In your response to “Jeannie says: July 15, 2012 at 9:28 pm” there seemed to be a question about what ‘deodorized’ coconut oil was in your reponse. It is refined coconut oil. They use chemicals in the refining process which removes the coconut taste and some of the nutrients. Refined coconut oil has a smoke point of 450 degrees and unrefined or ‘virgin’ coconut oil smoke point is 350 degrees. Unrefined or ‘virgin’ coconut oil has the coconut taste and intact nutrients. There is no real difference between ‘virgin’ and ‘extra-virgin’ coconut oil. Use refined if you do not want the coconut taste or cooking at temps over 350 degrees. Most of this information was gathered from other sites. I didn’t understand what the differences were until doing research on the web. Hope this helps.
Jacqueline says
Thank you so much, Michael, for taking the time to share that! I knew there were differences, but not exactly why. So for medicinal use, apparently the virgin is best…
Abby says
Thank you Jacqueline for this information re: coconut oil. My husband has suffered years from chronic stomach pain, without a lot of answers as to why. Diet does seem to be a factor, but it’s not the only one. I will work at your suggestions to incorporate coconut oil into his diet and see if it helps him. Thanks for sharing this information you learned all those years ago when your son was so ill.God doesn’t waste anything, HE has given you many gifts and you are certainly sharing them in a mighty way here on your website. I’m sorry your son had to suffer for so long, it must have broken your heart. So thankful he’s much better now. ~ Abby
Jacqueline says
Hi, dear Abby! Yes it did break my heart and I cried myself to sleep many nights in fear and worry. But God was faithful and lead us well! I’m so thankful if anything I share here can help you, your husband or others! I’m praying now for him and for wisdom for you both! (((Hugs!)))
Laura Jeanne says
How amazing that coconut oil has no many benefits. I knew it was healthy, but I was not aware that it had the ability to heal a leaky gut. I think I am going to try to incorporate it more into our diet – even though, my kids do not like the taste of coconut – I might have to get creative.
I wonder, is it still good to use the refined coconut oil, for example for cooking or making popcorn, in place of other oils? I just know that my family would not eat a meal cooked in virgin coconut oil.
Jacqueline says
Yes, Laura! The refined is much better for you than other cooking oils and does not taste the least bit coconut-ty. For us, we don’t even notice a coconut flavor or smell with the virgin coconut oil. You might do a taste test with out them knowing. Do you have a friend who can give you a 1/2 cup?
Amber cinereski says
Yes coconut is a great healer!
Liz says
Hi! I agree with most of what you said, but I’m curious as to why you avoided prescription antibiotics and antifungals with your son.
I had suffered from 10+ years of intestinal issues. 6 years ago, I was diagnosed with Celiac disease. After 6 months of a gluten-free diet, I still had multiple digestive issues. After many doctors (over the course of 5 years) told me that I just have inflammation and there’s not much that can be done, I saw an Internist who specialized in functional medicine (homeopathic and regular medicine). After a few visits with her, she diagnosed me with “small intestine bacterial overgrowth”, leaky gut and candida.
She prescribed 2 strong antibiotics and a strong antifugal. 3 months later, I’m healed!! I’m absorbing nutrients that my body had been deprived of for years.
I understand the resistance to antibiotics, but sometimes they are necessary and can work wonders.
Jacqueline says
Liz, I agree and am not bashing antibiotics totally. They have their place. I personally am allergic to ALL antibiotics b/c of overuse in my childhood. I felt at the time that it was best to avoid them and our son never had one, even to this day. Not a pride issue, but a concern he would have more allergic rxns. I am glad you asked 🙂
Karen says
How much coconut oil should one consume? I’m only adding one TBS to our smoothies (for 3 people). I am sure that is not nearly enough. My 5 year old has eczema and even though he’s on the elimination diet and eating more whole foods that ever, he is getting worse. I suspect he has a leaky gut. PLEASE HELP!
Jacqueline says
Karen, If you can help him learn to take it off the spoon, it would expedite so much, but it is hard to consume such a rich food straight. My easiest way to consume a LOT of virgin coconut oil is by spreading it on hot sprouted grain toast with a bt of sea salt. TO Me, it tastes like melted salted butter! For smoothies, I would go to coconut cream concentrate which is 70% coconut oil and 30% solids (very filling and high in fiber -slightly sweet. Very much full fat coconut oil in a cold smoothie would be make the coconut oil solid and thus, chunky even thought blended.
Another way to get a higher amount of virgin coconut oil into the diet is by stirring 4-5 TBSP into hot oatmeal in the morning.
An therapeutic serving per adult would be 3-5 slightly-rounded TBSP per day. For a child it depends on weight…we used 2 slightly rounded TBSP (or more) per day when our son was small and not growing. Make bone broth and melt it in when serving in a bowl…you could hide it that way, too~
I’ll be praying for your 5 year old. Do as many of the other supplements alongside coconut oil as you can afford for 3-4 months. You should see some changes in that time. God bless you!
Karen says
Thank you for your reply & tips. Apparently my son is allergic to coconut oil. 🙁 His reaction was pretty bad, so that’s out of the question. I bought him a probiotic that is free of all the top allergens, but he had a slight reaction to that as well. *sigh* My question is: Is it worth the slight reaction if in the end it helps? The daily dosage is 2 tablets. Should I try just one tablet and then maybe he could move up to two, eventually? I know I can switch the probiotic brand as well, but I didn’t see another brand that was free of so many allergens, so that discourages me.
Jacqueline says
Karen, does your son react repeatedly or was it one “suspected’ reaction? If it hasn’t happened before, I would urge you to give him a skin test with CO in a very small area. Have you tried fermented cod liver oil? This one doesn’t have added flavor: http://amzn.to/1RC1fAC
I’m so sad that he’s reacting to CO and the high quality probiotic. Have you looked at BioKult ingredients? http://amzn.to/1JCqPnN You can see the ingredients in a box on the side of the product. It’s GF, but may contain milk or soy…
I’m praying for you and your son. I will ask that you have wisdom and he has patience with himself and his body. The Lord is on the throne. One thing I found out is that the Lord loves our children wayyyy more than we ever could and is working even in this situation!
Karen says
Hi Jacqueline,
He did react repeatedly when I put CO on his skin. My husband noticed it first and eventually we both came to the same conclusion – that he’s all of a sudden allergic. I hoped he wouldn’t have a reaction if he consumed it (for some lame reason), but suspected it might be making him itchy. When I read your article I immediately gave him two tbs and he broke out into hives. 🙁 It seems pretty conclusive to me.
I gave the probiotic another try and he seems fine, but unfortunately he continues to get worse – it’s spreading and his skin is dryer and redder than ever. Nighttime is the worst, he’s waking up 3-5 x’s and at times is awake for an hour before settling down again.
I have not tried fermented cod liver oil or looked at BioKult ingredients. Thank you so much for the suggestions and for sharing your knowledge and wisdom with me. I appreciate your quick reply and prayers more than you’ll every know and more than I could adequately express! God bless you a million fold!
Roxy says
Good Morning, Once again you have helped me to see the benefits of this amazing product! I am putting it back on the counter top! I know the wonders of it, yet I have stoped using it as often as I need it! My body actually craves it! I appreciate all the hard work you have done for us to give us a better quality of life!
Blessings, Roxy
Jacqueline says
Thanks, dear Roxy! I’m so glad it jogged your memory! I made pear butter on the stovetop tonight and used about 6 TBSP coconut oil. I thickened it with Great Lakes gelatin (orange can), added some honey and it was awesome. No one knew there was coconut oil in it 😀
So glad you stopped by and for the encouragement!
Abby says
Thank you Jacqueline. My husband was recently diagnosed with SIBO (small intestine bacterial overgrowth) after years and years of stomach pain, bloating and belching. He is on a severe diet which eliminates a large variety of things he was eating. His quality of life has improved, but it’s still in process. Coconut oil is on of the go to things I cook with for him. In fact, your coconut snowballs are our #1 dessert. I think I need to add more to his diet by putting it in tea or something similar. I also have a few people to share your article re: coconut oil for alzheimers and dementia. Thank you again for your wisdom.
Jacqueline says
I am so blessed when I can be of help, Abby. Thank you so much for your encouragement, sweet friend. I am praying your husband improves significantly quickly. Sounds like he’s already much better, praise God! 😀 God’s gifts are always BEST! (((Hugs!)))
Heather says
Thank you for this post. Such an encouragement to do what I know is good and right!!! I was wondering about the food rotation you had mentioned. We are gluten free, dairy free, egg free and we are adding more limitations. We are putting one of our daughters on a low oxalate diet (this has been recommended by our Dr to help our daughter as her digestion is a mess, and in helping her digestion we will help her behavior, as she has some SPD issues) and this is a struggle for me. I am struggling in the planning of our meals. If it were just this one issue I don’t think I would be struggling so much. We are being tested on many fronts right now. We have just had our sixth child and what a sweet blessings he is to us a precious gift!!!! No complaints about him but mama is tired and my brain is just a bit slower processing. No one I know has had to do this type of food shift. So that is why I am asking you for wisdom and insight on the food rotation. Thank you for your blog!! Thank you for your time in reading this note!!!
May God bless you!
Jacqueline says
Heather, I will look for my 8 day rotation and if I can find it, I will take a pic for you and email you! I hope that helps!
Also I am praying for you! May the Lord give you abundant wisdom and peace. “He gently leads those who have young.” Isaiah
(((((((((Hugs!)))))))))
Heather says
Dear Jacqueline,
Thank you so much for even looking!!!! What a blessing!!!
Thank you for your prayers they are more precious than anything else!!! That you would go before our Father on behalf of us is beautiful!!!!
Thank you again for your time and effort!!!! May God truly bless you!!
Heather
Jacqueline says
Heather, I have not found it yet, but have 2 more places to look (for that 8 day rotation). We have had a houseful of guests and so I haven’t had the ability to be as thorough as I’d like to be. Hopefully, Monday!