The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Alex (London) on 07/16/2017
I had the exact same problem. After regular consumption of coconut oil (CO) for about 2 weeks, I suddenly could not get it down anymore. Since then I have become vegan, I.e. I dropped all dairy. Looking for a butter substitute (that is healthier than most margerines) I gave CO another try. Funnily I did not get nausea again, and have been happily munching CO for the last year....Obvisouly I cannot guarantee that it was a cross-reaction with diary (I do appear to have diary food sensitivities/ allergies), something else might have improved in the 2 years between those two tries....
Coconut Oil
Posted by Nanasocean (Cucamonga) on 06/03/2015
Has anyone experienced burning of the throat or acid reflux after taking coconut oil? If so, does it get better?
Coconut Oil
Posted by Lmazz (Chicago, Il, Usa) on 10/30/2012
28 years old, female. After using organic virgin coconut oil on my face for acne for 5 days, my skin was so inflamed and broken out that I had to stop. After the first day, dozens of little whiteheads popped up all over my face, even around my eyes where I've never had any problems. At first, I thought it was a healing crisis, as many people have written about, but my skin was so painful to the touch that I couldn't continue. Every subsequent day got worse and worse. I used a very gentle cleanser, and nothing but the coconut oil. This is NOT a cure all and should be used with EXTRA CAUTION... this is the worst my skin has ever looked in my life.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Guzi (Austin, Tx) on 04/25/2011
I've been having some heart pains since like a month ago. Electro was fine and they just told me it was reflux even though I told them I didn't think so. (female, 32yo)
It was feeling better until today. I took 1 TBSP of coconut olive oil in my coffee, and boy, I almost fainted an hour later. My blood pressure went down that almost couldn't move. it was around 60. (normal 90).
Going back to the doctor, just don't know if this episode was related to taking coconut oil. Or if it is something else.
Thank you for your advice
Coconut Oil
Posted by Susan (Richmond, Va) on 03/25/2011
I took 1/2 teaspoon of extra virgin coconut oil daily for a few days and got severe chest pains for 2 whole days along with feeling light headed and dizzy. I then stopped taking it and I was back to normal.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Dreedesoto (Houston, Tx, Usa) on 03/03/2011
I purchased the VCO and started using it 5 days ago. I thought it was working awesome, more energy, less hunger etc. , etc. However, my blood pressure is spiking to 144/100. My dose yesterday was 1 TBSP in the morning with oatmeal and 1 1/2 TSP with lunch. My blood pressure this morning is 139/101. My pressure has always been under 120/80. My doctor has said I have a sluggish thyroid but it doesn't warrant medication. I was told this at 18 and now I'm 52. I have been overweight my whole life and have been on every diet/lifestyle change known to the human population. I've been on 1200 calories a day for over 8 weeks now and have only lost 6 pounds. I've been drinking ACV with mother for 6 weeks. This has helped how I feel but not my weight loss. I was really hoping that the coconut oil would be the help I've always needed. I'm very disappointed :( I've read that blood pressure spikes can happen when there is thyroid activity but I don't want to take the chance of continuing and then having a heart attack or do damage to my heart. If anyone knows if this is common and will pass, please let me know.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Mesem (Toulon, France) on 02/26/2011
I was alternating the use of coconut oil and jojoba oil on my face (v. Dry). My skin became very dry and flakey across the bridge of my nose. I will stop using these for awhile. Why? I'm thinking that these oils need to be applied with something else to balance ph or something. Says something for prepared creams of which I have found some good natural ones not too expensive. Coconut oil can help or aggravate it seems.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Harmonious1 (Alamogordo, Nm) on 02/22/2011
Caution: if you start using a lot of coconut products and you get new symptoms (I got aching and swelling in joints) then it's possible you are sensitive to salicylates. (Or unable to break it down and use it or get rid of it like normal. ) Coconut is very high in it. I love coconut oil, but have to avoid it. I'm just grateful I was able to figure out what was making me hurt all over. As soon as I quit the oil, the pain started going away. So just be observant.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Sleeping Dog (Troy, Alabama) on 02/20/2011
I was taking coconut oil (2-3 tablespoons per day) for weight loss and a variety of other issues. After about four days of doing this I became extremely ill. From the beginning I felt a little nauseated but after a few days I began vomitting. I can't even stand the thought of taking it now. I was trying to take it straight or melted and mixed with cocoa for a chocolately drink. I am amazed at all the good results people are getting with the oil and would like to benefit as well, but cannot stand the nausea.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Anglalov (Brooklyn, Ny 11228) on 10/05/2009
Coconut oil and Stomach Upset: I didn't read your article as yet, but I wanted to write abuot how I got sick from eating coconut oil on whole wheat bread..I thought I could substitute the c.o. for butter..It didn't taste bad, but I could not tolerate it..I had some baking soda and that helped me considerably. Thank you..
Coconut Oil
Posted by Carol (Morris, Al. United States 35116) on 09/13/2009
i started virgin coconut oil . i felt much better to start with 2 TABLESPOONS . after 2 weeks i started getting very weak . i take thyroid meds,blood pressuremeds, sleep meds., my blood pressure went up ( the top number )145/80 with heatbeat 65. my legs are like jelly . i have no nausa or throwing up, is this normal ? has my thyroid level dropped too low? i read all the blogs and no one said anythinge about weakness . please answer
Coconut Oil
Posted by Jovi (Manila, Philippines) on 07/10/2009
Hi, i started taking 1tbsp virgin coconut oil on june 1, 2009. finished my menstrual period on june 22. june 25, i started to have discharge of seemingly a small amount of dry blood for a week.july 1, i had a huge discharge of blood clot that seemed dry. from july 2 up to now, ive had a small amount of fresh blood discharge. i still take vco. could this be a clensing effect? anyone experienced this?
Coconut Oil
Posted by Jennifer (Phoenix, Arizona, USA) on 06/14/2009
I have had malabsorption issues for sometime. My ND wanted me to introduce 100% virgin coconut oil into my diet because of the medium chain fatty acids. I needed to gain weight and muscle. I was using 2T per day in fruit smoothies, cooking, or on toast. Loved the flavor but the side effects were not good. My ND pooh-poohed my questions about possible side effects so I was extremely relieved to find this forum with postings from a number of people who have experienced what I did. My side effects were: severe stomach and gut pain with bloating and tenderness, bad reflux (which I had never had before), heart palpitations, severe sleeplessness, general anxiety-like symptoms, concentration problems, even gum sensitivity . . . just a general sense of continually deteriorating function the longer I was on it. After researching this forum I went off the oil and the symptoms I listed disappeared within two weeks. Although I have no doubt it is a great product for many people, I will never take it again. It just isn't okay for one food item to make me that ill and affect so many areas of my life. The bottom line for me is to learn to listen to my own body and to respect and act on those messages.
Coconut Oil
Posted by JJManila (Manila, Philippines) on 05/25/2009
im 40yo male. last night may 24,09 i took my first v.c.o. with 1 tbs. before bedtime. i felt real bad right after, cold sweats and i was shaking and dizzy. i hope im not allergic to vco. im going to take 1tbs again before i go to bed.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Misha (Binghamton, New York) on 03/19/2009
I began taking a tablespoon of coconut oil in my morning tea each day. On about the 4th day, I suffered from chest pains which I had never experienced before. I discontinued use to rule out other possibilities, and when I reintroduced it, I suffered from the chest pains once again. I began taking the coconut oil to help a sluggish thyroid, but have stopped taking it since my negative experiences with it. I am 27 and in excellent health.
