MCT Oil benefits the nerves by assisting in nerve firing, restoring their function, and enhancing mitochondrial function, even in severely damaged nerves.
What is MCT?
MCT oil is a premium fuel source for the nerves and just like premium fuel for an exotic car – it’s fast, clean, and built to give an extra boost without burnout.
MCT stands for Medium-Chain Triglycerides, a fat that the body absorbs quickly and turns into energy. Unlike the usual fats, MCTs get metabolized qickly boosting energy without some of the side effect associated with glucose.
MCT oil isn’t only about energy–it optimizes how your body runs, which helps immensely for peripheral neuropathy.
Research shows it supports brain function and improves mental clarity and cognition, even for those suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s. It also supports nerve function, nerve repair, and regeneration.
MCTs break down much faster than long-chain fatty acids, giving the body a quick energy surplus to assist with brain function and nerve recovery.
What are the Main Sources of MCT Oil?
The two primary sources of MCT oil are coconut oil and palm kernel oil.
Do not consume MCT oil extracted from palm kernel oil. This seed oil is detrimental to your health. It is highly refined and often hydrogenated, producing trans fats and increasing oxidative stress and free radical damage to your body.
Coconut oil is the best source of MCT oil for benefiting your nerves.
They provide the richest natural sources of MCTs, containing 50-60% MCTs, primarily in the form of caprylic acid and capric acid. These two MCTs hold various health benefits, including,
- Improved intestinal health
- Better nerve transmission
- Powerful antioxidant properties
Pure MCT oil contains up to 80% capric and caprylic acid which is significantly more than coconut oil. While it is more, we still recommend a mixture of coconut oil and pure MCT oil as coconut oil has various other health benefits.
What are the Benefits of MCT Oil for Nerves?
We find that the more a patient understands the underlying benefits, the more likely they are to follow through with therapeutic lifestyle changes like adding MCT oil to their daily diet. MCT oil provides various benefits for the nervous system.
Enhanced Energy for Nerve Cells
Nerve cells depend on glucose for healthy functioning. With conditions such as insulin resistance, oxidative stress, or chronic inflammation, the glucose no longer reaches the nerve cells and provides them with the necessary fuel.
The liver rapidly converts MCTs into ketones, an alternative energy source for any cell.
Increases Mitochondrial Efficiency
MCT oil benefits nerve cells because they need a lot of energy to function properly. Mitochondria generate the energy, but too often, peripheral nerve damage results in mitochondrial damage leading to insufficient nerve fuel.
It disrupts the cells’ ability to use glucose as the primary fuel source effectively. However, the body uses ketones produced from MCTs as an alternative fuel source for the mitochondria within the nerve cells.
A single nerve cell, called a neuron, contains up to 2 million mitochondria. This indicates that nerve cells are heavyly dependent on mitochondria to function normal and especially if the nerve is damaged and needs extra energy for nerve repair and regeneration.
Ketones support and rejuvenate damaged mitochondria. Since nerves rely heavily on a continuous supply of energy to transmit signals properly, improving mitochondrial function improves the health of nerve cells, leading to better signal transmission and improved nerve function.
Assists with Myelin Sheath Repair
The myelin sheath is the protective coating around a peripheral nerve, allowing for proper nerve signal transmission. Damage to the myelin sheath causes many forms of neuropathies and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Multiple Sclerosis and Alzheimer’s.
Ketone production from MCTs supports myelin sheath regeneration.
Enhanced Cognition and Mood Support
MCT oil provides a brain-boosting effect by supplying ketones as clean, efficient energy for both peripheral nerves and the brain. It improves cognitive function and mental clarity by preventing irritability and fatigue of brain neurons.
It also reduces inflammation in the brain and enhances the production of GABA, a brain neurotransmitter that promotes calmness and reduces anxiety.
Reduces Pain
Another benefit of MCT oil is that research shows that increased ketones inhibit specific pain pathways.
For instance, drugs like gabapentin, pregabalin, and Lyrica lessen nerve pain by decreasing nerve excitability. But, these drugs often only work with high doses and only for 50% of the people taking them, not to mention the long list of side effects.
Research shows that ketone produced from taking MCT oil decreases the excessive excitability of nerve cells and may reduce the pain sensitivity of the sensory nerves without the side effects of medications.
Furthermore, unlike medications like gabapentin, MCT oil plays a role in repair and regeneration.
Neuroprotective Effects
MCT oil improves insulin sensitivity and may help regulate blood sugar levels, reducing the risk of further nerve damage for diabetics and pre-diabetics.
It also reduces oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, which are both major contributors to nerve damage and degeneration. When MCT oil produces ketones, it elevates antioxidant properties, which protect nerve cells.
How Much MCT Oil Should I Take?
Warning: You cannot cook or heat MCT oil. Heat destroys all of MCT oil’s benefits.
Instead, use liquid MCT oil in coffee, smoothies, or salad dressings. You can even consume it on its own by taking 1 tsp teaspoon serving and reserving the coconut oil for cooking.
We recommend you slowly work up to your target dose of MCT oil. Start with lower dosage and slowly increase you serving size over a number of weeks.
To start, we recommend starting with 1 tsp (5 ml) daily for two weeks. Then, increase to 2 tsp (10 ml) daily for another two weeks. Continue the same increase for every two weeks.
For those with diabetes, severe peripheral neuropathy, or a neurodegenerative disease, Dr. Coppola and Dr. Monteiro recommend working up to 3 tablespoons daily. Note: 3 teaspoons equals 1 tablespoon (15 ml per tablespoon).
For those with moderate neuropathy and no diabetes or pre-diabetes, we recommend 2 tablespoons daily.
For those who have recovered from peripheral neuropathy and want to stay on a maintenance dose, we recommend at least 1 tablespoon daily.
Is MCT Oil Safe?
Although MCT oil is safe for most people, a small percentage of the population may experience mild side effects.
Side effects to look for include:
Diarrhea
MCT oil provides laxative effects when taken in high dosages before the body adjusts. Starting with a small amount prevents diarrhea.
Nausea
Some experience nausea when they first start using MCT oil. Gradually increasing the dosage over time and taking it with food reduces the side effects.
We also recommend an enzyme called lipase to help with metabolizing the fat.
Bloating and Gas
Since the body rapidly metabolizes MCT oil, it can cause bloating or gas, mainly when consumed on an empty stomach.
Stomach Cramps
Consuming too much MCT oil at once may lead to stomach discomfort or cramps. Splitting the dosage throughout the day helps.
Can I Take MCT Oil with Fatty Liver Disease?
For those concerned about taking this much fat because of gallbladder removal, studies proved that MCTs are the best oil for those without a gallbladder. Unlike heavier fats, MCT oil does not require a gallbladder for metabolism.
For those suffering from fatty liver disease, MCT oil’s benefits outweigh the risks. We poured through the research and found many conflicting studies, but there are enough valid studies that support taking MCT in lower doses without further fat deposition in the liver.
A safe serving for those with fatty liver disease would be between 1 tablespoon and 2 tablespoon daily. Its best to split the serving to two or three doses throughout the day to minimize any side effects.
By fueling your nerves with MCT oil, you’ll boost your energy and upgrade your entire nervous system.
Struggling with Neuropathy?
Dr. Coppola and Dr. Monteiro’s dedication to combating neuropathy is deeply personal, stemming from Dr. Monteiro’s experience with her mother’s severe chemo-induced neuropathy. This personal journey fueled their commitment to develop a systematic, drug-free approach to reversing neuropathy.
They founded the San Antonio Neuropathy Center, where they’ve successfully treated over 18,000 patients over the past two decades. Their acclaimed book, “Defeat Neuropathy Now in Spite of Your Doctor,” along with their neuropathy product line, stands as a testament to their expertise and innovative solutions.
Recognized as leading neuropathy specialists in America, Dr. Coppola and Dr. Monteiro offer a beacon of hope for those diagnosed with this challenging condition. If you or a loved one is seeking relief from neuropathy, reach out to us at 844 400-0101 or email us through our contact page – Click here.
Your path to healing can start today.
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