According to the health website Verywell Health, Dr. Brandi Jones (USA) states that the benefits of coconut water depend on kidney function, potassium levels in the body, medications being used, and the overall health condition of each individual.
Helps the kidneys function better.
Coconut water provides water and electrolytes, helping the body maintain fluid balance. Drinking enough water also helps the kidneys filter waste and excrete it through urine, according to the National Kidney Foundation of the United States.
Staying well-hydrated helps dilute urine. This can reduce the risk of kidney stone formation caused by the clumping of minerals like calcium.
Drinking enough water also helps flush out bacteria through urination. This reduces the body's risk of urinary tract infections.
Coconut water contains electrolytes, so it can be helpful after excessive sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, or strenuous exercise. However, the body doesn't always need a large replenishment of electrolytes.
Coconut water provides water and electrolytes, helping the body maintain fluid balance. Drinking enough water also helps the kidneys filter waste and eliminate it through urine.
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Reduce the risk of kidney stones.
Drinking enough water remains an important way to reduce the risk of kidney stones. Diluted urine makes it difficult for minerals to clump together and form stones.
Coconut water can increase citrate levels in urine. Citrate can bind with calcium and may help reduce the risk of forming certain types of calcium stones.
People with kidney disease need to be cautious.
Potassium is the most important factor to consider when drinking coconut water, especially for people with kidney disease.
Healthy kidneys help eliminate excess potassium through urine. When kidney function declines, potassium can build up in the blood.
Excessively high potassium levels can disrupt heart rhythm and be dangerous. People undergoing dialysis, with acute kidney injury, or with chronic kidney disease stages 3 to 5 need to be especially cautious.
People with high blood potassium levels should also limit their coconut water intake. Those with kidney disease along with diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure should also consult their doctor.
Certain medications, such as ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), and potassium-sparing diuretics, can also increase potassium levels in the body.
How should one drink coconut water appropriately?
If your kidneys are functioning normally, drinking unsweetened coconut water in appropriate amounts is generally safe for most people.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture , approximately 240 ml of unsweetened coconut water contains about 44 calories, 404 mg of potassium, 64 mg of sodium, and 10.4 g of carbohydrates.
The nutritional content of coconut water can vary between products. Therefore, consumers should carefully read the nutrition label, prioritizing 100% coconut water with no added sugar or flavoring. Those needing to control their potassium intake should also pay attention to the potassium content per serving.
If you have kidney disease, consult your doctor or a nutritionist before drinking coconut water. The appropriate amount of potassium and fluids depends on your kidney function, test results, medications you are taking, and diet.