Uses
Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. The effectiveness ratings for COCONUT WATER are as follows:
Insufficient evidence to rate effectiveness for…
- Diarrhea-related dehydration. Some research shows that consuming coconut water can help prevent dehydration in children with mild diarrhea. But there is no reliable evidence that it is any more effective than other beverages for this use.
- Dehydration caused by exercise. Some athletes use coconut water to replace fluids after exercise. It helps people rehydrate after exercise, but it does not appear to be more effective than sports drinks or plain water. Some athletes also use it before exercise to prevent dehydration. It might work better than drinking plain water, but results are still preliminary.
- Exercise performance. Some athletes use coconut water to replace fluids during or after exercise in order to improve their performance during follow-up exercise. It might help, but it does not appear to be more effective than sports drinks or plain water. Some athletes also use it before exercise to improve endurance. It might work better than drinking plain water, but results are still preliminary.
- High blood pressure. Some research suggests that drinking coconut water might lower blood pressure in people with high blood pressure.
- Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness for these uses.
Side Effects Of Coconut Water
Coconut water is LIKELY SAFE for most adults when consumed as a drink. It might cause fullness or stomach upset in some people. But this is uncommon. In large amounts, it might cause potassium levels in the blood to become too high. This might lead to kidney problems and irregular heartbeat.
It is POSSIBLY SAFE for children.
Warnings & Precautions
- Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
- Cystic fibrosis: Cystic fibrosis can lower salt levels in the body. Some people with cystic fibrosis need to take fluids or pills to increase salt levels, especially sodium. It is not a good fluid to take to increase salt levels in people with cystic fibrosis. Coconut water might contain too little sodium and too much potassium. Don’t drink it as a way to increase salt levels if you have cystic fibrosis.
- High levels of potassium in the blood: Coconut water contains high levels of potassium. Don’t drink it if you have high levels of potassium in the blood.
- Low blood pressure: Coconut water might lower blood pressure. Discuss your use of coconut water with your healthcare provider if you have blood pressure problems.
- Kidney problems: Coconut water contains high levels of potassium. Normally, potassium is excreted in the urine if blood levels get too high. However, this doesn’t happen if kidneys are not working normally. Discuss your use with your healthcare provider if you have kidney problems.
- Surgery: Coconut water might interfere with blood pressure control during and after surgery. Stop using it at least two weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Dosage Of Coconut Water
The appropriate dose depends on several factors such as the user’s age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for coconut water. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
Other
Consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
