Coconut water can have diuretic effects, but isn't necessarily a diuretic in the traditional sense.
Advising people about their nutrition and dietary patterns, I often have to deal with many of my clients asking about new trends. And since coconut water has become increasingly trendy, particularly when it comes to weight loss, a lot of my clients are curious about is coconut diuretic.
Most people will drink liquids that are diuretic to help them with weight loss. This is because it can help you to shed any water weight you might be carrying. However, coconut water doesn’t really function in the same way that other diuretics do.
Let’s take a closer look about the topic…
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There is some evidence that coconut water has diuretic properties. This effect has been especially noted among hypertensive patients. However, it should be noted that there are only limited studies conducted on this, so it may not be the same for every person. However, in short, drinking coconut water does increase your urine output.
As mentioned, though, coconut water has a slightly different impact than other diuretics. This is because coconut water works to maintain electrolyte balance inside the body. Traditionally, when you lose water, other minerals and nutrients also go along with it. This can cause an imbalance and can result in various issues.
Since coconut water naturally contains those electrolytes, though, this imbalance isn't achieved. Due to this, it can be argued that coconut water is a healthier option to other diuretics. You may also not experience any side effects unlike with other solutions.
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Of course, it is necessarily the case that every individual will experience this diuretic effect. You should also keep in mind that your urine output will be equivalent to how much coconut water you drink. This means that the more coconut water you drink, the more that you will need to urinate.
This isn't necessarily a diuretic effect. Rather, it is just a symptom of increasing the amount of liquids that you have consumed within a short period. On the flip side, if you don’t drink too much coconut water, then it is unlikely that it will have as much of an effect on you.
If coconut water acts as a diuretic, can it also have a laxative effect? Yes, it can. As you may be aware, coconut water is high in potassium – a single cup can have a higher content than a banana. And, while potassium has plenty of benefits, it should be consumed in moderation.
If you drink large quantities of coconut water within a short period of time, then your body may get too much of potassium. In turn, this can lead to diarrhea, which means that the coconut water can have a laxative effect.
Keep in mind that when this happens, you can also begin to lose fluids as well as electrolytes. Therefore, it is important to drink more than a certain amount of coconut water each day.
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There are a lot of different factors that go into determining how much coconut water you should drink. Now, there aren't any exact recommendations, but most experts would tell you to drink no more than one or two small or medium-sized drinks a day.
Still, it is a good idea to think about your diet, health, activity level, etc. before coming to a decision.
If you have low blood pressure, kidney problems, cystic fibrosis, or are planning on undergoing surgery, you may want to skip the coconut water. Or, drink it in small quantities and irregularly. The same goes for if you have high potassium levels or are eating a diet that is high in potassium.
A lot of people drink coconut water to help them replenish their electrolytes. In case it is a very warm day or you have been working out quite a bit, then you may be able to drink around two cups. Otherwise, stick to one.
You may want to think about your physique as well. The same amount of coconut water will have a greater impact on someone who is petite, for instance, instead of someone with a bigger build. Therefore, you should monitor your intake accordingly.
It is also a good idea to consider how your body reacts to the coconut water. If you are noticing a laxative effect after consumption, for instance, then you should reduce your intake. In case this occurs even after only drinking small amounts, you may want to cut it out of your diet. The same can be said if you feel like you have to urinate quite frequently.
Coconut water is great when it is drunk occasionally. And, you should definitely drink it instead of sodas or high-in-sugar juices. However, coconut water can’t replace plain, old water.
There are a couple of reasons for this. Unlike coconut water, water only contains, well, water. This means that it is a much better option for hydration. While coconut water may provide you with some of the electrolytes that you need, only water can keep you properly hydrated.
There is also the fact that coconut water, especially commercial brands, contain sugar and can be high in calories. This means that it isn't a great option for drinking every day and in large quantities. In fact, it can lead to sugar highs or even weight gain over time. Thus, as mentioned, it is all about moderation.
This is the proof that coconut does have diuretic properties, but not in a bad way. And, if you aren't careful about how much you drink, it could end up acting as a laxative too, so you should monitor your intake!
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