Coconut water can be IC friendly, but this can often depend on each individual’s symptoms and reactions.
As a nutritionist, I often help people tailor their diets to help curb or minimize symptoms of various diseases. Interstitial cystitis is one of the conditions that I help people with. Due to this, I had to do my research on is coconut water IC friendly – here is what I discovered…
In this post I will tackle whether coconut water is safe for IC as well as give you some guidelines for adding it to your diet. Let’s get started!
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As mentioned, for the most part, coconut water is considered to be safe. However, it should be noted that this isn’t the case for everyone. This is because each person experiences interstitial cystitis differently. Furthermore, trigger foods and drinks can vary quite a bit for each case.
Now, the only drinks that you really have to watch out for with IC are carbonated beverages, drinks with artificial drinks or ingredients, and citrus juices and drinks. Coconut water doesn’t fall under any of these categories and, thus, is on the acceptable list.
There is a caveat here, though.
Understand, in some instances, coconut water can act as a mild diuretic. For some people suffering with IC, this can be relieving. The dilution of urine makes it easier for them to pass it, causing less discomfort. For others, though, there is the opposite effect.
Some individuals diagnosed with IC may find frequent trips to the bathroom rather painful. Therefore, if coconut water has a diuretic effect on you, then it can increase your discomfort. If it doesn’t, though, then you should be able to drink it without issue.
Coconut water may be not on a list of food and drink that is typically associated with triggering the symptoms of IC. However, can it still be a trigger?
Well, this is unlikely, but still possible. Fortunately, there is a way to figure this out once and for all.
If you have been drinking coconut water for a while, cut it out of your diet completely. However, don’t make any other changes to it. Continue to consume the same drinks and foods as before. If you notice that your symptoms have reduced, then there is a chance that coconut water may be an issue.
In case there is no change, though, it is likely that there is some other cause. Start drinking coconut water again and determine if you notice any more changes to your symptoms.
Even though coconut water itself may not be an issue, it is still important to choose the right beverage. This is because not all coconut water is manufactured equally. While many claim to be all-natural, they contain various additives.
This can be a problem for you as artificial sweeteners and sugars not naturally found in food and drink can serve as a trigger for your IC. Thus, you need to do your due diligence when selecting the right coconut water for you.
First and foremost, make sure that there isn’t any added sugar. The label should provide this information for you. It can be a good idea to contact the manufacturer directly, though. This will provide you with a little bit more insight into precisely what is added to coconut water.
It is also just as important to only brands that contain coconut water and nothing else. This includes additions such as flavors, other fruit juices, or caffeinated ingredients such as green tea.
This is because various juices, some fruits, and caffeine can cause a flare up of your symptoms. Although the coconut water itself will not cause any discomfort, these additions will.
At the end of the day, it is important to always limit your intake of coconut water if you have IC. Don’t drink more than 6 to 8 ounces a day. This will ensure that you have a good balance of nutrients, without worrying about any side effects.
Your main source of hydration should be water. However, coconut water can be a tasty treat for you and can help to add more flavor as well!
Well, this is what you need to know! Coconut water should be safe for anyone with interstitial cystitis, but it is a good idea to make sure first. Even once you are certain, remember to moderate your intake of coconut water.
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