It is very easy to become dehydrated during the HOT summer days. You may want to reach for a sugary electrolyte sports drink that is loaded with high fructose corn syrup, food dyes, and other processed preservatives to rehydrate. These drinks may do more harm than good.
Coconut water is a delicious electrolyte beverage that is loaded with potassium, magnesium, and sodium which helps the body rehydrate fast.
Coconut water in eastern medicine has a “cooling” quality. This helps reduce the effects of heat exposure, cooling off the body more easily.
Other benefits of coconut water…
Low in calories
No added sugar (READ the labels! Look for 100% Coconut water with no added sugar.)
Fat free
Remember! Water is still the best way to stay hydrated. Coconut water is NOT a replacement for good ol’ H2O.
Recommended daily water intake is half your body weight in ounces. For example: you weigh 100 pounds= drink 50 ounces of water per day. If you are exposed to the heat for long periods of time and/or experience excessive sweating increase your water intake!
Don’t get behind on your water intake. Make a goal to drink water throughout the day. It is hard to catch up once you are behind.
Caution: Do not consume coconut water if you have chronic kidney disease or are taking an ACE inhibitor. Coconut water contains increased amounts of potassium which should be limited with these conditions.
If you have a “damp” condition, limit coconut water to 8 ounces per day or consume only when exposed to excessive hot temperatures. Too much coconut water can increase dampness due to it’s “cooling” qualities.