The article was professionally consulted by Doctor Le Thi Nha Hien - Oncologist - Department of Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Nha Trang International General Hospital.
Coconut water contains less sugar and sodium than other sports drinks but has high potassium, calcium and chloride content, helping to supplement and increase the body's energy level for cancer patients with optimal energy.
1. Is coconut water good for cancer patients?
Chemotherapy causes many side effects, causing patients to have a mild fever and feel thirsty. At that time, cancer patients need to drink enough water to compensate for the amount of water lost due to sweating and increased basic metabolism. Therefore, coconut water is a reasonable choice to help replenish water and electrolytes for cancer patients.
Because coconut water is rich in potassium and other minerals, it regulates internal fluids and replenishes water for the body. Coconut water has been used to treat dehydration whenever you are dehydrated or have dysentery, cholera, diarrhea, flu and electrolyte imbalance. Drinking a glass of coconut water every day helps reduce the risk of digestive abnormalities, say goodbye to mouth ulcers and quickly recover the body after dehydration.
However, currently neither in the country nor in the world there is any research proving that coconut water can cure cancer. Therefore, cancer patients should go to specialized oncology hospitals for timely examination and treatment.
2. Some other effects of coconut water
2.1. Reduce urinary problems
If patients drink coconut water regularly, it can reduce urinary problems. Patients with symptoms of frequent urination and other urinary diseases should drink a lot of coconut water to reduce the symptoms of the disease.
2.2. Beneficial for the digestive system
Coconut water contains lauric acid, which when entering the body will be converted into monolaurin. Monolaurin is an active ingredient that has antiviral, antibacterial, anti-intestinal worms, parasites and other gastrointestinal infections in children and adults.
In addition, coconut water acts as an antibiotic and is a simple remedy for intestinal problems. It can be applied by mixing a teaspoon of olive oil in a glass of coconut water and drinking it daily (at least three days/week).
For constipation, diarrhea and other common digestive problems, drink a glass of coconut water twice a day.
2.3. Boost Energy
Because coconut water is rich in vitamins, minerals and nutrients compared to other drinks, it is a great energy booster.
Coconut water contains less sugar and sodium than other sports drinks, but is high in potassium, calcium, and chloride, which helps to replenish and increase the body's energy levels for optimal energy for cancer patients.
2.4. Strengthen the immune system
Coconut water is a sterile liquid low in calories and fat but rich in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.
Some of the main nutrients in coconut water include chloride, and iron, potassium, magnesium, calcium, sodium, and phosphorus. In fact, the amount of potassium in coconut water is twice the amount of potassium in bananas.
This helps patients balance muscle health, cardiovascular, nervous system, and immune system, as well as absorb and balance internal fluids in the body.
3. Be careful when drinking coconut water
Coconut water removed from the fruit will lose its taste, so leave the fruit intact to drink. The sooner you drink it after picking, the more nutrients the coconut water retains.
Coconut water has many health benefits, however, for cancer patients in particular and all other subjects in general, it should not be abused (drink more than 3-4 fruits a day and drink continuously for many days).
Going out in the hot sun, when returning home, because of thirst, drinking too much coconut water will lead to symptoms: chills, bloating, mild fever or high fever.
People with a yin constitution such as: pale skin, flabby muscles, and cool to the touch, cold hands and feet, slow digestion, eating little, less thirsty, preferring warm drinks, prone to diarrhea, soft stools, heavy body, fatigue, slowness, ... should not use coconut water.
Doctor Le Thi Nha Hien has many years of experience in the field of examination, diagnosis of oncological diseases and methods of chemotherapy, targeted therapy and Palliative care. She is currently working at the Department of Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Nha Trang International General Hospital.
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