Should cancer patients drink coconut water?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor I Le Thi Nha Hien - Internal Oncologist - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Nha Trang International General Hospital.
Coconut water contains less sugar and less sodium content than other sports drinks but has high levels of potassium, calcium and chloride to help replenish and improve the body's energy levels for cancer patients. optimal quantity.

1. Is coconut water good for cancer patients?

Chemotherapy causes many side effects, causing the patient to have a mild fever and a feeling of dehydration. At that time, cancer patients need to drink enough water to make up for the water lost through sweating and increase basal metabolism. Therefore, coconut water is a reasonable choice to help rehydrate and electrolytes for cancer patients.
Because coconut water is rich in potassium and other minerals, it regulates internal fluids and replenishes body water. Coconut water has been used to treat dehydration whenever you are dehydrated or suffering from dysentery, cholera, diarrhea, flu and electrolyte balance. Drinking a glass of coconut water a day helps reduce the risk of gastrointestinal abnormalities, bid farewell to mouth heat and quickly recover the body after dehydration.
However, currently, both in the country as well as in the world, there have not been any studies proving that coconut water can cure cancer. Therefore, patients with cancer should go to oncology hospitals for timely examination and treatment.

2. Some other effects of coconut water

2.1. Reduces Urinary Problems If the patient drinks coconut water regularly, it can reduce urinary problems. Patients with symptoms of urinary incontinence, and other urinary diseases should drink a lot of coconut water to relieve symptoms of the disease.
2.2. Benefits for the digestive system Coconut water contains lauric acid when entering the body they will convert into monolaurin. Monolaurin is an active ingredient with 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 into a cup of coconut water and drinking it daily (at least three days a week).
For constipation, diarrhea and other common digestive problems, it is recommended to drink a cup of coconut water twice a day.
2.3. Boosts Energy Since coconut water is rich in vitamins, minerals and nutrients than other drinks, it's a great energy booster.
In which, coconut water contains less sugar and sodium content is much lower than other sports drinks but has high potassium, calcium and chloride content to help supplement and improve the body's energy level for patients. Optimum energy oncology.
2.4. Boosts Immune System Coconut water is a sterile liquid low in calories and fat but rich in vitamins, minerals and other nutrients.
Some of the key nutrients in nipa coconut include chloride, and iron, potassium, magnesium, calcium, sodium, and phosphorus. In fact, the amount of potassium in coconut water is twice as much as that in bananas.
This helps patients balance muscle, cardiovascular, nervous and immune system health, as well as absorb and balance the body's internal fluids.

3. Note when drinking coconut water

Coconut water removed from the fruit will lose its taste, so leave the whole fruit to drink. Drinking as soon as possible after picking, coconut water retains a high amount of nutrients.
Coconut water has many good effects for health, however, for cancer patients in particular and all other subjects in general should not be abused (drink more than 3-4 fruits a day and drink continuously for many days). ).
Going outside in the hot sun, when you come home, because you are thirsty, drinking too much coconut water will lead to symptoms: chills, bloating, fever or high fever.
People with yin organs such as: pale skin, soft, cool muscles, cold hands and feet, slow digestion, eat less, less thirst, like to drink warm, easily diarrhea, soft stools, people heavy, sluggish, slow, ... should not use coconut water.
Doctor Le Thi Nha Hien has many years of experience in the field of examination and diagnosis of oncological diseases and methods of chemotherapy, targeted therapy and palliative care. Currently, the doctor is working at the Department of Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Nha Trang International General Hospital.

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