Recently, I came down with a really bad case of food poisoning while traveling. Although I made it through the worst of it before my flight home, I still felt completely exhausted, weak, and dehydrated the days following. I was taught that it was water or bust when it came to food poisoning, but my doctor was quick to tell me that coconut water contained almost everything I needed for a speedy recovery.
The fitness community has been touting the benefits of coconut water for a while now, even referring to it as "nature's sports drink." Most notably, it naturally contains five electrolytes, and in cases of severe dehydration — like food poisoning — electrolytes are exactly what you need replaced for healthy bodily function.
To see how coconut water compares with sports drinks, just read more.
Unlike sports drinks, which are often used for electrolyte replacement, coconut water isn't loaded down with added sugar or calories. It has just enough natural sugar to give you a little energy boost, and since it's low in acid it won't upset an already sensitive stomach. (I had a 60-calorie, 12-ounce drink that only had about 14 grams of sugar.) It also has way more electrolytes than sports drinks do — 15 times more to be exact.
I know there is no such thing as a miracle cure, but I was feeling noticeably better after downing one drink. My energy level was upped and I felt some strength return to my muscles. I'm now keeping a stock of coconut water tucked away safely in my fridge at all times.
Source: Flickr User katesheets
Michael Stars
I LOVE coconut water, its changed my life in terms of proper, healthy, and effective hydration. I don't drink it often but definitely when I do bikram yoga and whenever I feel sick.
1Where do you get it?
2Coconut milk and coconut water are not the same.
3Yeah I think the title was supposed to read Coconut Water, oops!
4You can find it at Whole Foods or just order it online, it is easier that way because Whole Foods aren't everywhere and they are often out of it where I live.
It is a great recovery drink though, just add a scoop of vanilla protein powder for muscle growth and it is practically the perfect recovery drink and it tastes great!
I just wish it didn't taste so horrendous. I feel like if I already had a bad stomach the taste would put me over the edge.
5you can definitely find it in indian stores, maybe latin food stores too. ive had loads of coconut milk in india. you can prob even find it in the foreign foods aisle in supermarkets
6I've never tried it, but I would think that it would taste good since it's coconut water. Does it really taste nasty? I've never seen it in any stores by me, but I'm sure if I went to the Asian supermarket, they'd probably have it.
At first I thought there was some sort of antibiotic quality to this coconut water that made it good for treating food poisoning, but I see now that it's just for treating the dehydration associated with the food poisoning. Makes a lot more sense!
7Spectra, I dont think it tastes awful, it doesnt have much flavor though, kind of bland.
8I like the taste of coconut water. It's light and sweet.
9I swear by coconut water. Scoop the flesh out of a coconut, blend it with the water and some ice, and you have an amazing shake!
But yeah, the title is wrong. Coconut Water and Coconut Milk are two entirely different things.
10I love the flavor but people with renal failure should stay clear of coconut water.
11I don't like the taste or the "texture" of plain coconut water but I do appreciate the way it makes me feel after a tough workout. I can stomach the flavored coconut waters: peach/mango, passion fruit or pineapple.
12Thanks for pointing out the mistake in the title — we've made the change so it reads correctly now.
13I just think it's disgustingly sweet and tastes a little like dirt, even the unsweetened kind. And the stuff with pulp totally does me in. That said, I've never had a problem finding it in the grocery store. Goya makes one that you can usually find in the international aisle.
14I kinda like it. Not to mention theres the nommy coconut to eat after!
15It also does wonders after a big night out!
16I have never heard this before but now I will have to try it. Great tip, thanks!
17Wow - I feel so blessed to be living in a country that produces coconut water for local consumption. I live in Jamaica and I buy at least 4 gallons of coconut water weekly. It has helped me to eliminate all forms of sweet drinks and sodas as I only drink coconut and plain water now. My blood pressure went from 135/85 to 110/80 in a month and the benifits of coconut water are too numerous to mention.
18i get mine from kroger
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