Can drinking coconut water cure sore throat?

Answer:

Coconut water, which is sweet, creamy, and refreshing, particularly when sourced from young coconuts, is packed with essential vitamins and minerals that aid muscle and nerve function, help maintain bodily balance, and offer benefits for those suffering from diarrhea or vomiting. It is rich in natural electrolytes such as sodium, magnesium, calcium, and potassium, making it highly beneficial for individuals with inflammation or sore throats.

When experiencing a sore throat, the throat’s mucosa becomes tight and dry, leading to pain and a burning sensation. It is advised during these times to keep a sip of coconut water in your throat for five minutes. The coconut water will seep into the respiratory epithelium’s buffer layer, helping to balance the fluid levels inside and outside the cells, and consequently alleviating pain.

A coconut. Illustration photo by Unsplash

For dry mucous membranes, as seen in laryngitis, coconut water can help by neutralizing and reducing acidity due to its slight alkaline properties.

Coconut water, which has a lower sugar content than most sports drinks, also contains carbohydrates that can enhance muscle function, lessen feelings of fatigue, and alleviate muscle pain associated with inflammation in the throat or nasal passages.

Therefore, adding 200 to 400 ml of coconut water daily can help soothe symptoms of acute sore throat and laryngitis.

However, individuals with kidney failure or chronic kidney disease should limit their coconut water consumption due to its high potassium content. Also, because coconut water contains a substantial amount of carbohydrates, it may trigger or worsen digestive symptoms in those with irritable bowel syndrome.

People with diabetes, particularly those with impaired glucose tolerance, should also be cautious about consuming large quantities of coconut water.

Dr. Pham Thi Bich Dao

Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Hanoi Medical University Hospital