With summer vacation approaching, many people in Taiwan are planning trips to Southeast Asia, where coconut water is a popular refreshment. However, it comes with health risks. The Thai Public Health Institute has issued a warning indicating that individuals with a history of arrhythmia and kidney dysfunction should avoid coconut water due to its high potassium content, which could lead to serious complications.

Coconut water is rich in potassium, magnesium, and various electrolytes, which help healthy individuals with hydration and blood pressure. However, for those with arrhythmia, high potassium intake can interfere with cardiac electrical conduction, leading to arrhythmias and heart stoppage. Clinical cases have shown patients developing hyperkalemia and cardiac arrest after consuming large amounts of coconut water, prompting caution for those at risk.

Individuals with kidney issues also fall into the high-risk category. The health expert explained that coconut water contains ions like potassium, sodium, and chloride that can promote urination and maintain fluid balance under normal conditions, but for patients with kidney diseases, failure to effectively remove excess electrolytes can cause potassium accumulation, resulting in heart failure, edema, and acute symptoms like loss of consciousness.

Additionally, diabetics should also limit their consumption of coconut water due to its natural sugar content, which ranges from 7 to 25 grams per coconut based on ripeness. It is advised that they do not exceed the equivalent of one coconut per day and choose pure coconut water without added sugars to avoid processed drinks that may contain fructose or high-fructose syrup.

Healthy individuals can consume coconut water in moderation; it aids in hydration and gut health. However, it’s essential to make informed choices based on individual health conditions rather than simply pursuing a healthy diet.