MALAYSIA is one of the world's great producers of coconuts and locals have long sworn by "air kelapa" as a cure for just about everything.
It is refreshing, it is natural and it has been making the rounds on social media as a supposed remedy for one of the most agonising conditions known to mankind – kidney stones.
But can coconut water really dissolve kidney stones?
Verdict:
FALSE
Coconut water cannot dissolve kidney stones but science suggests it may do something almost as useful – help stop them from forming in the first place.
In Malaysia, the hot and humid climate is a risk factor in itself as higher temperatures increase sweating and reduce urine output, concentrating the minerals that eventually crystallise into stones.
The most common type of kidney stone by far, accounting for between 75% and 90% of all cases, is the calcium oxalate stone, and this is precisely where coconut water's potential lies.
A study found that consuming coconut water increased urinary citrate levels by 29%, compared to plain water.
This matters because citrate is a well-known inhibitor of calcium stone formation.
Dr Rini Madyastuti Purwono from IPB University in Indonesia explained that the potassium and citrate in coconut water help shift the urine environment from acidic to alkaline, which is beneficial in preventing calcium oxalate stones.
"This is strong evidence that coconut water can prevent recurrence of kidney stones, especially when consumed regularly one to two cups per day," she said.
She added that the magnesium in coconut water competes with calcium to form magnesium oxalate, which is more soluble and therefore less likely to crystallise into a stone.
Coconut water also has a mild diuretic effect, increasing urine volume and diluting the concentration of stone-forming minerals, providing an additional layer of protection.
However, prevention is very different from treatment. Dr Alla Hima Deepti, a consultant nephrologist at Arete Hospitals in Hyderabad was unambiguous on this point.
"Coconut water does not dissolve kidney and gall stones in the absolute sense. However, it helps in passing stones and prevents formation of new stones.
Larger kidney stones in particular cannot be dissolved through diet or home remedies and typically require medical intervention, or in more severe cases, surgery.
People with chronic kidney disease should also exercise caution, as coconut water is high in potassium, and excessive potassium intake can be harmful to those with impaired kidney function.
The bottom line, air kelapa is a genuinely promising tool for keeping kidney stones at bay, but if the stones are already there, see a doctor rather than heading to the pasar malam.
Sources:
1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
2. https://www.auajournals.org/
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.
4. https://www.sciencedirect.com/
6. https://www.sciencedirect.com/
