There have been several discussions about coconut water being an ideal hangover cure and we researched this topic!

So you had a few pints, half a bottle of wine and some spirits to finish off, and you’ve ended up feeling like you were in the boxing ring with Mike Tyson!

Why do you feel hungover?

The reason you feel rough is three fold: dehydration, sleep deprivation and alcohol poisoning. While coconut water cannot help with sleep or alcohol poisoning it can certainly help with rehydration.

PROBLEM #1: You are dehydrated. Alcohol is a diuretic which means you pee more – much more water than you are taking in via the drink. This causes the brain to shrink away from the skull which sets the alarm bells ringing on the outer surface of your brain. You try to wake yourself up with coffee, coffee is also a diuretic. The stimulating effect of caffeine may make you feel slightly more alert but you will still be dehydrated.

PROBLEM #2: You’ve got rid of good stuff like magnesium and potassium by passing lots of water. These minerals help keep the heart beating and dangerous cardiac arrhythmias can occur after heavy drinking. Hair Of The Dog can make you feel better briefly because it raises levels of alcohol in the bloodstream again. A bit like asking Iron Mike to hit you when you’re down.

PROBLEM #3: You feel weary because your blood sugar level is low (yes, you lost glucose in your urine too). Sugary fizzy drinks do raise your blood sugar levels but too rapidly.

PROBLEM #4: You’ve exposed your body to nasties called free radicals. These are harmful molecules formed in the liver as it struggles to break down ethanol. The body does have stores of an antioxidant called glutathione to combat free radicals but its reserves can run low after a drinking session.

Why is coconut water good as a hangover cure?

Coconut water is naturally isotonic, and it is absorbed faster and more efficiently than non-isotonic liquids. So you get rehydrated faster.

It is packed with the minerals (potassium and magnesium) that your body has lost. During WWII, wounded soldiers were given transfusions of coconut water straight from coconuts since it has the same pH as blood plasma!

It is low calories, cholesterol-free and zero in fat. So it lifts your energy levels without causing collateral damage.