Drinking ‘buko’ juice to enhance kidney function a myth

By Fayette C. Ri�en

Thursday 14th of June 2012

CEBU CITY, June 14 (PIA) -– Drinking coconut water to enhance kidney function is a pure myth according to a medical expert.

“It is just hype-up,” said private nephrologist Dr. John Li.

“Buko juice has a high calorie content which is not good for those with hypertension and high blood lipid levels particularly triglyceride,” he added.

Renal transplant surgeon Dr. Alvin Roxas likewise agreed that it is all hype-up.

“Coconut juice is actually a diuretic and is not good for some with certain diseases,” bared Roxas.

“Nothing beats water to hydrate the body,” added Roxas.

One of the tips on renal care cited by Li is drinking lots of water to avoid dehydration, which is common in a tropical country like the Philippines.

Roxas, on the other hand, said the only way to avoid chronic kidney dysfunction is early detection which is simply submitting to an annual urinalysis examination.

“Urinalysis only costs P60 which is very cheap compared to close to a million pesos in case of kidney transplant due to renal failure,” said Roxas.

Li said the only way to take care of one’s kidneys is to live a healthy lifestyle by kicking bad habits such as smoking, and limiting alcohol intake to only one beer bottle per day. He also encouraged more vegetables and fruits in the diet, drinking lots of water, while avoiding salty and sweet foods. Li added that regular exercise is good for the health. (PIA-Cebu)