Gilligan’s Island — Can You Survive by Drinking Coconut Water Instead of Fresh Water?

Stranded on a tropical island without a reliable source of fresh water, could Gilligan and the Skipper survive by drinking coconut water? Although coconut water contains fluid and important electrolytes, its high potassium and relatively low sodium content make it an imperfect replacement for ordinary drinking water, especially during prolonged heat exposure. We examine how the kidneys regulate hydration, why electrolyte balance matters, and what happens when someone relies on coconut water as their primary source of fluids.