In order for water to be adequately absorbed into the blood stream, especially when the body is in a dehydrated state, plain water is simply not good enough. To put it simply, water follows sodium across the gut, and glucose (sugar) is a necessary component to facilitate that movement. But the amount of each is very important here. Sports drinks either have too much sugar or none at all, or not quite enough sodium. Energy drinks with caffeine and loads of sugar will only dehydrate you further. Coconut water lacks certain critical vitamins (as do most sports and energy drinks) and it’s just not that potent in terms of hydration. Now there is no reason you can’t also have one of the previously mentioned beverages, but remember, our goal here is to restore a combination of electrolytes AND vitamins… not just “any liquid” can do this.