Cortisol, known as the stress hormone, is produced by the adrenal glands to help your body respond to stress. It also regulates processes related to metabolism, inflammation control, blood pressure management, and the sleep-wake cycle. When\u00a0cortisol levels are too high<\/a>\u00a0or too low, you may notice shifts in your mood, energy, and overall health.<\/p>\n But can this homemade \u201ccortisol cocktail\u201d\u00a0really<\/em>\u00a0make a difference? With my background in family medicine and national certification in nutrition\u2014and with a month ticking down until my wedding\u2014I tried this buzzy beverage for seven days and logged my experience.<\/p>\n I also consulted with Julia Zumpano, RD, LD, a registered dietitian at the\u00a0Cleveland Clinic Center for Human Nutrition<\/a>, for expert insight into how to make this drink work and whether there are more effective ways to get the same benefits.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The cortisol cocktail, which has also been referred to as the \u201cadrenal cocktail,\u201d sounds a little like vacation in a cup. It\u2019s become regarded as a natural wellness drink promoted to support adrenal health, replenish key nutrients, and help regulate cortisol.<\/p>\n While a few powdered mixes are available to buy, Zumpano advised me that it\u2019s easy to make this drink at home. She suggested a classic cortisol cocktail would include:<\/p>\n This combination delivers roughly:<\/p>\n Zumpano notes that these values may change depending on any extras you mix in. Some people add ingredients like collagen protein powder, cream of tartar (if it seems puzzling, the logic is that it\u2019s another source of potassium), or coconut cream to boost the nutrient profile.<\/p>\n Before making my own cortisol cocktail, I asked Zumpano for her recommendations on how to make it as healthy as possible. Her advice? Stick with the basics. \u201cKeep it down to eight ounces max,\u201d she said. \u201cThe optional add on of collagen protein or coconut cream may help slow down the sugar from entering the bloodstream,\u201d which can help manage blood sugar spikes.<\/p>\n She also cautioned against using too much salt, especially for individuals on a sodium-restricted diet.<\/p>\n Proponents have stated that a cortisol cocktail helps:<\/p>\n One of the most widely discussed benefits is that cortisol cocktails help with adrenal fatigue. However, there is currently no medical evidence to support this idea. The adrenal glands, which are two small glands located above each kidney, produce hormones, including cortisol. Some believe that chronic stress can \u201cburn out\u201d the adrenals, leading to fatigue and hormone imbalances.<\/p>\n \u201cIn the medical profession, our practice is based on evidence,\u201d says Pratibha Rao, MD, MPH, a board-certified endocrinologist at the\u00a0Cleveland Clinic<\/a>, \u201cand there is no evidence that adrenal fatigue exists,\u201d she explains in the Clinic\u2019s\u00a0Health Essentials<\/em>\u00a0blog.<\/p>\n There\u2019s also no proof that cortisol cocktails directly nourish or support the adrenal glands beyond what a balanced diet already offers. That said, Dr. Rao notes they\u2019re generally harmless for most people\u2014as long as you don\u2019t overdo it and don\u2019t have any underlying health conditions.<\/p>\n It\u2019s also important to understand the difference between adrenal fatigue and adrenal insufficiency, a serious medical condition in which the adrenal glands fail to produce enough cortisol. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, low blood sugar, and extreme fatigue. If you experience these signs, see a doctor right away.<\/p>\n For one week, I drank a cortisol cocktail every afternoon around 3 p.m.\u2014a time when my energy typically dipped and I found myself tempted by caffeine or sugary snacks. I followed the classic recipe of one half cup of\u00a0orange juice<\/a>, one half cup of coconut water, and a pinch of pink Himalayan salt. On some days, I added a spoonful of coconut cream for blood sugar support.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s what I noticed\u2014both the benefits and what didn\u2019t quite live up to the hype:<\/p>\n One of the most enjoyable parts of drinking a cortisol cocktail every day was how refreshing it felt, especially during hot Florida afternoons. It gave me a hydrating break from plain water, and I looked forward to the citrusy taste.<\/p>\n \u201cSodium and potassium are minerals (and electrolytes) that are essential for our tissues, cells, and fluid balance,\u201d Zumpano explains. \u201cYou need about twice as much potassium than sodium,\u201d which this drink delivers.<\/p>\n Beyond taste, I could tell I was staying hydrated. One of the best indicators of hydration is\u00a0urine color<\/a>\u2014a pale yellow means you\u2019re likely well-hydrated, while dark yellow or amber may signal dehydration. Throughout the week, my urine stayed consistently light yellow, which reassured me that the electrolytes in the cortisol cocktail were doing their job. I also noticed fewer signs of dehydration, like dry mouth or afternoon fatigue. Drinking a cortisol cocktail may also be a healthier alternative to artificially flavored sports drinks, offering natural hydration without the added sugars and synthetic ingredients.<\/p>\n Cutting back on caffeine has been a personal goal, and during the week I drank a cortisol cocktail every day, I managed to go completely coffee-free. To be fair, I was also making an effort to stay hydrated and eat more nutrient-dense foods, but I still noticed a consistent midday energy lift after drinking the cocktail.<\/p>\n The natural sugars in the orange juice provided a quick glucose boost, while the electrolytes from coconut water and sea salt likely helped improve hydration and reduce that sluggish afternoon feeling. According to Dr. Rao, staying well-hydrated and eating a balanced, nutrient-rich diet are key to maintaining energy, and you don\u2019t necessarily need a cortisol cocktail to get there.<\/p>\n Online claims suggest that cortisol cocktails can help reduce stress, but there\u2019s currently no scientific evidence that drinking a cortisol cocktail directly lowers cortisol levels or calms the body\u2019s stress response.<\/p>\n Despite the name, the cortisol cocktail didn\u2019t melt away my stress. While it offered a refreshing pause in my afternoon and helped me stay hydrated, I didn\u2019t experience any noticeable changes in how I reacted to daily pressures.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re seeking proven, science-backed ways to manage stress, many medical professionals like me recommend focusing on the following:<\/p>\n While I don\u2019t plan to drink a cortisol cocktail every day, I can see myself enjoying one occasionally, especially as a way to stay hydrated. The combination of vitamin C, potassium, and electrolytes can be beneficial, but it\u2019s not the only way to get those nutrients.<\/p>\n When I asked Zumpano about more sustainable ways to get the same benefits through food, she shared a list of nutrient-rich options.<\/p>\n Potassium-rich foods include:<\/p>\n Foods high in vitamin C<\/a>\u00a0include:<\/p>\n As for the\u00a0sodium<\/a>\u00a0component of a cortisol cocktail, Zumpano added, \u201cMost people get adequate\u2014if not excessive\u2014sodium through the Standard American Diet (SAD). Therefore, extra sodium is typically not necessary unless you\u2019re eating a whole foods diet and need to add salt to meet your needs.\u201d<\/p>\n In other words, if you\u2019re eating a balanced diet with a variety of whole fruits and vegetables, you\u2019re likely already getting the nutrients that a cortisol cocktail provides\u2014without needing to drink it daily.<\/p>\n While a cortisol cocktail can be a hydrating and nutrient-rich option for many, it\u2019s not without potential downsides, especially if consumed in large amounts. Possible side effects of drinking a cortisol cocktail include:<\/p>\n For most healthy individuals, drinking a cortisol cocktail daily is generally considered safe, says Zumpano. However, if you have underlying health conditions, it\u2019s important to proceed with caution. The ingredients\u2014particularly the potassium from coconut water and sodium from salt\u2014can pose risks for certain groups.<\/p>\n Speak to your doctor before drinking a cortisol cocktail daily if you have:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\nWhat is the \u201ccortisol cocktail\u201d?<\/h4>\n
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Potential benefits, and cautions, of a cortisol cocktail<\/h4>\n
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Drinking a cortisol cocktail every day<\/h4>\n
Drinking a cortisol cocktail was refreshing<\/h4>\n
Drinking a cortisol cocktail gave me an energy boost<\/h4>\n
Drinking a cortisol cocktail wasn\u2019t a cure-all for my stress<\/h4>\n
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Will I keep drinking cortisol cocktails?<\/h4>\n
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Are there side effects to drinking cortisol cocktails?<\/h4>\n
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Are cortisol cocktails safe for everyone?<\/h4>\n
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About the experts<\/h5>\n
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