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If you've spent more than five minutes scrolling through TikTok lately, chances are you've stumbled upon the latest wellness craze: "cortisol cocktails," also called adrenal cocktails by their biggest fans.
These brightly colored beverages are gaining major hype because they promise to zap stress, balance hormones, and cure fatigue. But do they actually deliver on all that wellness magic, or is this just another social media trend dressed up in a cute glass?
What Is a Cortisol Cocktail?
The viral adrenal cocktail recipes are surprisingly simple. Most of them call for a blend of orange juice, coconut water, cream of tartar (a source of potassium), and a pinch of salt (for sodium). It's simply a handful of ingredients that you can easily find at your local grocery store, demonstrating that simplicity can lead to great results without the need for trendy supplements or exotic components.
According to fans, this drink "supports adrenal health" by helping to regulate cortisol, aka your body's primary stress hormone.
The Science...Or Lack Thereof
There's zero clinical evidence that these cocktails can actually "heal" or "support" your adrenal glands. "While this drink may be a tasty way to stay hydrated, there is no clinical data to support the claim that this drink is helpful or necessary to support adrenal health," says Leah Barron, RD, LD, CPT, a dietitian at The Baseline Lifestyle Co., to Verywell Health.
So, while it's fine to sip on one if you like how it tastes, don't expect it to replace actual medical care.
The Placebo Effect Is Real
Some folks swear they feel more energized and less stressed after drinking adrenal cocktails. But that might have less to do with the drink itself and more to do with the good old placebo effect.
As Pratibha Rao, MD, medical director of the Adrenal Center at Cleveland Clinic, puts it: "A drug has to go through such a rigorous testing process—through various phases and confirming efficacy and safety—prior to getting FDA approval; whereas these popular drinks do not need any such validation and can easily gain traction and popularity through social media."
What Do Your Adrenal Glands Do?
Your adrenal glands are pretty impressive. The body produces several steroid hormones, including cortisol, which regulate key functions. These hormones are essential for managing the stress response, supporting the immune system, maintaining blood pressure, controlling blood sugar levels, and regulating sleep-wake cycles. Their influence on these vital processes highlights the importance of hormone balance for overall well-being.
"Cortisol also plays significant roles in metabolism, suppressing inflammation, regulating blood pressure and blood sugar, and controlling your sleep-wake cycle," Barron explains to the publication.
But despite what influencers might tell you, "adrenal fatigue" isn't a recognized medical condition. What is real are diagnosable conditions like Addison's disease, adrenal insufficiency, and Cushing's syndrome, severe disorders that affect adrenal function and require professional care.
Should You Try a Cortisol Cocktail?
If you're curious and want to try whipping one up at home, go for it. When enjoyed in moderation, the ingredients themselves aren't harmful. It's a decent way to stay hydrated and get some vitamins.
But don't fall into the trap of thinking this drink is a miracle cure for burnout or anxiety. And don't self-diagnose or skip seeing a healthcare provider if you're feeling persistently fatigued, anxious, or off.
As Dr. Rao says, "Please do not treat yourself and seek professional help if you are experiencing fatigue or other symptoms that are not commensurate with your current situation, whether physical, mental, or emotional."
If you're experiencing severe fatigue, burnout, or stress-related symptoms, talk to a healthcare professional.