Sip away stress: can the viral 'Cortisol Cocktail' really calm your nerves?

IOL News

24-06-2025

HealthTok remedy for stress regulation that has gone viral: a drink called the 'Cortisol Cocktail'.
Image: Vitaly Gorbachev /pexels
Let's face it, stress isn't just a buzzword; it's the background soundtrack to our lives. Whether it's work deadlines, family responsibilities, or the endless scroll on social media, stress has us in a chokehold.
And while we don't need a study to tell us we're stressed, research constantly reminds us just how widespread the issue is.
It's no surprise, then, that HealthTok and Instagram are flooded with stress-relief hacks. But one remedy has recently gone viral: a drink called the 'Cortisol Cocktail'.
This simple recipe claims to lower cortisol levels, restore energy, relieve tension, and even balance hormones. Tempting, right? But does it work? Let's break it down (and sip it up).
What is cortisol, and why should you care?
Before we dive into the cocktail, let's talk cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone produced by your adrenal glands in response to stress. Stress is essential for survival. Cortisol helps regulate metabolism, manage inflammation, influence blood sugar levels, and even control your sleep-wake cycle.
But here's the catch: too much cortisol can wreak havoc on your body. Chronic stress can cause cortisol levels to stay elevated, which prevents your body from returning to homeostasis (AKA balance).
This can lead to fatigue, anxiety, poor sleep, weight gain, and even weakened immunity. So, while cortisol itself isn't the villain, consistently high levels can turn your body into a battleground. That's where managing stress, and potentially the cortisol cocktail, comes in.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Next
Stay
Close ✕
Ad Loading
The viral cortisol cocktail recipe by a Tennessee girl
The recipe making waves on social media is refreshingly simple:
•200 ml of coconut water
•½ squeezed lemon
•50 ml of orange juice
•1 teaspoon of magnesium powder
•¼ teaspoon fine salt
•Sparkling water (to taste). It's a nonalcoholic drink designed to hydrate, replenish, and calm your body.
But what makes these ingredients so special?
The magic lies in the ingredients. Each component of the Cortisol Cocktail is backed by its own set of health benefits. Together, they create a powerful blend:
1. Magnesium: The stress-relief superstar, magnesium is the real MVP of this drink. Known as the 'relaxation mineral,' it helps regulate cortisol levels, supports muscle relaxation, and improves sleep.
Studies have shown that magnesium deficiency is linked to increased stress and anxiety, according to the "Journal of the American College of Nutrition". Adding magnesium powder to your diet can help calm your nervous system and restore balance.
2. Coconut water: Coconut water is rich in potassium, which helps regulate fluid balance and nerve function. Staying hydrated is crucial for combating the physical effects of stress, and coconut water provides natural electrolytes without the added sugars of sports drinks.
3. Citrus power: Both lemon and orange juice are loaded with vitamin C, a nutrient proven to lower cortisol levels and reduce inflammation, as reported by "Psychological Bulletin". Plus, citrus fruits are known to boost energy and improve mood, two things we could all use when stress takes over.
4. Salt: A pinch of salt in the mix? It's not just for flavour. Sodium helps maintain electrolyte balance, which is critical for proper hydration and muscle function. When stress depletes your body's energy stores, sodium can help replenish them.
In a world saturated with stress, discover how the viral "Cortisol Cocktail" claims to restore balance and calm
Image: Tiktok
Does the cocktail work?
While there's no scientific study directly proving the effectiveness of this specific drink, its ingredients are rooted in science-backed benefits. Magnesium, vitamin C, and proper hydration are all proven to support stress relief.
Blue Zones expert Dan Buettner, who studies habits in the world's longest-living populations, emphasises the importance of simple, sustainable practices for managing stress.
During a recent appearance on the "High Net Purpose" podcast, Buettner noted, 'Small, consistent habits like proper hydration and nutrient-rich foods can make a big difference in how we handle stress.'
Things to avoid or limit to help reduce stress, according to "Allina Health"
You give your body fuel by eating healthy ingredients, and you deplete your energy stores when you don't. Limit or avoid these drinks and foods to feel less stressed: alcohol, caffeinated beverages, sugary snacks, highly processed foodsred meat and fried foods.
Stress is part of our daily lives. Remembering to make good choices about the foods you eat will give your body the essential nutrients to keep you healthy and functioning at your best. Managing stress requires a holistic approach.
Here are a few lifestyle tweaks to complement your new favourite drink:
1. Sleep: Poor sleep fuels high cortisol levels. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality rest each night.
2. Be active: Exercise lowers stress hormones like cortisol while boosting endorphins. Even a 20-minute walk can help.
3. Regulate your nervous system: Meditation, yoga, or deep breathing can help calm your nervous system.
4. Support system: Lean on friends, family, or a trusted therapist for emotional support.