Latest news with #CortisolCocktail
Evening Standard
2 days ago
- Health
- Evening Standard
What is the Cortisol Cocktail trend and can it really reduce stress levels?
If you're curious to try the Cortisol Cocktail, a better approach would be to enjoy it earlier in the day. Alternatively, you can tap into its benefits by focusing on a nutrient-rich diet - think vitamin C-rich foods like strawberries, bell peppers, and broccoli, along with targeted magnesium and electrolyte supplementation. Most importantly, it's worth addressing the underlying causes of stress rather than relying solely on a trendy drink, because while the Cortisol Cocktail may be a tasty and refreshing addition to your summer wellness routine, it's unlikely to be a cure-all on its own.
Sydney Morning Herald
16-07-2025
- Health
- Sydney Morning Herald
The biggest myth about the trending ‘Cortisol Cocktail'
Think of a problem, any problem, you'd like to eliminate. Chances are, someone on social media has a 'quick fix', a solution that will become clear if you watch their lengthy, ad-filled videos, and succeed if you use their discount codes (which are supplied in the caption for your convenience, of course). Lowering your cortisol levels, according to content creators, is the most recent magic bullet for everything from hair loss to back pain, though overwhelmingly it appears to be a Trojan horse for the comeback of noughties bikini body culture. The latest weapon in 'wellness' TikTok 's fight against stubborn belly fat and 'cortisol face'? The 'Cortisol Cocktail'. What is the 'Cortisol Cocktail' and does it work? Recipes vary, but content creators purport a mixture of coconut water (for electrolytes), sea salt (for sodium), fruit juice (usually orange juice for vitamin C), and some sort of extra (be it magnesium powder, or sparkling water for potassium), can help regulate your cortisol levels, supposedly by replenishing nutrients lost when stress causes ' adrenal fatigue '. It sounds sweet from the surface, but the deeper you dig, the more sour it becomes. Putting aside the fact that there is no scientific evidence to support the existence of adrenal fatigue (the separate rare condition called adrenal insufficiency is typically caused by an autoimmune disorder and needs to be diagnosed by a doctor), solutions claiming to lower cortisol levels, including the 'Cortisol Cocktail', are flawed from the get-go. The very premise they lie on is a myth: Cortisol isn't the culprit, it's merely the conveyor belt. High cortisol levels at night, for example, can make it harder for you to fall asleep. But the unusual increase would be in response to a stressor, say, dinner an hour or two earlier with your difficult in-laws. Deal with the stressor, not the natural response to the stressor. 'Changing your cortisol [levels] artificially doesn't work, and [it's] not the reason for the weight gain or the cause of the stress,' says University of Melbourne Professor of Endocrinology Ada Cheung, who is also an endocrinologist. 'The external cause of the stress is what we should be targeting, not the cortisol levels.'
The Age
16-07-2025
- Health
- The Age
The biggest myth about the trending ‘Cortisol Cocktail'
Think of a problem, any problem, you'd like to eliminate. Chances are, someone on social media has a 'quick fix', a solution that will become clear if you watch their lengthy, ad-filled videos, and succeed if you use their discount codes (which are supplied in the caption for your convenience, of course). Lowering your cortisol levels, according to content creators, is the most recent magic bullet for everything from hair loss to back pain, though overwhelmingly it appears to be a Trojan horse for the comeback of noughties bikini body culture. The latest weapon in 'wellness' TikTok 's fight against stubborn belly fat and 'cortisol face'? The 'Cortisol Cocktail'. What is the 'Cortisol Cocktail' and does it work? Recipes vary, but content creators purport a mixture of coconut water (for electrolytes), sea salt (for sodium), fruit juice (usually orange juice for vitamin C), and some sort of extra (be it magnesium powder, or sparkling water for potassium), can help regulate your cortisol levels, supposedly by replenishing nutrients lost when stress causes ' adrenal fatigue '. It sounds sweet from the surface, but the deeper you dig, the more sour it becomes. Putting aside the fact that there is no scientific evidence to support the existence of adrenal fatigue (the separate rare condition called adrenal insufficiency is typically caused by an autoimmune disorder and needs to be diagnosed by a doctor), solutions claiming to lower cortisol levels, including the 'Cortisol Cocktail', are flawed from the get-go. The very premise they lie on is a myth: Cortisol isn't the culprit, it's merely the conveyor belt. High cortisol levels at night, for example, can make it harder for you to fall asleep. But the unusual increase would be in response to a stressor, say, dinner an hour or two earlier with your difficult in-laws. Deal with the stressor, not the natural response to the stressor. 'Changing your cortisol [levels] artificially doesn't work, and [it's] not the reason for the weight gain or the cause of the stress,' says University of Melbourne Professor of Endocrinology Ada Cheung, who is also an endocrinologist. 'The external cause of the stress is what we should be targeting, not the cortisol levels.'
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Dietitians Share the Truth About the Viral ‘Cortisol Cocktail'
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." The so-called Cortisol Cocktail is all over TikTok right now. Fans swear it will help lower levels of the stress hormone in the body. Experts explain if it really has an effect on your stress levels. You're stressed and we get it. It's hard not to feel frazzled with everything you're dealing with daily. But if you've already made moves to de-stress in your life and still feel like you're not getting anywhere, TikTok has a solution for you. It's called the Cortisol Cocktail, and people claim it really works to lower cortisol levels. But what does the science say? The name is a hat-tip to cortisol, the hormone produced by the adrenal glands (a pair of triangle-shaped glands on top of each kidney) that's usually produced in your body in response to stress. While some cortisol production is normal and even helpful, chronic exposure to the hormone raises the risk of weight gain, muscle weakness, and high blood sugar, among other things, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Meet the experts: Samantha Cassetty, M.S., R.D., is a plant-forward nutrition and wellness expert and co-author of Sugar Shock; Mir Ai, M.D.., is medical director of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA; Julie Upton, M.S., R.D., is a San Francisco Bay Area-based registered dietitian and co-author of Energy to Burn: The Ultimate Food and Nutrition Guide to Fuel Your Active Life; Alissa Lupu, R.D., a nutritionist at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center But can a drink or food help reduce cortisol levels? Here's what dietitians and a doctor want you to keep in mind. There are a bunch of videos on TikTok promoting the Cortisol Cocktail, and—heads up—some have tie-ins with coconut water companies. But they all make similar claims that this drink will help lower levels of cortisol in your body, boost your energy, ease tension, and even balance your hormones (which, also seems to be a talking point on social media these days). 'This is useful to drink until you start to feel better,' wrote one creator under a video. 'This drink provides everything your adrenal need[s] to start working.' A fellow Cortisol Cocktail fan even credited the drink with helping her to lose 54 pounds. She also noted that she has 'more energy' now than before she had kids. Every Cortisol Cocktail recipe is slightly different, but it usually involves a mix of coconut water, fresh lemon or orange juice, magnesium powder, a little salt, and sparkling water. There are a lot of promises surrounding the Cortisol Cocktail. Experts say there's some truth behind these claims, although they're overblown. 'Some ingredients in the so-called Cortisol Cocktail, like magnesium and electrolytes, do play a role in how our bodies manage stress,' says Samantha Cassetty, M.D., R.D., is a plant-forward nutrition and wellness expert and co-author of Sugar Shock. She points out that magnesium is known as a 'relaxation mineral' because it helps to regulate the nervous system and may even help blunt the effects of stress. 'Electrolytes from coconut water, orange juice, and salt can support hydration, which is important for overall energy and mood,' Cassetty says. 'However, no drink alone can significantly lower cortisol levels. These nutrients may help your body feel more balanced, but they're not a magic bullet.' Julie Upton, M.S., R.D., a San Francisco Bay Area-based registered dietitian and co-author of Energy to Burn: The Ultimate Food and Nutrition Guide to Fuel Your Active Life, agrees. 'There are several studies that suggest magnesium may help with the control of cortisol levels, but there are no randomized controlled trials that show a cause and effect,' she says. Upton also says that there's 'more hype than true help' with the Cortisol Cocktail controlling cortisol levels. 'Coconut water has a health halo and naturally has magnesium, so that is likely why these cocktails have coconut water,' she says. As for those weight loss claims, having this drink alone is unlikely to help you lose a significant amount of weight, says Mir Ali, M.D., is medical director of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA. 'This drink might be helpful to some people—if you're drinking this, it might fill up your stomach so you eat less,' he says. 'But 90% of weight loss is diet. If patients are careful with what they eat, they will be able to lose weight.' Dr. Ali points out that there's no research to suggest this drink will help lower cortisol levels. 'Some of these ingredients may have mild anti-inflammatory effects, but I haven't seen any convincing evidence that it will lead to significant results based on these ingredients,' he says. While potential perks of the Cortisol Cocktail aren't clear, experts agree that this is a safe drink to have. 'Generally, this type of homemade electrolyte drink is harmless for most people, especially when used occasionally to support hydration or replenishment,' Cassetty says. 'But it's important to understand that cortisol is a hormone—not something you can just 'flush out' with a drink.' Magnesium is an important and beneficial mineral, but Cassetty notes that some people may end up getting diarrhea from it. 'The juice is also high in sugar, and so if blood sugar management is an issue, juices should be avoided,' says Alissa Lupu, R.D., a nutritionist at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center. 'If sodium is restricted for cardiovascular concerns, again, this drink should be avoided.' Cassetty warns that the drink 'may provide a false sense of security,' keeping people from actually addressing the root cause of their stress or exhaustion. One more thing to consider, per Cassetty: Many Americans have too much sodium, and adding salt to drinks without a medical reason, like heavy sweating from exercise or heat, could push that sodium intake even higher. If you're still interested in giving it a try (though, again, there isn't much scientific evidence to support the claims around the drink), every recipe for the Cortisol Cocktail is slightly different, but most follow this general guide: 1 cup coconut water Juice from ½ lemon ¼ cup orange juice 1 teaspoon of magnesium powder ¼ teaspoon salt Sparkling water on top If you're struggling with symptoms of chronically high cortisol, like unexplained weight gain, fatigue, and muscle weakness, it's time to check in with a doctor. It's possible that this is due to an underlying health condition, and it's important to get a proper medical evaluation to find out, Dr. Ali says. But if your concerns are more about feeling burned out, Cassetty recommends working on your stress management toolbox. 'That might include consistent sleep, regular movement, mindfulness or breathing exercises, and nourishing meals throughout the day,' she says. 'While a drink like this may help you feel more supported, long-term cortisol balance comes from how you manage the stress itself—not just how you hydrate.' Dietary supplements are products intended to supplement the diet. They are not medicines and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure diseases. Be cautious about taking dietary supplements if you are pregnant or nursing. Also, be careful about giving supplements to a child, unless recommended by their healthcare provider. You Might Also Like Can Apple Cider Vinegar Lead to Weight Loss? Bobbi Brown Shares Her Top Face-Transforming Makeup Tips for Women Over 50
IOL News
24-06-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Sip away stress: can the viral 'Cortisol Cocktail' really calm your nerves?
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.
