Nowadays, saying “I’m stressed” isn’t just a figure of speech; it’s a reality. One thing the 21st century has left us with is a mark on our emotions and, therefore, on diseases related to the immune and nervous systems. Work-related stress, combined with the stress of daily life, has led many people to live in a state that cannot be sustained over time. Now, to address this, the “cortisol cocktail” has become popular on social media. It’s a viral drink recipe that claims to reduce cortisol, restore energy, relieve tension, and balance hormones. The drink usually contains fruit juice, usually lemon and orange, coconut water, sea salt, and some even add magnesium.
“There is no evidence that the adrenal glands become exhausted or lose their ability to secrete hormones in a normal person”
Specifically, the recipe contains the following amounts: 200 ml of coconut water, half a squeezed lemon, 50 ml of orange juice, one teaspoon of magnesium powder, a quarter teaspoon of fine salt, and sparkling water to taste. Social media claims that the vitamin C in the juice, the potassium in the coconut water, and the sodium in the sea salt can help combat “adrenal fatigue,” replenishing nutrients lost due to stress. In any case, experts assure us that stress does not fatigue the adrenal glands. “There is no evidence that the adrenal glands become exhausted or lose their ability to secrete hormones in a normal person,” said Lawrence Kirschner, an endocrinologist at the National Institutes of Health.
Experts warn that information on social media, especially if it comes from untrained influencers, should be taken with a grain of salt. As refreshing as they may be, cortisol cocktails probably won’t boost energy or eliminate stress. According to experts, if you feel better after drinking a cortisol cocktail, it may be due to the placebo effect. And as for the adrenal fatigue this drink supposedly addresses, it’s not a real illness. Doctors recommend consulting a doctor if you experience any symptoms and certainly not following “magic recipes” learned on social media. It’s true that a drink with these ingredients may not be harmful, but it’s important to keep in mind that each individual has their own characteristics, and perhaps a person with diabetes shouldn’t consume as much sugar as the fruits in this cocktail may contain.
Cortisol is often called the stress hormone because it prepares the body to respond to threatening situations
Lately, thanks to scientific outreach by psychologists and psychiatrists, people are more familiar with terms like cortisol, the immune system, and adrenal glands. Cortisol is often called the stress hormone because it prepares the body to respond to threatening situations, but it also performs other important functions such as regulating metabolism, energy levels, and circadian rhythms. Cortisol production is often a valuable ally for the body, as it plays a key role in regulating metabolism, inflammation, and blood sugar levels.
To take a walk, some deep breaths or listen to music
The way it works is centered on stress spikes. When something stressful happens, the adrenal glands produce extra cortisol. Cortisol spikes are useful in stressful situations that occur in short bursts. This increases the amount of glucose in your bloodstream so your body can use the sugar as quick energy. The problem arises when stress factors or nerves are prolonged over time. That is, they don’t only occur with the nerves of boarding a plane, the embarrassment of speaking in front of people, or rushing out in an emergency; the problem arises when it’s due to stressful work or personal situations. That’s when a problem arises, as cortisol levels can remain elevated, even at night, when they can affect your sleep.
In this sense, experts recommend that in situations like this, the best thing to do is go for a walk, take some deep breaths to calm the body, calm emotions, and even listen to relaxing music or music we particularly enjoy. In short, do everything possible to avoid these elevated cortisol levels, because in the long term, they can affect physical health, not to mention what it means for mental health.
