2024 has been the year of cortisol. Just when we thought we’d heard the last of the health buzzword – cortisol face with cortisol balancing — TikTok’s “cortisol cocktails” have entered the conversation. Also called “adrenal cocktails,” these simple drinks regulate your cortisol levels, making you feel less stressed. But can any mixture really guarantee these health benefits? Or are we witnessing another cortisol-related fad in real time?

core cortisol cocktail recipe It’s made with coconut water, orange juice, and salt, but people on social media are also adding ingredients like cream of tartar, colostrum, coconut cream, lemon, and lime. “I can’t buy all the ‘viral’ cortisol drinks, so I found a recipe and loved it,” one creator said. a TikTok Homemade cortisol cocktail. “It doesn’t taste terrible and it’s BUDGET FRIENDLY.” To find out whether TikTok’s cortisol shakes really work, we spoke to a clinical nutritionist to see if you could get on board with the trend yourself. Read on to learn about the potential risks, benefits, and alternatives to stress relief.

Experts Featured in This Article:

Jessica Sepel is a clinical nutritionist and founder. JSSHealth Vitamins.

What are Cortisol Cocktails?

Sepel points out that high cortisol (also known as your body’s stress hormone) has been linked to skin problems, increased inflammation, and impaired immune response, among other things, so it’s no surprise that people want to keep their cortisol levels under control. So are cortisol cocktails really the best way to do this?

In essence, cortisol cocktails are a combination of coconut water, orange juice, and salt, all aimed at balancing your cortisol levels. “Cortisol cocktails are a rebranded version of the adrenal cocktails that gained popularity a few years ago,” explains clinical nutritionist Jess Sepel. “The basis of the drink is a blend of ingredients intended to reduce stress or weight by targeting hormones in the body and helping to regulate cortisol levels.” The exact recipes vary depending on the video you watch, but other creators add some citrus (lemon and lime), coconut cream, or even cream of tartar to add potassium. But Sepel says, “Although they appear to be gaining momentum again online, there is no scientific evidence that these cocktails will help balance cortisol.”

Can Cortisol Cocktails Make You Less Stressed?

The short answer is this. . . Not exactly. “Cortisol cocktails offer minerals from quality salts, as well as hydration benefits (coconut water) and antioxidants from citrus fruits,” says Sepel. “However, it is important to remember that with any trend we see online, there is not always scientific evidence to support the claims.” If you’re looking to lower your cortisol through nutrition, you may want to skip the cortisol cocktail and focus on eating more. foods rich in magnesiumless sodium and foods that will help the gut microbiome.

Cortisol Cocktail Risks

Sepel explains that trying the cortisol cocktail trend isn’t a big risk, but it’s important to have realistic expectations. “Although these cocktails do no harm, a more holistic, practitioner-recommended approach is needed to regulate cortisol levels in the body, especially for someone experiencing chronic stress,” he says. Additionally, a cortisol cocktail should never be used as a meal replacement, and if you struggle with stress, your healthcare provider will be your best resource for more personalized medical advice.

Cortisol Cocktail Alternatives

“Reducing stress and balancing cortisol is a key component of overall well-being, and there are many ways to do this on a daily basis,” says Sepel. Some of their suggestions include:

Chandler Plant (o) is the assistant health and fitness editor at PS. She has more than four years of professional journalism experience, previously working as an editorial assistant at People magazine and contributing to Ladygunn, Millie and Bustle Digital Group.