A so-called "cortisol cocktail" is claimed by some to be an antidote to the symptoms of chronic stress and to relieve a condition called "adrenal fatigue." Yes folks, this is yet another myth.
What is Cortisol?
Cortisol is a naturally occurring hormone that is produced by the adrenal gland. This hormone has many essential functions in your body including being part of the stress response. When you are stressed, more cortisol is released, and this helps you to stay on high alert. Cortisol also triggers the release of glucose (sugar) from your liver to provide fast energy during times of stress—if you are being chased by a bear, for example.
When you are under constant stress, say from a bad job or an unhappy marriage perhaps, more cortisol is released continuously and this has numerous negative effects on your body. One of these effects is the loss of certain nutrients, and this nutrient loss (it is said) is one reason you sleep poorly, feel fatigued, and so on.
Adrenal Fatigue
The notion of “adrenal fatigue” claims that adrenal glands can “burn out” solely from chronic stress in otherwise healthy people, resulting in low cortisol levels and symptoms of fatigue, weakness, and more. This idea is completely false, and “adrenal fatigue” as used in wellness circles is not a recognized diagnosis. It is a complete fabrication.
Note that adrenal insufficiency is a real and very serious disease that is treated with lifelong hormone replacement therapy. It is most definitely not treated with a make-at-home cocktail.
What is in a Cortisol Cocktail?
The basic cortisol cocktail consists of orange juice, coconut water, a dose of magnesium powder, and a pinch of salt (specifically pink Himalayan sea salt in some recipes). Some recipes supplement this with a bit of lemon juice and possibly some collagen or protein powder. It is meant to be drunk once a day, first thing in the morning. So you're getting some sugar, some vitamin C, and a small amount of electrolytes such as sodium and magnesium. Sounds perfectly fine, right? And it is! It should be noted however that magnesium can cause GI symptoms (diarrhea, bloating, upset stomach) for some people.
But these important nutrients are plentiful in any reasonably balanced diet. The drink is certainly harmless, and if you enjoy it, why not? But don't expect any effects, other than the placebo kind, on your stress-related symptoms.
