Can the viral “cortisol cocktail” cut back stress? Docs weigh
Let's be honest: Americans are stressed. Google is looking for “how to reduce stress” is high, and 77% of the US -growing reports that the future of the country is an important source of stress, as can be seen from a survey by the American Psychological Association.
So it is no surprise that people are looking for opportunities to better deal with their stress. One of the latest hacks to pick up steam online is the “Cortisol Cocktail”.
The drink, which is often prepared in a wine glass, is actually non -alcoholic and combines these ingredients:
- Coconut water
- orange juice
- Press lemon
- Magnesium powder
- A pinch of sea salt
- Sparkling water
Social -Media user, especially in Tikkok, post videos of themselves who make the drink at home. They also deal with the claim that it can help reduce the stress hormone, cortisol and share their experiences.
But can the mocktail actually help lower cortisol? We spoke to doctors to find out if there are real advantages.
'Doctors ask the patients to lower their cortisol? We almost never do that
Cortisol is a stress hormone in the body that maintains blood pressure and electrolyte, says Dr. Marilyn Tan, endocrinologist and clinical associate professor of medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine.
“It is necessary for the function, and without it people could have dangerous changes in their sodium and potassium levels as well as low blood sugar and very low blood pressure,” says Tan.
Cortisol increases in times of emotional or physical stress. And Cortisol values are the highest early in the morning, immediately after the waking up of people and during the day, which makes them quite difficult to pursue.
“Doctors ask the patients to lower their cortisol? We almost never do it because it is something that is actually difficult to pursue,” says Dr. Jessica R. Lee, assistant professor at the Medical School of Medicine at the University of Maryland.
“It is more about dealing with stress and other things that we believe that they can contribute to the Cortisol changes.”
Only if someone has a consistent and highly high cortisol or cushing syndrome do doctors recommend medication to reduce the hormone the mirrors of the hormone, says Tan.
“The Cortisol cocktail does not have great studies on” the Cortisol cocktail
The ability of this viral mocktail to lower cortisol is unlikely, the experts say.
“I am not aware of any studies that examine the effects of these individual ingredients on the cortisol level,” says Tan.
And Lee agrees: “There are no great studies about it.”
Lee refers to “Internet medicine” as a reason why things like the Cortisol cocktail trend online. “It's quick, simple, viral clicks, my guess,” says Lee.
“I think a lot of people remember better, but there are a number of reasons why they feel better.”
One reason could be that the combination of ingredients in the cortisol cocktail can feel damp that most people could benefit from, says Tan.
“It's like gatorade with the orange juice, salt and magnesium. People often think that it can help with sleep or relaxation,” she says.
“There are no large randomized, controlled studies on the effects of magnesium and sleep quality or stress level.
“None of [the ingredients]Separated, it is actually known that it reduces stress except maybe magnesium, “says Lee.” I think it just tastes good. “
While the cortisol cocktail is harmless to most and can be ideal for the fluid intake, both experts warn people with certain conditions to avoid drinking and advise you to speak to your doctor before you do this.
Magnesium and potassium intake can be harmful to people with chronic kidney disease, and sugar can be problematic for people with diabetes.
6 proven opportunities to reduce stress
If you have often felt stressed, Tan and Lee have suggestions to improve your mental health.
- Give yourself a mercy
- Prioritize good quality and quantity of sleep
- Move your body. Start small and do what you can do if it feels overwhelming
- Connect to a therapist or psychiatric specialist
- Keep solid connections with friends and family
- Get fresh air
“As soon as someone has found out what works for them, it is important to try to maintain this as part of their general wellness routine,” says Tan.
Are you ready to buy a house? Take CNBC smarter and take the new online course to buy your first house. Expert instructors help you to weigh the costs of renting, to prepare, to prepare financially and to navigate confidently in every step of the process – from the basics of mortgages to the completion of the business. Register today and use the Early Bird voucher code for an introductory 30% discount on 97 USD (+taxes and fees) by July 15, 2025.
Register for CNBC to make the newsletter to get tips and tricks for success at work, with money and life, and ask you to join our exclusive community to connect with experts and colleagues.
Comments are closed.