Here's How The 'Cortisol Cocktail' Does Get Some Things Right

If you're into keeping up with the latest trends, you've probably caught wind of the cortisol cocktail (also known as the adrenal cocktail) that became popular among TikTok users in 2023. If you're unaware, though, this non-alcoholic drink features a mixture of orange juice, coconut water, and sea salt — and sometimes collagen powder, coconut cream, or cream of tartar. The cortisol cocktail has been touted as an easy way to help your body function at optimal performance, and there are some truths to that.

Generally, drinking the cortisol cocktail can keep you hydrated, especially if you don't already drink enough water. It also provides healthful benefits to your body because of the minerals and vitamins in its ingredients. For instance, coconut water, orange juice, and cream of tartar are all rich sources of potassium, an essential mineral for the body. The same can be said for other foods — like avocados, bananas, and leafy greens — so you probably don't need this drink if you're already enjoying them. Additionally, orange juice contains vitamin C — an essential antioxidant — and coconut water contains a little bit of other electrolytes — such as magnesium and sodium, the latter of which is also the main component of sea salt.

Endocrinologist Pratibha Rao, MD, MPH, told Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials that the combination of sugar, sodium, and water like in the adrenal cocktail is a well-known "oral rehydration solution" for treating diarrhea and vomiting because of the effect of salt and sugar on dehydrated cells. On top of that, registered dietitian Julia Zumpano, RD, LD, told The American Institute of Stress, "Sodium and potassium are minerals (and electrolytes) that are essential for our tissues, cells, and fluid balance." She explained, "You need about twice as much potassium than sodium," and the drink has that.

The main benefit claimed about the cortisol cocktail is that it can combat adrenal fatigue and support healthy adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are part of the endocrine system — one of the 10 major body systems — that are vital for your body's production of aldosterone, adrenaline, cortisol (where it gets its nickname), and noradrenaline to maintain a normal heart rate, blood pressure, and electrolyte balance. During stressful periods, these organs are responsible for secreting more hormones that affect metabolism, boost energy, raise blood pressure, and tell the immune system to calm down.

This promoted benefit about the adrenal cocktail, though, isn't likely. According to endocrinologist Pratibha Rao in a Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials article, "There is no evidence that adrenal fatigue exists." This unofficial condition is a general term that describes an unspecific group of symptoms — including feeling tired and weak, having salt and sugar cravings, and not sleeping well. It isn't the same as adrenal insufficiency, which is a rare medical condition in which the organs don't function correctly to secrete essential hormones. Plus, no research indicates that these drinks provide any further benefit for the adrenal glands than maintaining a healthy diet already does.

"So, while there's no evidence that adrenal cocktails can improve adrenal function, I don't think they do any harm," Rao noted. Registered dietitian Julia Zumpano echoed the sentiment, telling The American Institute of Stress that a daily cortisol cocktail is generally considered safe for most people. However, the experts advised those with diabetes, heart conditions, high blood pressure, or kidney disease to consult their doctors first.