Let's face it: Americans are stressed. Google is looking for “how to reduce stress” are high and 77% of American adults report that the future of the country is an important source of stress, according to a survey by the American Psychological Association.
So it is no surprise that people are looking for ways to better manage their stress. One of the latest hacks to pick up some steam online is the “Cortisol cocktail”.
The drink that is often seen, prepared in a wine glass, is actually alcohol -free and combines these ingredients:
- Coconut water
- Orange juice
- Squeezer
- Magnesium powder
- A pinch of sea salt
- Sparkling water
Users of social media, especially on Tiktok, post videos of themselves that make the drink at home. They also treat the claims that it can help to lower the stress hormone, to lower cortisol and share their experiences.
But can the Mocktail actually help to lower cortisol? We have spoken with medical professionals to find out if there are real benefits.
'Doctors ask patients to lower their cortisol? We almost never do that '
Cortisol is a stress hormone in the body that maintains blood pressure and electrolytes, says Dr. Marilyn Tan, endocrinologist and clinical Association of Medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine.
“It is necessary for function, and without people having dangerous changes in their sodium and potassium content, and also low blood sugar levels and very low blood pressure,” says Tan.
Cortisol rises in times of emotional or physical stress. And levels of cortisol are the highest early in the morning, immediately after people wake up and decrease all day, making them quite difficult to follow.
“Doctors who ask patients to lower their cortisol? We almost never do that because it is something that is actually difficult to follow,” says Dr. Jessica R. Lee, university teacher at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.
“It's more about managing stress and other things that we think can contribute to the cortisol changes.”
Only when someone has consistent and severe high levels of cortisol or Cushing syndrome would doctors recommend medication for lowering the levels of the hormone, says Tan.
'There are no great studies about' the cortisol cocktail
The ability of this viral mocktail to lower cortisol is unlikely, say the experts.
“I am not aware of studies that have looked at the effects of these individual ingredients at the cortisol level,” says Tan.
And Lee agrees: “There are no great studies about this.”
Lee points to “internet medicine” as the reason why things like the cortisol cocktail trend online. “It's fast, easy, viral clicks, is my gamble,” says Lee.
“I think many people notice better, but there are a number of reasons why they feel better.”
One reason may be that the combination of ingredients in the cortisol cocktail can give you more hydrated, from which most people can benefit, says Tan.
“It's a bit like Gatorade with the orange juice, salt and magnesium. People often think it can help with sleep or help with relaxation,” she says.
“There are no large randomized, controlled studies on the effects of magnesium and sleep quality or stress levels, in itself. But if it helps people to sleep better, that can also help with overall well-being and health.”
“None of it [the ingredients]Separately, it is actually known to reduce stress, except perhaps magnesium, “says Lee.” I think it just tastes great. “
Although the cortisol cocktail is harmless for most and can be great for hydration, both experts warn people with certain conditions to prevent you from drinking it, and advising that you speak with your doctor before you do it.
The magnesium and potassium intake can be harmful to people with chronic kidney disease, and the sugar can be difficult for people who have diabetes.
6 Prested ways to reduce stress
If you often feel stressed, Tan and Lee have suggestions to improve your mental health.
- Give yourself grace
- Give priority to a good quality and quantity of sleep
- Move your body. Start small and do what you can do when it feels overwhelming
- Make contact with a therapist or professional in mental health care
- Maintenance solid connections with friends and family
- Get some fresh air
“As soon as someone finds out what works for them, it is important to try to keep it as part of your overall wellness routine,” says Tan.
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