The Viral ‘Cortisol Cocktail’ for Weight Loss—Plus 5 Expert-Approved Drinks That Help Shed Pounds
Plus, find out which drinks one weight loss doctor says are more effective
A viral “cortisol cocktail” for weight loss is taking social media by storm. Not that kind of cocktail, but rather a mix of vitamins, the drink is being lauded by fans, who say it helps reduce the stress hormone known as cortisol and aids adrenal fatigue (believed to be underperforming adrenal glands). Many social media users have even promoted the cortisol cocktail for weight loss. We checked in with our experts about their thoughts on the trendy sip and whether it truly boosts slimming.
What is a cortisol cocktail?
There’s no hard and fast recipe for this drink, also known as an “adrenal cocktail,” as each person typically mixes it to their own liking. However, there are a few constants.
The juice usually contains ingredients like ashwagandha, which helps with stress, L-theanine for relaxation, magnesium to support calmness and B vitamins for energy, says Raj Dasgupta, MD, ABIM quadruple board-certified physician and medical reviewer for the National Council on Aging.
“Adaptogens like rhodiola or holy basil might also be added to help the body handle stress better,” he says. “The exact mix and amounts can vary.”
Vitamin C from sources like citrus or powdered supplements, and electrolytes such as potassium or sodium, are also often included as well, adds Chris Mohr, PhD, RD, fitness and nutrition advisor at Fortune Recommends Health.
The most common cortisol cocktail recipe
Most often you’ll see a blend of orange juice, coconut water, cream of tartar and salt, says Michelle Routhenstein, MS RD CDCES CDN, Preventive Cardiology Dietitian at EntirelyNourished.com.
@laurenhefez 9am here comes my adrenal cocktail. I usually do about quarter teaspoon salt, quarter teaspoon cream of tartar, half of a lemon and today I threw in some coconut water. #cocktail #adrenalcocktails #drink #pregnancy #pregnant
The core intention behind this recipe is to improve adrenal health by revving your adrenal glands. These are small organs that sit at the top of your kidneys and make vital hormones like aldosterone, cortisol (which is actually necessary at moderate levels), adrenaline and noradrenaline.
These hormones are important for maintaining metabolic functions such as managing blood sugar levels and taming inflammation, regulating the balance of salt and water and controlling the body’s “fight or flight” response to stress.
Is the cortisol cocktail trend safe?
“This mix is supposed to help reduce stress and promote relaxation,” explains Mohr. “Magnesium may help calm the nervous system, vitamin C may support adrenal function and electrolytes help with hydration and cellular function.”
Ashwagandha and L-theanine help calm the nervous system, magnesium improves sleep and adaptogens help the body cope with stress, adds Dr. Dasgupta.
Together, these nutrients may lower cortisol levels, improve your body’s stress response, boost mood and improve sleep quality. But at the moment, there is no scientific evidence to prove that this drink has such effects.
But is it safe? Experts say there’s no harm in consuming these ingredients in moderation. In fact, they are all necessary nutrients for regular body functioning, says Jennie Stanford, MD, Obesity Medicine Physician and medical contributor for Drugwatch. They usually can be obtained from a well-rounded diet, she adds.
Can a cortisol cocktail help you lose weight?
Despite claims that a cortisol cocktail speeds fat burn, our experts agree that there is no scientific evidence that any combination of these ingredients directly supports weight loss.
That said, lowering cortisol can help reduce stress-related cravings and prevent weight gain, notes Dr. Dasgupta, and improved sleep (due in part to ingredients like magnesium) can help you maintain a healthy metabolism.
“There could be some indirect benefits,” offers Mohr. “Consistently elevated cortisol levels are linked to higher fat storage, especially around the belly. But there are many more factors that play a role in overall body weight. It’s not a magic recipe for weight loss, but it can support overall stress management if part of an overall effort geared towards doing the same.”
Indeed, Routhenstein says a more effective approach to weight loss involves maintaining a balanced diet that ensures nutritional adequacy alongside addressing sleep, chronic stress and exercise.
Drinks proven to support weight loss
While weight loss experts do not particularly favor the cortisol cocktail, there’s no lack of refreshing sips that do have proven fat-burning effects. Here are five smart picks our experts recommend.
1. Water
“Water is incredibly important to maintain a healthy weight, including for weight loss,” says Dr. Stanford. “The cellular functions of metabolism are dependent upon sufficient water to work optimally. Adequate water intake is also important to help promote satiety and fullness, promoting a lower calorie intake overall.”
2. Protein shakes
Protein is an important macronutrient for weight loss, and many people benefit from protein supplementation to meet protein intake recommendations, Dr. Stanford notes. In fact, protein has a higher thermogenic effect than other macronutrients, meaning it requires more energy to break it down than either fats or carbohydrates, she explains.
Having protein in the morning usually leads to a higher calorie burn, at least temporarily. Drinking a protein shake can also help reduce hunger and make you feel fuller for longer.
Like protein shakes, protein drinks can promote weight loss as long as they consist of clean protein mixed with water or a low-calorie, unsweetened nut milk, offers Dr. Stanford.
3. Tea
“Similar to coffee, green tea contains caffeine, which may aid weight loss” explains Dr. Stanford. “Green tea specifically has stronger associations with weight loss, especially when taken in combination with a healthy diet and regular exercise.”
4. Kombucha
Kombucha, a fermented tea drink, is a good source of probiotics. These “good guy” bacteria can help boost weight loss, Dr. Stanford adds. The drink contains saccharomyces boulardii, a yeast strain associated with weight loss in patients with obesity, and Akkermansia, a bacteria that helps regulate the gut microbiome.
5. Kefir
The fermented milk drink kefir is another source of probiotics, which may improve composition of the microbiome. This can positively impact nutrient absorption, metabolism and inflammation, says Dr. Stanford.
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