What does an adrenal cocktail do?
So, what’s an adrenal cocktail? Can an adrenal cocktail help with weight loss? What does an adrenal cocktail do?
An adrenal cocktail away keeps the doctor away!
Introducing, the magic, all-in-one fix-it-all adrenal cocktail that immediately melts away stress and helps you shed pounds overnight.
Just kidding, and anyone who claims so is obviously trying to sell something sketchy.
However, an adrenal cocktail for hormone balance is one helpful part of my routine that’s preventing me from having to go to another doctor to try & figure out why I’m always tired.
What’s an adrenal cocktail for?
Ever heard of cortisol? It’s commonly known as the “stress hormone”, and along with adrenaline, kick in when your body goes into fight-or-flight mode. This is GREAT if you happen to be chased by a lion; it helps your body store energy needed to “fight” or “take flight” - but for most people, that’s not an everyday concern.
When you experience chronic stress - physical or psychological, your body consistently experiences raised cortisol levels.
When cortisol is too high, it can increase appetite and cravings for high-calorie, high-fat foods. This is because cortisol triggers the release of glucose into the bloodstream, which can make you feel hungry and increase your desire for foods that are high in sugar or fat.
Second, cortisol can lead to the accumulation of fat in the abdominal area, known as visceral fat. High levels of cortisol can promote the storage of fat in the abdomen, which is associated with an increased risk of health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
Third, cortisol can interfere with the body's ability to burn fat for energy. When cortisol levels are high, the body is in a state of stress, and the body's metabolic rate can slow down, making it harder to lose weight.
Finally, cortisol can contribute to a cycle of stress eating and emotional eating. When you're stressed, cortisol levels rise, and this can lead to overeating or eating unhealthy foods as a way to cope with stress.
Cortisol has many functions in the body, including:
Regulating metabolism: Cortisol helps to regulate the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It stimulates the liver to release glucose, which provides energy to the body.
Controlling inflammation: Cortisol has anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce swelling and inflammation in the body.
Supporting the immune system: Cortisol plays an important role in the body's immune response. It helps to regulate the production of immune cells and can reduce inflammation in response to infection or injury.
Regulating blood pressure: Cortisol helps to regulate blood pressure by increasing the sensitivity of blood vessels to the hormone epinephrine (also known as adrenaline).
Supporting the body's response to stress: Cortisol is released in response to stress, and helps the body to respond to stress by increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration.
However, high levels of cortisol over an extended period can be harmful to the body and lead to health problems such as high blood pressure, impaired cognitive function, and weakened immune system.
BUT, an adrenal cocktail can help balance these hormones.
So, what’s an adrenal cocktail? Can an adrenal cocktail help with weight loss? What does an adrenal cocktail do?
An adrenal cocktail is a drink that contains a combination of nutrients that can support adrenal gland function and hormone balance. The cocktail typically includes a mixture of:
Vitamin C: Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can help to reduce inflammation and support the immune system. It is also important for adrenal gland function. Sources include oranges, lemons, mangoes & most citrus fruits
B-complex vitamins: B vitamins are essential for energy production and can help to reduce stress and anxiety. They are also important for the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
Electrolytes: Electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium are important for hydration and muscle function. They can also help to regulate blood pressure and support the adrenal glands. Sources include romaine, cucumber, celery, banana, coconut water, & cream of tartar
Sea salt: Sea salt is a good source of minerals and can help to replenish electrolytes.
An adrenal “cocktail” is in fact not a cocktail (sorry!) BUT, it is high in minerals, such as calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, and potassium & packed with vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate. It's a good source of beta carotene, and helps your adrenal glands (which are responsible for producing & regulating hormones that regulate heart rate, blood pressure, & your immune system).
A few of my favorite recipes for adrenal cocktail:
Refreshing Adrenal Cocktail Recipe:
-1/2-1 Bunch of Celery
-1 Cucumber
-1 Lemon, peeled (I love Meyer lemons in this!)
-Handful of Romaine
-1/2 Mango
-1/4 tsp cream of tartar
-Pinch of sea salt, Redmond’s real salt or Himalayan sea salt
Optional: 1/2 inch of ginger & sprig of Rosemary
Run all ingredients (except for cream of tartar) through a juicer & stir in cream of tartar at the end.
Classic Adrenal Cocktail Recipe:
-1/2 C Fresh Orange Juice
-1/2-1 C Coconut Water
-Tablespoon of coconut cream or full fat coconut milk
-Pink of sea salt
-1/4 tsp cream of tartar
Classic Green Adrenal Cocktail Recipe:
-1/2 C Fresh Orange Juice
-1/2-1 C Coconut Water
-Tablespoon of coconut cream or full fat coconut milk
-Pink of sea salt
-1/4 tsp cream of tartar
-1/4 c lemon juice
-handful of spinach
This classic adrenal cocktail recipe is an easy one because you can add all of these ingredients into a blender and make a fresh juice without a juicer. I like to add in a small handful of ice, too!
By providing the body with these nutrients, an adrenal cocktail can help to support the adrenal glands, which are responsible for producing hormones such as cortisol, adrenaline, and DHEA. When the adrenal glands are functioning properly, hormone balance can be improved, and symptoms of adrenal fatigue or hormone imbalance may be reduced.
It’s also important to note that in addition to supporting the body through healthy nutrients, chronic stress should and can be addressed + managed through additional lifestyle changes including but not limited to meditation, talk therapy, exercise, joy, time management & burnout prevention management, breath work, relaxation & coping skills.
Please note I am not a doctor and this article is intended for education purposes only, not medical advice. Always speak with a trusted healthcare provider if you are experiencing any health concerns.
Sources:
- "High cortisol symptoms and how to lower levels" by Medical News Today: This article outlines the symptoms of high cortisol levels and provides tips on how to lower cortisol levels. Link: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322191
- "Cortisol: Why the "Stress Hormone" Is Public Enemy No. 1" by Harvard Health Publishing: This article explains the role of cortisol in the body, how it affects health, and provides tips on how to manage stress. Link: https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/understanding-the-stress-response
- "The Effects of Stress on Your Body" by WebMD: This article provides an overview of how stress affects the body, including the role of cortisol in the stress response. Link: https://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/effects-of-stress-on-your-body
- "Cortisol: What It Is and Why It's Important for Health" by Verywell Health: This article explains the role of cortisol in the body, how cortisol levels are regulated, and what happens when cortisol levels are too high or too low. Link: https://www.verywellhealth.com/cortisol-what-is-it-and-why-is-it-important-5114626
- "The Effects of High Cortisol on the Body" by Healthline: This article outlines the effects of high cortisol levels on various body systems, including the cardiovascular system, immune system, and nervous system. Link: https://www.healthline.com/health/high-cortisol-symptoms-and-signs#effects-on-the-body