A new social media health trend claims to reduce not only stress, but also your waistline. But is it a dream come true, or too good to be true?
Well, it depends on who you ask. The cortisol cocktail is the latest internet elixir to attain fans and detractors in equal measure amid claims it helps boost energy, reduce the effects of stress on the body and promote weight loss, particularly in stubborn areas such as the stomach, hips and thighs.
Also known as an “adrenal cocktail”, the drink consists of only four ingredients – orange juice, coconut water, cream of tartar and salt. It has been hailed as a salve for the adrenal glands, had enjoyed their time in the social media spotlight last year, when the medically indefinable “adrenal fatigue” began trending.
“Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands, which sit atop the kidneys,” says Dr Kishore Kumar Katam, consultant endocrinologist at RAK Hospital. “It plays a critical role in the body’s response to stress, as part of the ‘fight or flight’ mechanism. It helps regulate metabolism, blood sugar levels, inflammation and blood pressure.”
Cortisol’s role in the body
Typically released in response to stress and low blood glucose levels, cortisol production is controlled by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, which is highly sensitive to both physical and psychological stressors.
Linked to visceral fat surrounding internal organs and obesity, elevated cortisol levels can cause an increase in appetite and promote fat storage in the abdominal area.
“Excess cortisol can cause central obesity, muscle wasting, insulin resistance, hypertension, osteoporosis, mood disorders and increased cardiovascular risk,” says Dr Nevin Sadeep, specialist endocrinology at Aster Clinic in Dubai Silicon Oasis.
“Both excess and deficiency of cortisol have significant clinical consequences, with a deficiency linked to fatigue, weight loss, hypotension, hyponatremia, hyperkalemia and risk of adrenal crisis under stress. Maintaining cortisol within a physiologic range is essential for metabolic stability and stress resilience.”
How does a cortisol cocktail work?
The drink’s ingredients can vary, but the most popular, as listed above, are orange juice, coconut water, cream of tartar and salt. Taken individually and in moderation, each can play a beneficial role in a balanced diet.
“Coconut water is rich in electrolytes like potassium, which supports hydration and may help reduce stress-related fatigue,” says Dr Hala Youssef Hamdy, specialist endocrinologist at RAK Hospital.
“Orange juice is high in vitamin C, which plays a role in reducing oxidative stress and may help modulate cortisol after acute stress; salt contains trace minerals and sodium, which can support adrenal function in cases of deficiency; and cream of tartar is a source of potassium, but its impact on cortisol specifically is unclear and not well-studied. These ingredients may support overall wellness, but their effects on cortisol are indirect and not medically proven.”
While there’s no scientific evidence that a cortisol cocktail can directly regulate or reduce cortisol production, ingredients that support hydration and blood sugar stability can help the body respond better to stress, which can lead to less fatigue.
“There is no evidence from controlled clinical studies indicating that beverages such as the cortisol cocktail have any clinical meaning or sustained impact on circulating cortisol levels,” says Dr Sadeep. “Any perceived benefit is more likely related to improved hydration and subjective relaxation than to direct hormonal effects.”
Benefits of first-time home buyers’ scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
‘Munich: The Edge of War’
Director: Christian Schwochow
Starring: George MacKay, Jannis Niewohner, Jeremy Irons
Rating: 3/5
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pocketsOne in nine do not have enough to eat
Created in 1961, the World Food Programme is pledged to fight hunger worldwide as well as providing emergency food assistance in a crisis.
One of the organisation’s goals is the Zero Hunger Pledge, adopted by the international community in 2015 as one of the 17 Sustainable Goals for Sustainable Development, to end world hunger by 2030.
The WFP, a branch of the United Nations, is funded by voluntary donations from governments, businesses and private donations.
Almost two thirds of its operations currently take place in conflict zones, where it is calculated that people are more than three times likely to suffer from malnutrition than in peaceful countries.
It is currently estimated that one in nine people globally do not have enough to eat.
On any one day, the WFP estimates that it has 5,000 lorries, 20 ships and 70 aircraft on the move.
Outside emergencies, the WFP provides school meals to up to 25 million children in 63 countries, while working with communities to improve nutrition. Where possible, it buys supplies from developing countries to cut down transport cost and boost local economies.
MATCH INFO
English Premiership semi-finals
Saracens 57
Wasps 33
Exeter Chiefs 36
Newcastle Falcons 5
Analysis
Members of Syria’s Alawite minority community face threat in their heartland after one of the deadliest days in country’s recent history. Read more
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
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At a glance
Global events: Much of the UK’s economic woes were blamed on “increased global uncertainty”, which can be interpreted as the economic impact of the Ukraine war and the uncertainty over Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Growth forecasts: Cut for 2025 from 2 per cent to 1 per cent. The OBR watchdog also estimated inflation will average 3.2 per cent this year
Welfare: Universal credit health element cut by 50 per cent and frozen for new claimants, building on cuts to the disability and incapacity bill set out earlier this month
Spending cuts: Overall day-to day-spending across government cut by £6.1bn in 2029-30
Tax evasion: Steps to crack down on tax evasion to raise “£6.5bn per year” for the public purse
Defence: New high-tech weaponry, upgrading HM Naval Base in Portsmouth
Housing: Housebuilding to reach its highest in 40 years, with planning reforms helping generate an extra £3.4bn for public finances
Tearful appearance
Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday.
Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow.
She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.
A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.
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A State of Passion
Directors: Carol Mansour and Muna Khalidi
Stars: Dr Ghassan Abu-Sittah
Rating: 4/5