Curious about an adrenal cocktail and why it is so often recommended?
For some, adding a unique formulation of high-quality essential nutrients and vital minerals can help support healthy adrenal gland function, optimal hormone levels, nervous system function, aid in restful sleep, and provide a usable form of energy.
The commonly circulated recipe includes fresh-squeezed orange juice, cream of tartar, and sea salt, but, while helpful, this recipe may not be appropriate for everyone.
Have no fear though! I have a few recipes that are perfect if you need a little extra adrenal support 😉
Ready to learn more about adrenal cocktails? Let’s get started….
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Adrenal Fatigue & Dehydration
While it’s true that the term adrenal fatigue isn’t quite correct (since the adrenal glands may not be “fatigued” exactly) or an accepted diagnosis by many doctors, that doesn’t change the fact that, due to extreme or prolonged stress, people experience very real symptoms that are not attributable to any other health issue, including:
- body aches
- extreme fatigue
- anxiety
- depression
- dizziness
- hormone imbalance
- poor sleep
- mineral imbalance
and more! (There are actually about 75 symptoms that can be related to adrenal fatigue).
The good news? Many have found that when they add an adrenal cocktail to their daily routine, symptoms are often greatly reduced!
Adrenal Cocktail Benefits
If you’re asking yourself, “what does an adrenal cocktail do exactly, and how does it work”? Let me explain.
Many with adrenal fatigue have some level of mineral imbalance (and possibly mild dehydration) that is usually due to the hormone aldosterone.
See, hormones do a very delicate dance.
If a person has dealt with chronic stress or finds themselves in an extremely stressful situation, and begins experiencing symptoms of adrenal fatigue, both cortisol, and aldosterone production can become exhausted.
When aldosterone levels are reduced, the body is not able to regulate mineral and fluid levels properly, which then causes sodium to be removed from the body and this, in turn, causes water to be removed as well which can deplete the body’s supply.
Because of this cascade of events, symptoms of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance begin to occur, people often find their energy level decreasing, and this just adds to the collection of nonspecific symptoms commonly known as adrenal fatigue.
This is why adding an adrenal cocktail with the right balance of potassium, sodium, and vitamin c can play a critical role in replenishing and balancing mineral levels, hydrating, reducing fatigue, and increasing overall health.
Adrenal Fatigue Diet
To support normal adrenal function and nourish your body it is essential to include protein, healthy fats, and nutrient-dense carbohydrates (not to be confused with refined carbs!).
Including a good amount of vegetables is also an important part of a healthy adrenal fatigue diet that can provide the necessary vitamins and minerals your body needs for optimal health.
Everyone’s nutritional needs are different, but here is a basic outline of foods to include and foods to eliminate if you are struggling with adrenal fatigue (or, really any health issue!):
Foods To Eliminate
- refined sugars
- refined carbohydrates
- gluten
- processed foods
- alcohol
- soda (diet included)
- sneaky additives like MSG, hydrogenated oils, and artificial flavors and sweeteners
It may also be necessary to remove foods that often cause inflammation or intolerance like dairy, grains, nuts, or eggs.
Foods To Add Or Increase
- good fats
- protein
- bone broth
- vegetables
In addition to eating a diet full of healthy foods, it is also helpful to add either food high in vitamin c or a supplement, collagen, and cod liver oil! These are all very nourishing and provide important building blocks for healing!
A great way to add some of these supportive foods and supplements is with an adrenal cocktail!
Adrenal Cocktail Recipe
The best-known adrenal cocktail recipe is made with orange juice, cream of tartar, and salt.
- 4 fl oz of orange juice (organic is best, but do what you can 😉 )- provides vitamin c
- 1/4 tsp cream of tartar– source of potassium
- 1/4 tsp Himalayan sea salt– provides sodium
This recipe works great for many but if you have candida, blood sugar issues, or experience heartburn, orange juice may not be the best option for you.
No problem!
Here is a recipe that my kids and I love and it is an adrenal cocktail that contains no orange juice 😉
Banana Blueberry Coconut Water Smoothie
A banana blueberry coconut water smoothie is a great adrenal cocktail!
This recipe is an easy and delicious way to hydrate, add important antioxidants, and balance sodium and potassium levels. Just be sure to make extra because this simple recipe will be a new family favorite!
- 1/2 ripe banana
- 1/2 cup of blueberries
- 1/4 cup of coconut water
- 1/2-3/4 cup of ice
- 1/8-1/4 Himalayan pink salt
- 1/8 tsp. whole food vitamin c
The goal of any adrenal cocktail is to get roughly 60mg of vitamin C, 375 mg of potassium, and 460mg of sodium, but feel free to adjust the ingredients after blending a little to taste. You can even add a little water if you want a thinner drink.
Tip: To add a little extra protein and amino acids that are great for mood, healthy hormones, and gut health, add a scoop of collagen powder!
Want more adrenal cocktail recipes?
Grab this free download with 3 additional hydrating drink options!
Recommendations And Substitutions
It is often suggested that you start with one adrenal cocktail per day.
There are some that recommend drinking it on an empty stomach, but I usually drink it when I remember, so don’t feel like you have to be too strict about that.
Also, it is often recommended that you drink it sometime around 10 AM and 2 PM. But again, I don’t always remember at those times so if you don’t either, don’t sweat it.
As far as substitutions, you can use 1/2 fresh squeezed lime or lemon in place of a vitamin c supplement if you prefer. Or, you can use a potassium supplement in place of coconut water or the banana if you need to cut down on sugar or are not able to use those ingredients for some reason.
Really, as long as you get close to having the recommended amounts of potassium, sodium, and vitamin c you can use whatever ingredients you like!
Feel free to get a little creative and make your own version of an adrenal cocktail 🙂
FAQ’s About Adrenal Cocktails
Here are a few questions you may be asking in regards to adrenal cocktails.
These are questions readers have emailed me, so I thought I would share in case it helped answer any of your questions!
Are adrenal cocktails helpful for anxiety?
Possibly. If you are low in minerals, mildly dehydrated, or just running low on energy it is very possible that adrenal cocktails could reduce anxiety to some extent. It is not a guarantee though because anxiety can have many different causes.
Should I drink an adrenal cocktail before bed?
I have drunk one close to bedtime before and didn’t notice any sleeplessness or any negative effects, but I personally would recommend drinking it during the day. Most of the people I know who drink these tonics report feeling a little energy boost, so daytime is probably a better time to enjoy.
Are there any side effects?
I can’t give a medical answer to this because I am not a doctor. For myself, I typically feel a little more energy after I drink it and I have noticed that my daily bathroom visits are more regular. If you have concerns or medical issues you should definitely check with your health care provider before trying this recipe.
Will an adrenal cocktail make me thirsty?
Possibly. When I first started drinking them I noticed that I was thirstier throughout the day, but for me, this was a good thing. I would often go all day without drinking so much as a glass of water and then wonder why I had a headache and felt so tired. After getting my minerals tested it was clear that my potassium and sodium levels were not at optimal levels and my doctor warned me that for a time after starting to drink adrenal cocktails I may feel thirstier.
This may not be the case with you, but this is why it is so important to have your minerals tested the right way and have a health care provider that can help you along the way if you need it!
Will the salt increase my blood pressure?
I can’t answer that for sure. If you have high blood pressure you will definitely want to talk to your doctor or health care provider and if you decide to drink adrenal cocktails you’ll definitely want to take your blood pressure regularly.
Adrenal Cocktail: Nourish, Balance, & Recover!
Adding an adrenal cocktail to your daily routine can supply high-quality essential nutrients and vital minerals that help support healthy adrenal function, optimal hormone levels, nervous system function, aid in restful sleep, and provide a usable form of energy.
Ingredients
- 4 fl oz of orange juice (organic is best, but do what you can 😉 )- provides vitamin c
- 1/4 tsp cream of tartar– source of potassium
- 1/4 tsp Himalayan sea salt– provides sodium
Instructions
- Pour the orange juice into a glass
- Add the cream of tartar
- Add the Himalayan sea salt
- Mix well
- Enjoy!
Notes
If you have candida, blood sugar issues, or experience heartburn, orange juice may not be the best option for you. In that case, you could try a blueberry banana smoothie.
Here's what you need:
- 1/2 ripe banana
- 1/2 cup of blueberries
- 1/4 cup of coconut water
- 1/2-3/4 cup of ice
- 1/8-1/4 Himalayan pink salt
- 1/8 tsp. whole food vitamin c
Instructions:
- Pour all ingredients into a blender
- Blend until smooth and is the desired consistency
- Add water or a little extra coconut water if you prefer a thinner drink
- Enjoy!
Tip: To add a little extra protein and amino acids that are great for mood, healthy hormones, and gut health- add a scoop of collagen powder!
Last Thoughts About Adrenal Cocktails
An adrenal cocktail is easy to make but can be a really helpful tool for those recovering from adrenal fatigue.
The recipes are simple, customizable, and use very common ingredients so you don’t have to spend a lot of time and money to start feeling better!
Have you tried an adrenal cocktail? If so, do you feel like it made a difference in the way that you felt? Feel free to leave a comment or send me a message and let me know!
Related Articles
- What Is Adrenal Fatigue? (And How To Fix It!)
- Adrenal Fatigue Recovery: 17 Ways To Support And Heal Your Body
- Proper Hydration: Essential For Adrenal Fatigue Recovery
- 11 Causes Of Fatigue + Tests You Need!
- Vitamin C For Adrenal Fatigue Recovery
- Homeopathic Remedies For Adrenal Fatigue
- 16+ Essential Oils For Adrenal Fatigue Recovery
- Delicious Adaptogenic Tea Blends For Balance And Stress Relief
Can you drink the adrenal cocktail while pregnant?
Possibly, but you would definitely want to check with your doctor first!
Thanks for providing this information. Been trying to find the proper amount of salt to add in recipe. I’ve posted your link to Thomas DeLauer’s YouTube video about this cocktail, where he left out the quantity for the salt. Hopefully his followers will visit you page and see the options you’ve provided. Thanks again…zig
Hi Ziggy,
So glad the adrenal cocktail info was helpful! Thanks so much for sharing, I appreciate it 🙂