The Adrenal Cocktail

An Adrenal Cocktail? What the heck is that??

An adrenal cocktail is a healthy drink that uses certain vitamins and minerals to support stressed adrenals. Stressed adrenals are common in the face of any kind of chronic stress, whether being poorly treated for your hypothyroid state, or any kind of chronic life stress.

Patients have reported that this drink is especially good if aldosterone is too low. Healthy people have an aldosterone result in the upper numbers of a range or the provided goal. When aldosterone falls due to stressed adrenals, sodium is the first nutrient to fall. The longer one has low aldosterone, potassium then falls.  Both of these nutrients are in the adrenal cocktail.

No, not everyone sees their aldosterone fall. But many do. You can always test aldosterone via blood—talk to your doctor about him or her prescribing it, or use the Recommended Labwork page to order your own. In fact, testing is recommended rather than guessing. Then compare to the Lab Values page. 

The recipe has many variations, but often at its base are three ingredients. Be sure to talk to your doctor to see if the ingredients are OK for you. 

Here’s an example, though you can modify with any liquid that has vitamin C, as not everyone wants the sugar in orange juice if they have candida or problems with blood sugar:

• 1/2 cup or more Orange Juice or any other high vitamin C healthy liquid  
• 1/4 – 1/2 tsp of Cream of Tartar added to a liquidfor it’s potassium, or use Coconut Water for it’s potassium, or add a liquid potassium supplement that you put in your drink of choice. Etc. 
• 1/4 tsp to 1/2 tsp of Sea Salt (for sodium, since one’s levels might be low due to low aldosterone. Himalayan salt is also workable. Both provide some extra minerals in small amounts; processed table salt doesn’t. )

When do I drink it?

It’s totally individual. Some state that once a day has helped. Others feel more benefit with twice a day. Some drink it at bedtime because they note they sleep better. 

Is this enough for low cortisol?

No, say patients. Treating low cortisol seems to still require HC (prescription hydrocortisone) for low saliva results. Study Chapter 6 in the updated revision STTM book.

The adrenal cocktail has repeatedly been reported as helping many feel better in the face of chronic stress!

Can I change the orange juice to something else? Can I enhance the drink?

Yes! Some prefer lemon juice, for example, or cranberry juice, or acerola cherry powder mixed in water, or watermelon juice. On and on. Coconut water is another potential addition as it’s got a nice amount of potassium, too, for those whose levels are proven low, plus adding Vitamin C powder.

Another fun thing to do with the Adrenal Cocktail is add a little cream and a touch of vanilla–the Stop the Thyroid Madness Adrenal Cocktail Dreamy Version. Yummm. (Cream may appear to curdle with the orange juice, but it’s still very drinkable. Some use mini blenders.)

Each person has to figure out what kind of drink to use for the adrenal cocktail that is best for them and best for lab results.

What if I already have high blood pressure?

Since sodium is known to raise blood pressure, patients put very small amounts in this drink if they feel it’s necessary to have the Adrenal Cocktail. They keep track of their blood pressure, as well, while working with their doctor.

What if the Adrenal Cocktail makes me thirstier?

That can happen when someone gives themselves too much sodium for their needs.

Can I drink this if I’m pregnant or nursing?

Female patients have done that without reporting a problem. But as with anything, keep your doctor informed.

Can I be drinking this if I need to do a saliva test?

The answer is probably “no”, as we want to see what our adrenals are doing without influence.

What if I have a yeast infection/candida??

This may not be a good idea because of the natural sugar content of orange juice. Sugar is known to feed yeast. Unsweetened cranberry juice sweetened with stevia might be a better choice.

Here’s to ya!! **clink**

This book on the left, the updated revision Stop the Thyroid Madness book, contains some of the most valuable information on adrenals you will find anywhere, all based on nearly two decades of patient experiences and wisdom. Chapters 5 and 6 and it’s solid. You can read more about it here and even purchase it.

Order your own saliva cortisol test by clicking on the graphic below:

Important note: STTM is an information-only site based on what many patients worldwide have reported in their treatment and wisdom over the years. This is not to be taken as personal medical advice, nor to replace a relationship with your doctor. By reading this information-only website, you take full responsibility for what you choose to do with this website's information or outcomes. See the Disclaimer and Terms of Use.