Adrenal Cocktails Are Trending On TikTok, But Do They Actually Work? Our Physician Explains
If you struggle with fatigue throughout the day — and wonder if you might even be on the brink of burnout even though you're getting enough slumber and eating well — then a TikTok trend boasting the promise of energy is sure to catch your attention. The adrenal cocktail seen on the app is a simple drink easily made at home, and while different variations are out there, the ingredients typically consist of orange juice, coconut water, and sea salt — and sometimes aloe vera juice, coconut cream, or collagen.
At first glance, the mixture sounds healthier than another cup of coffee, but do adrenal cocktails really relieve fatigue? We asked physician Jason Singh, M.D., chief medical officer and physician at One Oak Medical, for his expert opinion on the trend. "This is an interesting topic because adrenal fatigue is a controversial diagnosis not recognized as a medical condition by most physicians but rather a catch-all phrase for idiopathic fatigue," he exclusively revealed to Glam, but he didn't stop there. Here's what else he had to say on the trend that's garnered over 18 million views on TikTok.
Breaking down the adrenal cocktail's ingredients
Health enthusiasts, tired moms, and those feeling overworked, among many others, have likely tried everything under the sun when it comes to at-home remedies for feeling fatigued and may have long been on the hunt for coffee-free ways to boost energy levels, but something as basic as orange juice with a pinch of sea salt and a bit of coconut water might have been overlooked. And it turns out, both individually and combined, the ingredients of the adrenal cocktail may serve a beneficial purpose.
"Coconut water and orange juice will certainly provide hydration and electrolytes like potassium and vitamin C, which independently, on a cellular level, is beneficial to our health," Dr. Jason Singh exclusively told Glam. "Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties. Salt helps maintain fluid balances. These ingredients combined may have some synergetic effects that can impact energy levels and improve fatigue." So, even though adrenal fatigue is a bit of a catch-all phrase, as Singh explained, the adrenal cocktail may still offer benefits when it comes to hydration and inflammation.
The science is still out on this trend, but there may be real benefits
The adrenal cocktail hasn't been proven to boost energy or relieve fatigue, but you may still experience some positive health effects thanks to the orange dreamsicle-like beverage. "The ingredients in adrenal cocktails have varied health effects that may help relieve fatigue or theoretically boost cortisol, although no studies have been done to demonstrate this," Dr. Jason Singh exclusively told Glam.
However, if you've committed to the adrenal cocktail trend and aren't experiencing the same benefits shared by other users on TikTok, it may be time to shift your focus to broader healthy habits. "I typically counsel my patients that relying on quick fixes may lead to disappointment so the focus should be on implementing sustainable healthy habits that combine a balance of hydration, stress reduction, adequate sleep, nutritious food, and moderate exercises," Singh added. So, perhaps the best course of action is to follow the doctor's orders regarding a healthy and balanced lifestyle and examine why you're always feeling tired — whether or not that includes a popular TikTok trend like the adrenal cocktail.