The adrenal cocktail is use to describe a mixed drink containing a few key nutrients needed for optimal adrenal function. When combatting stress either it’s day to day or chronic and intense, the adrenals need proper nutrients to release adequate hormones at the correct time. This is the key to handle your stress better.
After stress has become too chronic or ill managed, the adrenals have difficulty producing the correct response.
While you may hear this described as Adrenal Fatigue, the term is a bit misleading. The adrenals do not actually get “wore out”, but instead it actually is a communication issue. With hormones, we need them working in harmony together, to create a beautiful symphony. If one element is off- it can throw off the whole harmony and this is what we see happening with people who are experiencing adrenal/ stress related issues.
This condition is now being termed HPA axis dysfunction.
Related: Is adrenal fatigue real? The underworld of the wired and tired
Personally, I do actually like the term adrenal fatigue as I think is clearly represents how a person feels. Regardless of what you choose to term it, since the names are used interchangeably- the result remains the same. The adrenals need proper specific nutrients to function well.
This posts talks more specifically about what habits lead to this dysfunction and how you can work to recover.
Related: Burn Out Recovery Project
Nutrients needed to handle stress properly:
- Vitamin C
- Potassium
- Sodium
These nutrients are found richly in the food we eat (orange juice, coconut water, salty snacks) We should be cautiously aware that some of these foods can be high in sugars- which works in drastic opposition to nourishing the adrenals.
People who tend to be suffering from adrenal fatigue often also struggle with blood sugar balance. These drinks (commonly known as adrenal cocktails) are specifically formulated to be gentle on the blood sugar curve by using either low glycemic fruits, or adding in stabilizing nutrients like fiber, protein and fat.
After you have stabilized drink that can be gentle for those prone to sugar crashes or anxiety, next you can look for the 3 nutrients needed to nourish the adrenals.
- Vitamin C- from fruits
- Sodium is added via sea salt.
- Potassium sources being cream of tartar and sugar free coconut water.
One you have a full understanding of what exactly crafts a perfect adrenal cocktail, the sky is the limit for your creativity.
Who needs it: Chronically stressed women
When to drink it: mid morning, mid afternoon
What to expect: clearer head, ability to respond to stress APPROPRIATELY
Please note: Proper sleep, hydration, digestion, and blood sugar balance cannot be ignored or replaced by a yummy drink.
Related: Are you a stressed out sugar burner?
Adrenal cocktails 3 ways:
Frozen Strawberries + Cream Adrenal Cocktail
Let’s let the strawberries headline as the Vitamin C powerhouse they are. Oranges are always getting all the attention for their vitamin C content- when strawberries actually contain more vitamin C, are packed with fiber and have a lower glycemic index.
Ingredients
- 1c Frozen strawberries
- 3/4c Pure coconut water
- Pinch of Cream of tartar
- Pinch of Sea salt
- 1 tsp Coconut cream or heavy cream
- Squeeze Fresh citrus
Directions
Blend in a high speed blender and enjoy
Classic Orange Adrenal Cocktail
Note: The elements of collagen and cream are reflective of the high sugar nature of orange juice. The pulp is added for more fiber benefits to the longevity of the blood sugar curve. You pay pair this best with other foods, or if your blood sugar is very sensitive, stick to the other two recipes.
Ingredients
- 1/2 c Pulp filled orange juice
- 1/2 c Coconut water (no sugar added)
- Pinch Sea salt
- 1 Scoop of Collagen
- 2 tsp Coconut or heavy cream
Directions
Mix well with milk frother or blend in a shaker bottle
Not sure if your blood sugar is sensitive? Check out this post.
Coconut Lime Refresher
The last in this series and what I would say is the easiest to make, also low in sugar being gentle and the best choice for those with blood sugar issues.
It is super fresh tasting and can be a great afternoon pick me up, that can help you handle your stress better.
Ingredients
- Juice of 1 lime
- 4 oz Pure coconut water
- Pinch sea salt
- Pinch of cream of tartar (optional)
- Sparkling water to taste
- Sprig of mint if you’re fancy
While this is a trendy recipe, it also needs restated that drinking adrenal cocktails alone will not produce long lasting healing of your stress related illness.
I specialize in helping exhausted stressed to women move from overstimulation to a peaceful quiet mind.
For more personalized help to handle stress better, set up a call and we can talk about what your best first steps would be.
Looking forward to speaking with you.
I’m terribly passionate about seeing women recover from anxiety + depression. That’s why I turned it into my life mission, and I can’t wait for you to see recovery.
Cheers.
*This post may contain affiliate links. This means, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I do not recommend products I have not personally vetted.*
Frozen Strawberries + Cream Adrenal Cocktail
Ingredients
- 1 c Frozen strawberries
- 3/4 c Pure coconut water
- Pinch of Cream of tartar
- Pinch of Sea salt
- 1 tsp Coconut cream or heavy cream
- Squeeze Fresh citrus
Instructions
- Blend in a high speed blender and enjoy
Classic Orange Adrenal Cocktail
Ingredients
- 1/2 c Pulp filled orange juice
- 1/2 c Coconut water no sugar added
- Pinch Sea salt
- 1 Scoop of Collagen
- 2 tsp Coconut or heavy cream
Instructions
- Mix well with milk frother or blend in a shaker bottle
Coconut Lime Refresher
Ingredients
- Juice of 1 lime
- 4 oz Pure coconut water
- Pinch sea salt
- Pinch of cream of tartar optional
- Sparkling water to taste
- Sprig of mint if you’re fancy
