Be sure to read the associated Adrenal Cocktail Recipe post.
If you have a question that wasn't addressed here, ask in the comment section.
What is an adrenal cocktail? Who are they for?
Adrenal cocktails are drinks made to nourish and soothe "tired and underfed adrenal glands." Those with Adrenal Fatigue, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Dysautonomia (POTS), and Low Thyroid all benefit from adrenal cocktails. Athletes can also enjoy an adrenal cocktail as a sports drink. If you have bouts of low energy, adrenal cocktails can also help provide a pick-me-up.
What is in an Adrenal Cocktail?
Adrenal cocktails mainly contain carbohydrates, electrolytes (including sodium and potassium), vitamin C (an antioxidant), and water. The combination of the hydration, carbs, electrolytes, and vitamin C all feed and soothe the adrenal glands and give the drinker a boost in energy.
Matt's note: This is similar to a homemade Gatorade but without all the questionable ingredients. FYI Gatorade has 36g of carbs per 20oz, or 60g of carbs per liter.
What are the Adrenal Glands?
The adrenal glands sit on top of your kidneys, and they are responsible for making the fat-soluble hormones that regulate stress. These hormones include:
Cortisol is often referred to as a stress hormone. When the body does not have enough energy (calories), the body will release more cortisol to go to the liver, and will tell it that the body needs to make a 'bank withdrawal' because its running short on cash (carbs). This process is call gluconeogenesis and it is stressful for the body long term, especially with the associated cortisol release.
Aldosterone, which is the hormone that is responsible for your blood pressure (higher blood pressure = higher stress usually). This hormone also regulates your water retention. If you have water retention, adrenal cocktails may help
Adrenaline and Noradrenaline. These are the main hormones for your fight-or-flight response. When in this state, the body increases blood pressure, heart rate, and increases blood flow to muscles preparing the body for physical activity. The flight or flight response is not always bad, but it is consistent with a stress response. Those with Adrenal fatigue, dysautonomia, and POTS often feel "stuck" in the fight-or-flight state. Adrenal cocktails can also help here.
DHEA - this is a precursor to both the male and female sex hormones, androgens and estrogens. If you have low libido or poor sex hormone balance then that can also be a sign of adrenal fatigue.
Can you tell me more about Adrenal Fatigue?
Adrenal fatigue is also called "Adrenal insufficiency," or "HPA Axis Dysfunction." It is characterized by the following major symptoms:
Chronic, long-lasting stress and poor stress management (hard to relax)
Poor energy (and other low thyroid function symptoms)
Blood pressure problems
Muscle weakness
More symptoms may be present, but these are the major ones.
Matt's Note: Adrenal fatigue is more of a 'trendy term' and is not technically a real diagnosis that can be given by a medical professional. That being said, identifying adrenal fatigue can also be a gateway to discovering Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Hypothyroidism, POTS, etc... A true health professional will listen to you and your concerns and how adrenal fatigue or adrenal insufficiency is affecting you. Reach out to Matt if you'd like help.
"Eating Your Feelings"
When someone is stressed out there is a common and well-known tendency to “eat your feelings.” or “need a sweet treat.“ this is an accurate and correct physiological response and desire because when the body is stressed out with high cortisol circulating in the system, the body desires carbohydrates to help lower the circulating cortisol in the body.
This is also logical as to how and why a carb-rich adrenal cocktail works on soothing the adrenal glands.
What about the Carbs in the adrenal cocktail?
Matt's Note: I am going to speak more candidly here. I have never seen ketogenic or low carbohydrate diets actually resolve and get rid of Adrenal Fatigue symptoms. Lower carbohydrate diets have been helpful in blood sugar stabilization, but clients were still struggling with lower energy, despite the 'correct blood sugar levels.' They would feel alright, but never well enough to go work out. It was only when I put aside what I thought 'should work' but isn't when I discovered what does actually help adrenal fatigue and trust me, I used to be a keto and low carb specialized dietitian nutritionist. Low carb and keto diet do have their place in the nutrition field, and with specific clients, but those who are needing help with adrenal fatigue and energy levels really benefit from a 'body building diet' because the body needs to be 'built back up' from how tired it is. This concept was transformative for both me as a dietitian who truly wants to help and my clients who truly want solutions that actually help.
Vitamin C Reduces Stress
Vitamin C reduces blood levels of stress-related hormones, including cortisol in the body. This means that when the body has enough vitamin C, the body is able to break down and excrete excess stress (cortisol) to help you feel less stressed.
Those who are low in vitamin C have more stress and those with good levels of vitamin C have less stress.
Vitamin C is involved in the synthesis of fat-soluble hormones like cortisol. Vitamin C is a cofactor for enzymes that convert cholesterol into cortisol in the adrenal glands. The more the adrenal glands are supported, the easier it is for them to function. If the adrenal glands are missing something, like vitamin C, they will get tired and they will not be able to work appropriately. When an organ is not provided the nutrition it requires, that organ gets tired because it’s having a hard time doing its job properly. This is why vitamin C is important in facilitating, proper adrenal function, and for treating adrenal fatigue.
It is well-known that vitamin C reduces, stress levels in a multitude of studies. However, scientists are still researching in greater detail, the specific biochemical pathways in how vitamin C specifically helps reduce stress so much.
Study show that athletes that consume vitamin C have lower stress levels after intense exercise. Studies also show that those with optimal vitamin C levels are notably less stressed than those who are deficient.
Tyrosine in an Adrenal Cocktail?
Tyrosine, the amino acid (which is a protein), helps rebuild your catecholamines. Dopamine, adrenaline, and noradrenaline are all catecholamines. A tyrosine deficiency will result in low or poor catecholamine production and can be incredibly helpful for those suffering from adrenal fatigue and depression. Tyrosine is a known amino acid supplement that regulates stress and depression. If you try a tyrosine supplement and get benefits from it, then you should also look your protein consumption and your thyroid levels. If you need help reach out to Matt.
Why is potassium so important in an Adrenal Cocktail?
The potassium in an adrenal cocktail usually comes from coconut water (4-8oz) or cream of tartar (1/4tsp.), Potassium helps regulate the water balance and carb absorption in the body (which transitively helps regulate blood pressure). These benefits are mainly due to potassium being an electrolyte. Like all electrolytes (potassium, sodium, magnesium, bicarbonate) they stimulate your nerves and muscles and help them function properly.
Potassium is also essential for carbohydrate and protein metabolism. Meaning, you can make the carbohydrate absorption in the adrenal cocktail easier by having enough potassium in the drink or in your diet.
Matt's Note: You do NOT need to add potassium to your adrenal cocktail if you have enough potassium in your general diet.
Potassium is well known in the nutrition field to help with high blood pressure. It is also known to help correct the heartbeat by reducing cardiac arrhythmia.
Potassium deficiency is relatively rare, but trying this essential nutrient in an adrenal cocktail can be incredibly beneficial.
Most fruits are an excellent source of potassium and dietary requirements can be satisfied in this way. Adding whole fruit to your adrenal cocktail should provide the required potassium.
Matt's Note: Do try adrenal cocktails with and without additional potassium to see if your body has a preference. If no benefit is found by adding in the potassium (which is an excellent sign), then simply remove this part of the drink.