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Wellness

What’s the science behind the summer ‘Cortisol Cocktail’ trend everyone’s talking about?

These mocktails purportedly support relaxation, stress reduction, and healthy adrenal function.

As non-alcoholic socializing grows, people are increasingly seeking non-booze options to unwind.

Science confirms what many of us already feel—we're stressed. The eighth edition of the Censis-Eudaimon report, which analyzes the relationship between work, companies, and employee well-being, revealed that 31.8% of people feel “close to burnout” due to workplace stress. Meanwhile, as non-alcoholic socializing continues to grow, with sober bars and events gaining popularity, people are seeking booze-free options to help them unwind. Enter the latest trend promising relaxation without the hangover: Cortisol Cocktails.

These viral drinks—available in various flavors and colors—are alcohol-free beverages made with ingredients that purportedly lower cortisol, restore energy, relieve tension, and balance hormones. But is this just a catchy, alliterative name? Or could cortisol cocktails actually deliver on their promises? Let's dive in.

woman, mocktail, drinking, juice, non-alcoholicCortisol prepares your body for “fight or flight” situations, but shouldn't produce too much of it. Photo credit: Canva

So, what is cortisol?

First things first: Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced in the adrenal glands (which sit atop the kidneys), often called the “stress hormone” because your body releases more of it when facing physical or emotional stress. By regulating the body's stress response, cortisol prepares you for “fight or flight” situations. This isn't necessarily bad—producing cortisol is valuable for the body, as it plays a vital role in regulating metabolism, inflammation, and blood sugar levels, while helping to balance our circadian rhythm. However, like everything in life, beware of excess cortisol. While temporary increases are healthy and normal, chronically elevated cortisol keeps you in a constant state of stress and can lead to harmful long-term effects, including anxiety, depression, irritability, fatigue and sleep problems, increased weight gain (especially around the abdomen), and memory problems or brain fog.

The science behind cortisol mocktails

While there are plenty of ways to lower cortisol, like spending time in nature and maintaining positive social interactions, these solutions lack one thing: deliciousness. (Another non-delicious yet interesting cortisol fact: a 2023 study found that laughter is a great way to lower cortisol levels, noting that “spontaneous laughter is associated with greater reduction in cortisol levels as compared with usual activities, suggesting laughter as a potential adjunctive medical therapy to improve well-being.”)

Cortisol mocktails—also called “adrenal cocktails”—are alcohol-free beverages concocted with a medley of ingredients that purportedly support relaxation, stress reduction, and healthy adrenal function. While no drink can “cure” stress, these beverages contain ingredients that are associated with managing cortisol and offer other beneficial qualities.

Research shows that adaptogens like ashwagandha, rhodiola, and holy basil help the body adapt to stress and may lower cortisol levels. The same goes for foods rich in vitamin C—think bright citrus fruits, berries, and pineapple. Meanwhile, a dash of magnesium can support muscle relaxation and stress response, and L-theanine (an amino acid found in green tea) promotes relaxation without causing drowsiness.


Three cortisol mocktail recipes to try this summer

(1) Tropical pineapple coconut mocktail

This refreshing drink combines pineapple and coconut water, creating a dynamic combo for supporting adrenal health. Pineapple is sweet and loaded with vitamin C, which is especially essential for adrenal function, as the glands use large amounts of it to produce stress hormones and combat oxidative stress. Coconut water, on the other hand, is naturally high in potassium, magnesium, and sodium: three electrolytes essential for maintaining fluid balance and proper adrenal gland activity.

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup cubed pineapple
  • ¾ cup coconut water
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • ½ tsp monk fruit sweetener (or honey)
  • ¼ tsp sea salt

Instructions:

Blend all ingredients for 20–30 seconds until smooth. Pour over ice and enjoy. This tropical treat provides vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, and vitamin B6—all while making you feel like you’re getting ready for a vacation.

group, mocktail, drinking, juice, non-alcoholicGreen tea, pineapple, and coconut water are all associated with lowered cortisol levels. Photo credit: Canva

Calming matcha lemon balm mocktail

Green tea is a natural wonder, offering a ton of health benefits and bringing even energy without any jitters, spikes, or crashes. That’s because of its natural contents: caffeine and L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation and supports healthy sleep and stress levels. A 2022 study found that increased consumption of green tea led to significantly reduced levels of elevated stress hormones like cortisol in teenagers.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup sparkling water
  • ⅓ tsp matcha green tea powder
  • 1 inch cucumber, sliced
  • 2-3 fresh lemon balm leaves (or 1 lemon balm tea bag, brewed and cooled)
  • Juice of ½ lime
  • Natural sweetener to taste
  • Ice

Instructions:

Muddle cucumber and lemon balm in a shaker. Add matcha, lime juice, sweetener, and ice. Shake well, strain into a glass, and top with sparkling water. Garnish with lime and cucumber slices.


woman, mocktail, drinking, juice, non-alcoholicKeep in mind, cortisol mocktails are not magic potions. Photo credit: Canva

Sleepy girl mocktail

Ideal for winding down, this delicious nightcap combines magnesium with the naturally occurring melatonin present in cherry juice that supports sleep and relaxation.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tsp magnesium powder (berry-flavored works great)
  • 2 oz organic tart cherry juice
  • 10 oz sparkling water
  • Ice

Instructions:

Combine magnesium powder and tart cherry juice in a glass. Top with sparkling water and ice. Sip in bliss as you prepare for a restful night.

The bottom line

It’s important to keep in mind that cortisol mocktails aren’t magic potions. Don’t look to social media for cure-alls or for alternatives to medicine or a doctor’s advice, either.

“If you think there’s something wrong with your hormone levels, it’s so, so critical to seek the help of an endocrinologist instead of trying to do your own research to diagnose and treat yourself,” says Christine Byrne, dietitian and owner of Ruby Oak Nutrition, to CBS News. “Lots of influencers and wellness companies prey off people with difficult-to-diagnose symptoms by blaming these symptoms on vague problems like hormone imbalance or adrenal fatigue, then selling a supposed solution. But most of this stuff isn’t evidence-based or thoroughly tested.”

While these mocktails aren't substitutes for medical treatment of chronic stress, they offer a delicious and supportive addition to your stress-management routine. (Be sure to incorporate other essential lifestyle factors like adequate sleep, regular exercise, and stress management techniques like yoga and meditation.) The next time stress weighs heavily on you, remember that relief might be just a sip away. Cheers!

Women's Health

A gynecologist asked women how visits could be improved. Thousands responded, in detail.

"How would you design/optimize a visit to the gynecologist’s office? No detail is too small.”

Many would agree that gynecology visits could be improved upon.

When picturing a doctor’s office, you might imagine a less than warm atmosphere. Those oh-so-lovely fluorescent lights instantly come to my mind. Imagine if a doctor told you, “I want to design our visit in a way that makes you feel most comfortable.” Suddenly that annual check-up doesn’t sound so dreadful after all.

Dr. Ryan Stewart, a urogynecologist at the Midwest Center for Pelvic Health, recently asked women to weigh in on the redesign of his office. Posting the question to X, he wrote: “I have the opportunity to design my office from scratch. I’m asking women. How would you design/optimize a visit to the gynecologist’s office? No detail is too small.”

gynecology, gynecologist, women's health, medicine, OBGYNThe gynecologist's office is a vulnerable place.Photo credit: Canva

His tweet ended with “If I’ve ever had a tweet worthy of virality, it’s this one.”

And boy was he right. His tweet nearly instantly received thousands of replies. Turns out, there are a lot of ways to improve a visit to the gyno.

Including:

Empathy toward sexual trauma

This includes starting the exam off asking if a patient has any trauma, and not dismissing feelings of discomfort, according to commenters.

Improved intimacy

As part of improved privacy, many advocated to not be asked if an intern can observe while the intern is still in the room.

"It's hard to say no to them," one person wrote.

Another added "I'm sitting on the table in the gown and [the gyno] brings in this young guy and says 'you don't mind him observing this do you?' I consented but have been pissed off ever since and never went back to her."

One person mentioned that their current doctor recently swapped the thin, exposing paper gown for spa style robes, adding both privacy and a dash of luxury.

Diverse posters

This suggestion comes aptly timed, as the diagram (above) of a black fetus recently inspired a viral conversation. Many were noting that they had never seen one in medical imagery before.

One person remarked, "I am 53 years old and have never seen myself represented in anything in a doctor's office, even pamphlets. Change that!"

Mental health screenings

Waiting until the clothes are ON to disclose important info

"Don’t discuss care or diagnoses when people are naked," pleaded a commenter in a now-deleted tweet. "I remember how much more respected and comfortable I felt when a new gynaecologist introduced himself to me while I was clothed, did the exam, then had me get dressed and meet him in his office to discuss care! Much better!"

Bottom line: It's already a vulnerable time. Let people have a moment to get comfortable.

One person added "I have always had to specifically ask to be able to talk to my doctor clothed first. Even when I hadn't met that doctor yet. I feel like that should be default, not up to me to ask for. It's such a power imbalance already, don't add unnecessary vulnerability."

Ditching the pink

To some, it's mildly annoying. To others, it's even triggering.

One person tweeted, "I went through a breast cancer scare, & EVERY women's medical office I went to–pink EVERYWHERE. I was at a really terrified moment in my life, & pink, pink, pink. I 100% can't stand it anymore."

Offering pain meds

Potentially painful procedures like IUD insertions or cervical biopsies typically only offer medication upon request. This Twitter user suggested offering them, making it clear that the patient has the option.

More accessibility in the exam and waiting rooms

Tables that lower for those with mobility issues as well as higher waiting room chairs were among the most frequently suggested items.

And lastly … a variety of speculum sizes

gynecology, gynecologist, speculum, OBGYN, women's health, pap smearSpeculums may be metal or plastic, but they're always cold.Photo credit: Canva

""A wide variety of speculum sizes, and introduction to the exam room including a play by play of how the visit will go," wrote one person in a now-deleted tweet. "Most people never get this and the office staff never ask if it’s their first exam and most people wouldn’t disclose fear or stress if they have it."

The general consensus: and while you're at it, warm them up too.

Dr. Stewart’s tweet did receive constructive criticism asking for more inclusion

Dr. Stewart welcomed the insight, sending a follow-up tweet that read:“Folks have [correctly] pointed out that I [incorrectly] said “women” when what I should have said was “folks who may need gynecologic care.” I named the practice with this in mind @midwestpelvis, but I find that I still have a lot of internalized/implicit bias.”

This viral thread might have started a trend. Soon after another medical practitioner tweeted:

“Love urogynecologist Dr. Stewart asking for input on ideal office design and wanted to ask the oncology community something similar: given that no one wants to come to a cancer doctor…what makes the experience MOST comfortable?”

Though Dr. Stewart describes his philosophy online as “I want you to leave every appointment feeling as though you’ve learned more about yourself,” it’s lovely to see that he is equally invested in learning about his patients as well.

This article originally appeared three years ago.

An American in Italy.

As the old saying goes, you are what you eat, so our diets play a tremendous role in how we feel from day to day. Food can give us energy, vitality, and mental clarity or make us feel listless and drained. A person who spent two weeks in Italy shared an incredible revelation they had while living in the Bel Paese. Even though they ate healthily while living in America, they felt great after spending a few days in Italy.

The traveler felt so much better living the Italian lifestyle that they pledged to leave America one day, possibly in five years, and move to Italy. They felt so much better abroad because Italians are much more conscious about their food quality.

american food, italian food, american tourist, italian pizza, wine, big sunglassesAn American woman in Italy.via Canva/Photos

“I'm just so mad at the food in the US. I left for 2 weeks to Italy. My mood was better, my awareness was better. I could eat wheat (I'm extremely gluten intolerant and it messes with my autoimmune disease if I eat it among a multitude of other symptoms) with gluten pills with minor bloating,” they wrote on Reddit. “I had some of the best food, best health feelings (other than muscle soreness from walking so much) I've ever had in my life. It's made me have so much resentment for US food. I mean, even my skin cleared up quite a bit overseas.”

American food has a lot of sugar

The big realization they had is that American food is loaded with sugar. “It just makes me so mad that having any kind of sugar is just too much here. Sugar and wheat and what ever else is just so much harder on my body here than in Italy. I want to move,” they wrote.

american food, italian food, american tourist, italian pizza, wine, big sunglassesAn American woman in Italy.via Canva/Photos

It’s easy to criticize the traveler by saying, “Well, why don’t you just eat differently when you return home to America?” But it can be tough to eat healthy in America because it's nearly impossible to escape the food system. “There is sugar in f**king everything. It's so bad,” one of the top commenters wrote. “I've pretty much stopped eating anything that isn't home-cooked using whole foods. Even all the bread products I consume are baked at home. Everything from bagels to dinner rolls.”

How do Americans and Italians eat differently?

The attitude towards food in Italy and the United States couldn’t be more different. First, both cultures treat shopping completely differently. Americans go to large grocery stores where a lot of the food is processed and the produce is available, whether in season or not. Italians prefer to go to small markets for fresh meats and produce, and only eat the foods in season.

american food, donuts, hamburger, soda, french fries, candyA big table of American food.via Canva/Photos

Further, the Italian government has much stricter rules about food consumption. Italy is one of the top food producers in the European Union, and the government has banned GMOs for commercial use.

The Italian diet is healthier because it skips processed foods, added sugars, and refined carbs. Instead, it follows the Mediterranean approach, which supports heart health, better sleep, weight control, and mental well-being, while also reducing the risk of cancer and diabetes.

On a deeper level, Italian people place a high value on food, and meal time isn’t something to be rushed but a time to enjoy a multi-course meal with friends and family. Americans have an on-the-go lifestyle, where meal time is what we fit in between working and relaxing in front of the TV. So, if Americans took a page and put food back in the center of their lives, it may help with their mental, physical, and social well-being.

Culture

People in their 40s share the best life advice that they wish they had known in their 30s

"Trying to maintain friendships with people that are on separate paths is difficult."

Image via Canva

People in their 40s share life advice with people in their 30s.

Wisdom is accrued with years lived. Every generation has advice to pass down, and people in their 40s have a lot of life advice to share with those a decade behind them in age.

In an online forum, this question was posed to people in their 40s, asking, "For those in their 40s, what's something people in their 30s don’t realize will impact them as they get older?"

People in their 40s generously shared their best life advice and aging tips with those in their 30s. These are 16 of their most impactful pieces of wisdom on getting older.

old, getting old, aging, getting older, oldAging Jamie Lee Curtis GIFGiphy

"You wish you’d been more prepared for your family and friends to start dying or getting sick." —@G-base

"How well you took care of your teeth." —@aggieraisin

"Open a Roth IRA. Start small, but don't stop and don't take anything out. I didn't have a decent paying job until I was 39 years old. It's never to old to start saving. I did it and am now retired comfortably." —@FritzTheCat_1

stretch, stretching, stretch routine, stretching routine, doing stretchingGym Stretch GIF by Chance The RapperGiphy

"Stretching." —@SillyDistractions

"For those in their 30s, you need to know this. 40 is not old. Neither is 50." —@Mattynice75

"Posture." —@Prior-Force1068

"Your friendships will shift if you grow and change as a person." —@theprostateprophet

friends, friendship, changing friendships, relationships, friendTv Show No GIF by HelloGigglesGiphy

"It was around 40 that I started to realize that most people you meet are in your life for only a certain period of time, and even though it sucks, it’s actually normal. When I moved to a new city at 30, I had a pretty nice new group of friends. Now that I’m 40, I rarely talk to any of them. But they were perfect for that particular period in time. I think the same thing will continue to happen in your 40s, 50s, etc. Perhaps some will become lifelong friends, but the majority will just be rentals." —@_Toaster_Baths

"Find a life partner. Stop being part of toxic relationships. You are not going to fix anyone. Don't waste time with someone who can't be a good life partner. It's time to grow up and understand that if you are having serious relationship problems, it's because you are with the wrong person and you need to find the right person, not try to fix the relationship." —@RonGoBongo111

"Your childhood traumas." —@Skydreamer6

do it, just do it, motivation, dont wait, take a riskjust do it GIFGiphy

"There are no grownups, and there is no someday. Do it now, or stop saying you will 'eventually'; and stop waiting for the answers to come. Sometimes you need to gamble." —@Bitter_Pilot5086

"When I asked my mom what really changes after forty, she gave it to me straight — no sugarcoating. There’s no magical transformation. Things that used to work quietly start creaking. Fatigue becomes a background noise that doesn’t go away with one good night’s sleep. She said that in your thirties, it feels like you’ve got endless energy, plenty of time, and unshakable health. But then you realize — one bad night’s sleep can ruin your whole day. Your back isn’t 'just sore,' it’s 'this is how it is now.' And everything that once felt automatic — stamina, resilience, even friendship — starts to require intention, care, and effort. The hardest part? You start to feel that 'everything’s ahead' doesn’t quite apply anymore. Some things are already behind you, and you have to learn to let go. Not cling to the past, not drag it with you. Because if you do, you’ll miss how strange and beautiful the now can actually be. And most importantly, she said — stop postponing things. Love, change, taking care of yourself. 'Later' isn’t a guaranteed destination." —@Inevitable-Rice-702

"I think this goes well for any age in all honesty; it is never too late! You are never too young, if you love something and have a passion for it do it! If you love someone , love them so hard! Most importantly be you, I know a lot of people my age (46) who also have come out it’s never too late to live and love fully you will never regret following your heart!" —@UnknownUser

go for it, never too late, soar, never too old, get after itInspire Follow Your Dreams GIF by Positive ProgrammingGiphy

"Wasting time. On jobs, on money, on looks. Instead of living free, focusing on being present, and spending quality time with their family." —@Shiasugar

"Deepen your close friendships now. You’ll see them less as time goes by, but their presence is equally as important." —@Single-Major2055

"I'm bit more mature now so i don't judge people on appearances or face value. Trust is a valuable commodity don't give it loosely. Let people earn it." —@saransh000