Cortisol cocktail against stress: effectiveness and risks
The so-called cortisol cocktail, which is positioned as a means to combat stress, is rapidly gaining popularity in social networks. However, Ekaterina Demyanovskaya, an expert at the Hemotest laboratory, warned in a conversation with Izvestia on May 5 that its effectiveness had not been proven, and in some cases the drink could be harmful to health. All the details are in the Izvestia article.
Effectiveness of anti-stress medication
The popular drink on the Internet consists of coconut water, lemon and orange juice, salt and a portion of magnesium. At first glance, this composition is logical, since the ingredients contain electrolytes, vitamin C and antioxidants, which are important for the water-electrolyte balance. As Demyanovskaya noted, there is no convincing scientific evidence of the ability of this cocktail to reduce stress levels or treat burnout.
The specialist noted that cortisol is a vital hormone that helps the body adapt to stress. With chronic stress, its level remains constantly elevated, which leads to sleep disorders, pressure spikes, and metabolic problems. Although a cocktail can be useful as a source of vitamins, it is not a universal medicine.
"The potential danger of such cocktails is that a person may perceive them as sufficient stress therapy and ignore other measures to combat it," Demyanovskaya said.
Who is harmed by a fashionable cocktail
Drinking a cortisol cocktail is not safe for everyone. Excess sodium due to salt in the composition is contraindicated in people with hypertension, kidney and cardiovascular diseases. Fruit juices and coconut water contain sugars, which requires caution in patients with diabetes, obesity, and insulin resistance. In addition, some patients may be allergic to citrus fruits.
Instead of self-medication, Demyanovskaya recommends an integrated approach, including daily routine correction and sleep hygiene. In some cases, the help of a psychologist or a check of the thyroid and adrenal glands is required. Medical support, including magnesium supplements, should be prescribed by a doctor only based on the results of examinations.
"In order for supplements, including magnesium, vitamins and electrolytes, to benefit and not harm the body, they should be taken according to indications and taking into account individual health characteristics. When prescribing, the doctor focuses on the symptoms, the results of examinations, concomitant diseases and possible contraindications," the specialist noted.
Cortisol level statistics
According to the Hemotest laboratory, an increase in cortisol levels is recorded in many categories of citizens. For example, a deviation above the norm is observed in every seventh person surveyed. Among women, this indicator is higher — the stress hormone is elevated in every sixth, while in men — in every ninth.
The most common elevated cortisol level is found in pregnant women — it is recorded in one in three (36%). Among children and adolescents under the age of 18, the problem affects one in nine. At the same time, deficiency of this hormone is much less common: the level below the norm was detected only in 2-3% of the surveyed in all age groups.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
