The cortisol crisis is real—and people are searching for solutions.
Nearly 60% of adults will experience symptoms related to hormone imbalances. Hormones are a silent and fundamental driver of how we feel, function, perform, and age. Cortisol, often called the stress hormone, is the “CEO” of the endocrine system. While only a small percentage of people have true cortisol-related diseases, patterns of cortisol dysregulation affect 1 in 3 adults.
This isn’t a passing trend. People are actively seeking ways to feel better and regain control—but they’ve been left without real tools to understand what their body needs. The “cortisol cocktail” is going viral not because it’s magic, but because it reflects a widespread attempt to manage the ripple effects of cortisol on energy, sleep, weight, and more.
“Cortisol dysregulation affects 1 in 3 adults. The rise of cortisol-focused trends shows just how hungry people are for solutions—but they’re operating in the dark.” – Marina Pavlovic Rivas
It may help, but not for the reasons you think.
If we look closely at the ingredients behind the viral “cortisol cocktail,” what’s really at play isn’t magic—it’s hydration doing the heavy lifting.
The relationship between hydration and cortisol is a two-way street. Dehydration can raise cortisol, as the body perceives fluid loss as a physiological threat. And cortisol, in turn, controls how we hold onto or excrete water, sodium, and other minerals. When this feedback loop is off, people often feel it in their energy, sleep, mood, and metabolism. Hydration alone won’t fix cortisol dysregulation, but it’s one of the many levers.
“Hydration and electrolytes matter, especially during periods of high stress. When cortisol surges, the body loses critical nutrients like sodium, potassium, and magnesium. Drinks combining coconut water, citrus juice, sea salt, and magnesium may aid recovery by replenishing these deficits and supporting relaxation.” – Dr. Fady Hannah-Shmouni
But here’s an important distinction: while this “cortisol cocktail” may offer symptom relief or indirect support, its ingredients do not directly regulate cortisol levels or control how the hormone is produced.
“Any benefit people feel is likely due to improved hydration, a magnesium-assisted calming effect for some, or the simple act of taking a mindful pause to interrupt a stress loop. For others, it replaces stress-related habits that don’t serve them—like an evening glass of alcohol—with something more supportive for health.” - Marina Pavlovic Rivas
The goal isn’t always to lower cortisol. It’s to understand your rhythm.
Cortisol follows a natural daily rhythm—spiking in the morning to fuel energy and tapering off at night to support rest. This curve is called the diurnal rhythm. For 1 in 3 adults, it’s disrupted by chronic stress and factors like sleep, nutrition, light exposure, routine, and exercise.
Cortisol isn’t “bad”—it’s essential for our health and well-being and even keeps us alive. The real issue isn’t whether it’s high or low, but whether that rhythm is working as it should.
“Even if a drink could reduce cortisol, not everyone should aim to lower it—and certainly not blindly. Cortisol dysregulation comes in many forms: curves can be too high, too low, completely flipped, or irregular. One-size-fits-all fixes can do more harm than good. Everyone’s pattern is unique, and the first step is knowing yours.” — Marina Pavlovic Rivas
Guessing is out. Real measurement is in.
The internet is flooded with advice on how to “lower cortisol.” But until now, no one could answer the most important question: Is it working—and is it working for you?
Cortisol tracking has long been considered impractical. Because cortisol fluctuates throughout the day, traditional lab tests are too slow, too expensive, and not designed for the kind of frequent, real-time monitoring needed to understand the impact of our daily choices.
“Until now, this data has been largely invisible. It’s been too slow, expensive, and sporadic to offer the insight people need. We created a technology that makes hormone tracking as easy as checking your temperature and as quick as brushing your teeth. And now people can use this data to guide daily decisions based on their body’s live feed.” – Marina Pavlovic Rivas
Developed over five years of R&D and backed by a dozen patent-pending innovations, Hormometer™ makes it possible to check hormone levels instantly using a saliva sample and your phone—anytime, anywhere. Results appear in minutes, alongside personal trends and AI-powered recommendations inside the Eli Health app. No lab. No sample shipping. No guessing.
Real-time data now lets people see whether any lifestyle change—”cortisol cocktail” included—actually shifts their own cortisol rhythm.
“For the first time in history, people can track their cortisol in real time and understand their unique pattern. It’s a shift from trial and error to targeted, personalized action.” — Dr. Fady Hannah-Shmouni
The viral drink might be working against you—here’s how to upgrade it.
Many “cortisol cocktail” recipes include coconut water and orange juice, which can pack 15–30g of sugar per glass—that’s up to 100% of your recommended daily maximum. While the ritual may feel good, it’s best to avoid sugar for everyday hydration. Consuming that much—especially when done regularly—can work against your wellness goals by impacting factors such as metabolic health, weight management, and inflammation.
If you’re reaching for this drink often, it’s worth rethinking what’s in it.
“Swap the coconut and orange juices for filtered water, unsweetened green or herbal tea served over ice. Add sugar-free electrolytes with sodium, potassium, and magnesium. Avoid products that list ‘natural flavours’—they’re often highly processed and can contain chemical additives that trigger side effects like headaches in sensitive individuals. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon for flavour and a boost of vitamin C.” – Marina Pavlovic Rivas
