A wellness drink dubbed the 'cortisol cocktail' has gone viral on TikTok, with creators claiming it reduces stress, restores energy, and balances hormones.

Common recipes for the beverage, often consumed before bedtime, include coconut water, orange or lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and sometimes magnesium powder.

Nutritionists largely agree that while individual ingredients like magnesium are beneficial, the cocktail itself lacks proven health benefits for meaningfully reducing cortisol or stress.

Experts warn that the sugars in the drink can cause blood glucose spikes before bed, potentially leading to poor sleep and subsequently higher cortisol levels the following day.

They advise that if consumed, it should be earlier in the day with a meal, and stress management should primarily focus on holistic approaches including movement, diet, and sleep.

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What is a ‘cortisol cocktail’ and can it help you sleep better?