Many women experience signs and symptoms of mineral deficiency including:

Subclinical or clinical hypothyroidism and associated symptoms
Fatigue
Compromised immune systems

Mineral deficiency can occur for many reasons include any of the following:

Stress, whether mental, emotional, or physical it depletes the body of minerals
Inadequate calorie intake or simply inadequate nutrient intake
Fasting for extended periods leading to the adrenals producing high levels of cortisol to continue functioning

These situations also lead to high cortisol, or a stress hormone, that is produced to keep the body running when calories and minerals are inadequate. This hormone is produced by the adrenals and over time, will become fatigued.

Most women have experienced many of these situations, often occurring at the same time, resulting in depletion of minerals and adrenal fatigue. Consistent supplementation through adequate nutrition and food based supplements that are high in minerals can assist the body in maintaining functions required by minerals.

The adrenal cocktail, also known as the cortisol mocktail, is one of the best, and easiest, ways to intake minerals to reduce depletion resulting from our modern lives. The adrenal cocktail is NOT a snack or meal replacement. It is a SUPPLEMENT for your body.

Adrenal cocktails have many benefits including:

Vitamin C Support: Adrenal cocktails often include vitamin C, which is essential for adrenal function and may help reduce oxidative stress.
Electrolyte Balance: Some recipes include electrolyte-rich ingredients like sea salt, which may help support hydration and electrolyte balance.
Blood Sugar Regulation: Ingredients high in minerals help the body maintain normal blood sugar levels, supporting overall adrenal function.
Improved Hydration: Adrenal cocktails contain the constituents you need to allow water to enter your cells, further preventing dehydration.
Reduced Fatigue: Supporters suggest that adrenal cocktails may help reduce fatigue and improve energy levels, particularly during times of stress.
Stress Management: Adaptogens and other ingredients may be included to help the body better manage stress responses.

A basic recipe with some modifications are included below. It is recommended an adrenal cocktail have the following components:

Vitamin C Source: Vitamin C is crucial for adrenal health as it aids in the production of cortisol and supports the immune system. Oranges are a delicious source of this vital nutrient. Choose pulp free orange juice if you are prone to stomach upset from acidic foods.
Potassium Source: Potassium is essential for maintaining proper electrolyte balance and supporting healthy adrenal function. Cream of tartar is a rich and easily absorbed source of potassium.
Sodium Source: Sodium is necessary for fluid balance and adrenal function. Sea salt provides a natural and balanced source of sodium without the additives found in regular table salt

Knowing this, you can experiment and come up with additional combinations that you enjoy! Share this article with others if you fine it helpful! Expect to feel better the same day of trying your first adrenal cocktail due to balanced blood sugar and less cortisol spikes. For more extensive symptoms of mineral deficiency and adrenal fatigue, expect 1-6+ months of intentional supplementation to see symptoms improve depending on the severity of your deficiencies.

Basic Adrenal Cocktail Recipe

Mix together potassium source, vitamin C source, sodium source, and source of protein to form an adrenal cocktail.

Consume an hour after breakfast and and hour after lunch.

Potassium source: ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar OR ½ cup coconut water
Vitamin C source: ½ cup orange juice (fresh squeezed preferred) OR 500mg+ vitamin C powder
Sodium source: ¼ teaspoon sea salt
Protein source: ½ cup milk and/or 1 serving of collagen
Optional: ¼ cup coconut cream or coconut milk for “creamsicle” type drink

If you are having any symptoms of mineral deficiency, are pregnant, or breastfeeding, you may want to consider adding pearl powder, or collagen with pearl powder, to increase your calcium consumption.

Make it Fun: Sparkling or Slushy Adrenal Cocktail: Add sparkling water or blend your adrenal cocktail with some ice to make a slushy! Yum!

Berry Bliss Adrenal Smoothie:

Ingredients: 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), 1/2 cup fresh orange juice, 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar, 1/8 teaspoon sea salt, and Ice cubes (optional)

Instructions: 1. Blend berries, orange juice, cream of tartar, and sea salt until smooth. 2. Add ice cubes if desired and blend again. 3. Enjoy!

If you have gestational diabetes or concerns regarding blood sugar becoming too high, discuss with your midwife before consuming orange juice and use vitamin C powder instead.