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Just 32 Lesser-Known Beauty Products That Should Be On Your Radar By Now

Just 32 Lesser-Known Beauty Products That Should Be On Your Radar By Now

Buzz Feed30-05-2025
Some collagen-infused forehead patches for when your skin is practically begging for a hit of hydration — this is the thirst-quenching refreshment you need! They contain collagen, vitamin E, aloe, and glycerin to help smooth fine lines and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Glossmetics' Lychee Overnight Lip Mask that'll have you smackin' your luscious lips all over the place because when they look *and* feel this good, how could you not?! The non-sticky, shiny formula could be worn during the day OR as an overnight lip treatment. It contains vitamin E, shea butter, and peptides to help soften, moisturize, and condition your pout.
Skala's Mais Cacho Hair 2-in-1 Conditioning Treatment for anyone who wants to give their curls effortless bounce and definition that actually lasts — look no further. It can be used as a conditioning treatment OR you can use it for all-day wear to help repair your locks. Reviewers also praise it for its gently detangling effect!
Olay Super Serum Body Wash if you and your dry skin are fighting for your lives out there. This formula is infused with shea butter, collagen peptides, and niacinamide to help restore moisture and nourish your skin with long-lasting hydration. It's the body wash version of their TikTok-famous facial Super Serum — iykyk, enough said.
OR! Cremo's super rich moisturizing body wash inspired by the beloved Baccarat Rouge 540 scent you know and love. This divine formula contains white jasmine, red currant, and sweet amber, aka the ultimate treat for your senses. Bet you won't underestimate this body wash again!
A TikTok-beloved "Soft" perfume rollerball that deserves wayyy more recognition IMO — it delivers a sweet, warm scent that rolls on easily and isn't too overpowering. There's a reason reviewers can't stop raving about the captivating scent, with some comparing it to lemon pound cake! It's basically the affordable version of Pink Sugar, which goes for $65.
Mixsoon Bean Essence when you're ready to have your mind blown by a skincare product — this revolutionary formula hydrates *and* exfoliates at the same time. Ingredients such as fermented bean, barley, and pomegranate help get rid of dead skin cells while improving your skin tone. Best of all? No sticky residue!!
Eos' Cashmere Skin Collection Shave Oil you won't stop raving about after trying it, which is likely the same reaction you had to the Eos "cashmere" body lotion that blew up on TikTok. Now it's available in a shave oil that smells just as delicious and will help protect your skin from bumps and burns. Even reviewers with sensitive skin swear by it.
E.l.f's brand new Lash XTNDR Tubing Mascara because your lashes deserve the best and you don't wanna waste your time with dry, clumpy formulas that leave you full of regret. This one is perfect for peeps with thin, delicate lashes. The lightweight tubing technology is designed to wrap around your eyelashes for a smudge-proof lift that looks natural but also a little too good to be true, tbh. Plus, it's super easy to take off at the end of the day without tons of harsh scrubbing.
A moisturizing Mise En Scene hair serum if your locks are feeling brittle and dryer than ever — this K-beauty product has you covered. It's made with seven nourishing oils, including argan, coconut, olive, apricot, marula, jojoba, and camellia. Reviewers praise this serum for helping to combat dryness! Plus, it smells downright divine.
Winky Lux Flower Balm to give your lips a subtle (and custom!) pink tint based on your unique pH levels. It also has a lovely moisturizing effect, so you'll knock out *two* steps in your routine with *one* product.
A quick-drying nail concealer — you don't *have* to spend a fortune at the salon for those healthy nails you've been dreaming of. This heavenly formula is made with a mix of biotin and keratin to help strengthen your nails and prevent breakage. It gives a super subtle pink tint so you could wear it solo OR as a top coat!
Medicube Deep Vitamin C Golden Capsule Face Moisturizer, a holy-grail product that contains tiny liposome capsules you can pop open on your skin to help brighten and smooth your complexion. Get ready for a punch of vitamin C and niacinamide that'll leave your skin positively radiant!
Or!!! Medicube's collagen jelly to get the beloved ~~glass skin~~ effect you've been chasing for years now. It's made with hydrolyzed collagen for better absorption while preserving firmness and elasticity. It also contains niacinamide to strengthen your skin barrier *and* boost hydration.
A SeoulCeuticals toner mist, which will earn a *permanent* spot in your beauty routine once you experience its dewy effects. This skincare juggernaut is made up of 98% naturally derived ingredients such as soothing aloe, rejuvenating cucumber, and antioxidant-rich green tea that'll make your skin glow like never before. It hydrates, plumps, and helps treat blemishes while preventing future breakouts.
Maybelline Superfluff Volumizing Brow Mousse that'll make everyone go "WOW" as soon as they see your stunning, fluffy brows. This buildable formula comes with an easy-to-use applicator that'll lightly fluff your brows for a fuller but softer appearance. People might even ask where you got 'em done because they'll look professionally laminated. 👀
First Aid Beauty's Facial Radiance Pads soaked in lactic and glycolic acids to rejuvenate your skin with juuust the right amount of exfoliating, toning, and brightening! It also contains other goodies, like cucumber water, Indian gooseberry, lemon peel, and licorice root.
A wow-worthy detangling hairbrush for curly and coily hair that'll detangle tough knots like an absolute charm. It's designed with two-tiered teeth technology: the firmer teeth are gentle on delicate curls but tough on tangles while the shorter teeth help reduce frizz. It can be used on wet OR dry hair and works great for applying conditioning treatments and hair masks.
Neutrogena's new Collagen Bank Daily Facial Moisturizer with SPF 30 so you can accomplish two things at once: hydrate your skin *and* provide proper UV protection. Apply it in the AM and you'll be ready for the day with fewer steps in your skincare routine! It can be worn on its own or under makeup — reviewers say the lightweight formula makes it a great base primer!
And a powdered SPF 30 sunscreen with a brush applicator that'll be a nice addition to your existing sun protection routine. It doesn't replace the liquid version but instead allows for quick and easy touchups throughout the day, especially if you'll be spending a LOT of it outside. Pop it in your bag or even your pocket and reapply as needed.
A huge pack of *cute* hydrocolloid pimple patches — for starters, you'll get SO much more bang for your buck with these than the Mighty Patch or Starface versions. More importantly, these contain more than just hydrocolloid. There's centella asiatica to soothe, salicylic acid to exfoliate, and tea tree oil to target blemishes. Need I say more??
Nyx's Lip IV Hydrating Gloss Serum so you can ~inject~ your pout with a powerful punch of tinted moisture that won't break the bank. This stuff promises 12 hours of hydration with a colorful lip-staining effect that actually lasts. You'll be low-key embarrassed you didn't try it sooner, tbh.
SkinSmart Facial Cleanser Spray you'll tell all your friends to add to *their* cart because it targets acne-causing bacteria without robbing the skin of its beloved moisture. It's about to become your go-to beauty staple thanks to its ability to instantly refresh your skin on the spot.
Elizabeth Mott's Thank Me Later Clean Face Towels so you can remove the day's makeup in a matter of minutes. These 100% natural wipes are made from bio-based viscose staple fiber, which is great for sensitive skin. They're double-sided with one side offering a smooth surface and the other is textured. Bonus: Each towel can be reused up to four times — that's 200 uses per box!
Sol De Janeiro Brazilian Milky Leave-In Conditioner, which comes from the makers of the legendary Bum Bum cream so you know it's gotta be the good stuff. This will meet most (if not all) of your haircare needs because it strengthens, defrizzes, protects against heat *and* locks in moisture. Plus, it smells like the iconic Cheroisa 62 fragrance mist you're probably already obsessed with.
A *non*-aerosol dry shampoo powder infused with biotin and Korean ginseng for absorbing oil, volumizing limp locks, and keeping your hair fresh longer between washes! It contains a subtle scent thanks to lavender extract. It's the perf size for your travel bag too!
A wonderfully rich Eight Saints night cream that'll do all the heavy lifting while you indulge in some beauty sleep. It's made with protein peptides that may help stimulate collagen production for firmer skin with improved elasticity. Don't forget about niacinamide for fading dark spots and discoloration and hyaluronic acid for boosting moisture.
A sleek metal safety razor when you live for a close shave that doesn't result in nicks and cuts. You won't have to bother with costly disposables anymore *and* you'll have super smooth skin with less of a chance of painful razor burn! It even comes with 10 extra corrosion-resistant stainless steel blades so you'll be good to go for a while.
A genius guide wand and eyeliner duo because there is an easier way to perfect your eyeliner game that doesn't involve starting the process over many times! This easy-to-use wand will be a big help if your hands are unsteady when applying eyeliner! It has a flexible, replaceable silicone tip that'll be nice and gentle on your eyes.
A redness-reducing Snail Bee High Content Essence, which is a fast-acting formula that'll help improve your skin's tone and texture — say no more. This lightweight formula contains snail secretion filtrate (don't worry, no snails are harmed!) niacinamide, six-level peptides, and adenosine to soothe and hydrate your skin.
A magical under-eye retinol stick if you've been on a never-ending hunt for an eye product that'll actually do a number on your dark circles and puffiness. Reviewers say this thing got them results within the first few weeks of using it! The heavy-hitter ingredients include encapsulated retinol, power peptide complex, vegan squalane, and astaxanthin. This stick can also be used on your neck, body, and the rest of your face.
Tarte Big Stick Energy duo, aka the combo of your dreams consisting of the new Shape Tape blur concealer stick *and* brush. This streamlines your concealer process and delivers flawless coverage in a creamy, buildable formula that won't crease or cake around the eyes. You'll be left wondering why this lil' miracle didn't enter your life a LOT sooner.
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Dietitian explains fibermaxxing trend: What it is and how to properly incorporate fiber in your diet

time15 minutes ago

Dietitian explains fibermaxxing trend: What it is and how to properly incorporate fiber in your diet

The latest dietary health trend sweeping social media, known as "fibermaxxing," has people pondering the age old question: Can you have too much of a good thing? Millions of videos on TikTok using the hashtag #fibermaxxing have flooded TikTok feeds with an overflow of information. So to help better explain what it actually means and how it works, "Good Morning America" spoke to registered dietitian Steph Grasso, who said it's a trend she can personally get behind. What is fibermaxxing? Grasso, who regularly informs her more than 2 million followers on TikTok and nearly 300,000 followers on Instagram about proper nutrition habits, recently tapped into the viral trend on Instagram, highlighting the potential issues people may face by increasing fiber too quickly and overwhelming the gut. "Fibermaxxing is slang for eating tons of fiber, either meeting or exceeding the daily recommendations," Grasso said. "Protein has always gotten the spotlight, but with colon cancer rates increasing, people are becoming more aware of their low fiber intake and trying to maximize it." Whenever she's posted about fiber, Grasso said her comment section seems to fill up with replies like, "Fiber doesn't agree with me" or "Fiber makes me bloat way too much." "And I think fiber gets that reputation," she said. "Last year, I claimed 2024 as the year of fiber and made my content mostly about it -- trying to influence people to increase their intake," she explained. "I highlighted, and still highlight, beans as a convenient and affordable way to get in fiber. I think the most common misconception is, 'Fiber causes gas and bloating, so I should avoid it.'" While she explained that fiber can indeed cause gas and bloating, that doesn't mean you should avoid it. "That's your body's way of telling you it's feeling way too overwhelmed, because it's never digested that much fiber before," she explained. "Sudden fiber increases, especially if fiber isn't usually part of your diet, can cause temporary gastrointestinal symptoms because your gut bacteria just isn't used to fermenting it." How to properly increase fiber intake "If you're trying to add more fiber to your diet, I recommend increasing it slowly and gradually," Grasso said. "If you never eat fiber, set a goal for 5 grams of fiber a day. Then in the second week, try 10 grams per day and increase by 5 grams each week as tolerated." She also noted that as people are increasing their fiber, they should also be "drinking plenty of water," because "fiber needs water to bulk and aid digestion." The U.S. Department of Agriculture Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggest at least 25 grams of fiber per day for women under 50 and at least 31 grams daily for men under 50. Easy ingredients to add more fiber to your diet "Beans, beans, beans," Grasso said with gusto, discussing the best foods to add more fiber to your diet. "They are so convenient, affordable and versatile. One cup has about 6-8 grams of fiber." Whole grains are another high-fiber food group that Grasso suggests adding -- think "quinoa, oats and barley." "Or snacking on fruit and nuts can increase your fiber intake," she said. "And of course, making half your plate veggies during lunch and dinner will help meet your fiber goals." Health benefits of fiber While Grasso said she could pen an entire article solely dedicated to the studied health benefits of fiber, she summed it up simply. "[Soluble] fiber supports digestive health by feeding beneficial gut bacteria. It also binds to LDL, [or] "bad" cholesterol, in the digestive tract and helps remove it, lowering your cholesterol levels," Grasso explained. "Plus, it slows the absorption of glucose -- sugar -- helping stabilize blood sugar levels and reducing post-meal spikes." No one food group can be responsible for better or worse overall health -- they should be combined with a well-rounded diet and other healthy lifestyle habits like exercise, Grasso said -- and anyone looking to change their diet should first consult with a physician before making a major change like upping your fiber intake. ABC News medical correspondent Dr. Darien Sutton recently weighed in on fibermaxxing for "GMA3." "This is a trend I can stick by," Sutton said. "The majority of us are talking about protein, but very few of us are talking about fiber. It's the one nutrient can extend your life. And 95% of Americans are not getting the recommended amount of fiber." To help people visualize how much fiber they should be getting, Sutton said the daily recommendation in terms of food is equivalent to about seven apples or 11 bananas. But he added, importantly, "this is not where you should get all of your fiber." Like Grasso, Sutton said to utilize beans and legumes by adding them to a salad, or try a half cup of nuts for about 8 grams of fiber. Two to three handfuls of vegetables is about 8 grams of fiber, he said. If you want to kick start the day with a lot of fiber, Sutton suggested adding chia seeds and fruits to morning oats for about 20 grams of fiber. "Fiber is so much more than helping us with digestion. That helps to regulate your sugar and protects you against diabetes, but it binds toxins and reduces inflammation, and that helps us to reduce our risk of colon cancer, and it helps us to get rid of cholesterol. There are so many benefits of fiber, and so few of us are getting it."

A doctor explains what people should know about the ‘cortisol cocktail' that's gone viral on TikTok
A doctor explains what people should know about the ‘cortisol cocktail' that's gone viral on TikTok

CNN

time30 minutes ago

  • CNN

A doctor explains what people should know about the ‘cortisol cocktail' that's gone viral on TikTok

(CNN) — If you've spent time on TikTok or Instagram lately, chances are the 'cortisol cocktail' trending as the latest wellness hack has appeared in your feed. This colorful, nonalcoholic drink typically contains a mix of coconut water, citrus juice and certain salts. Also called an 'adrenal cocktail,' it has amassed millions of views, with influencers claiming it can lower stress hormones, boost energy and balance your body's adrenal function. Almost half of Americans (49%) report frequent bouts of stress, and the number of people in the United States who are feeling stressed has been rising for the past two decades, according to a 2024 Gallup survey. In these uncertain times, a stress-relieving tonic feels just right as a soothing balm, but does it actually live up to the health claims? What is cortisol and its relationship to stress? What nutrients are in these drinks and how are they purported to influence cortisol? Do they work? Who should be wary of trying this concoction? To guide us through these questions, I spoke with CNN wellness expert Dr. Leana Wen. Wen is an emergency physician and adjunct associate professor at George Washington University. She previously was Baltimore's health commissioner. CNN: What is cortisol and its relationship to stress? Dr. Leana Wen: Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands, which are organs located above the kidneys. The hormone plays a vital role in many bodily functions, including regulating metabolism, blood sugar, blood pressure, sleep-wake cycles and immune responses. Cortisol is sometimes called the 'stress hormone' because its levels naturally rise when our bodies perceive a threat or stressful situation. This reaction is part of the body's 'fight-or-flight' response, helping people stay alert and react quickly when needed. Those temporary increases in cortisol are a helpful evolutionary adaptation. Problems can arise when cortisol levels stay elevated for prolonged periods of time, which can happen when someone is under chronic stress. Persistently elevated cortisol is linked to problems such as poor sleep, anxiety, high blood pressure and even weakened immunity. There are a number of medical conditions that can lead to abnormally high or low cortisol levels. Taking high doses of steroid medications or adrenal gland tumors are examples of conditions that can cause excess cortisol. Addison's disease, or primary adrenal insufficiency, is when the adrenal gland stops its usual function. This condition, and problems with the pituitary gland in the brain, could result in low cortisol levels. CNN: What is in these 'cortisol cocktail' drinks, and how are they purported to influence cortisol? Wen: Recipes vary, but they tend to have a combination of coconut water, juice (usually orange or some other citrus fruit) and some salts (commonly sea salt and/or magnesium). Sparkling water is often added to taste. Contrary to what the name may suggest, it typically does not contain any alcohol. Each of the primary ingredients is supposed to play a role in supporting adrenal function and lowering stress. Coconut water is high in potassium, which helps maintain proper fluid and electrolyte balance. Citrus juice offers vitamin C, which plays a role in adrenal gland function. Salt and magnesium are supposed to replenish minerals depleted by stress. Moreover, some researchers believe that magnesium itself may help reduce feelings of anxiety or stress. Because of this, some versions of the cortisol cocktail include magnesium powder and/or cream of tartar, which has a high concentration of magnesium along with potassium and other salts. CNN: Is there evidence that this drink actually lowers cortisol and reduces stress? Wen: There is no scientific evidence that this drink has the effects it purports. While it's true that nutrients such as potassium, vitamin C and magnesium are important for healthy adrenal function, they are typically obtained in adequate amounts through a balanced diet. Bananas are the classic food high in potassium, but many others are packed with this mineral, too, such as raisins, apricots and tuna. Vitamin C can be found in citrus fruits, strawberries and peppers. And magnesium is also in many foods, including beans, peanut butter and leafy green vegetables. True deficiencies in these nutrients can cause health problems, but such deficiencies are uncommon in otherwise healthy individuals. More importantly, there is no evidence that consuming extra amounts beyond what the body needs will provide additional benefits or that it will meaningfully lower cortisol levels. CNN: What about the claim that the drink can treat a condition that influencers call 'adrenal fatigue'? Wen: The claim that some influencers have promoted on social media is that there is a condition of 'adrenal fatigue' in which stress is overwhelming adrenal glands and people end up feeling tired, anxious and unable to cope with daily life. However, the symptoms could stem from a variety of causes, including poor sleep, mental health conditions, and undiagnosed diseases such as anemia, hypothyroidism and diabetes. Importantly, there is no recognized medical diagnosis of adrenal fatigue. Outside of cases in which there are specific diseases causing adrenal insufficiency, there is no evidence that somehow the adrenal glands get overwhelmed and lose their ability to function. The symptoms often attributed to adrenal fatigue are real, but they are better explained by other, well‑studied causes. One risk I see is that people might rely on this so-called remedy instead of seeking medical evaluation for the real issues behind their fatigue or stress. CNN: What about all the people on the internet who claim that they have had positive health outcomes as a result of this drink? Wen: It may be that some individuals were not getting enough fluids or electrolytes before, and the additional hydration from the drink helped them feel more energized or clearheaded. There is also the placebo effect to consider: When people expect a certain treatment to work, they may genuinely feel better simply because they believe they are doing something beneficial for their health. The ritual of making and drinking this drink could itself reinforce this sense of control and care, which can have real psychological benefits even if the drink's ingredients have no direct impact on cortisol. CNN: Who should be wary of trying this so-called tonic? Wen: People who should be cautious include individuals with chronic medical conditions such as kidney disease, heart disease and diabetes. Certain individuals with kidney disease need to be especially wary of food containing high amounts of potassium. Those with heart failure may be advised to restrict their fluid intake. The sugar in fruit juice may also be problematic for some people with diabetes. Individuals interested in this drink should check with their doctor before adding this or any influencer-promoted wellness product to their diet. They should ask if any of their medications might interact with the drink's ingredients. And if they are experiencing symptoms — such as fatigue, anxiety or trouble sleeping — that prompted them to try this cocktail, they should discuss these concerns with their doctor to determine whether further evaluation is needed.

A doctor explains what people should know about the ‘cortisol cocktail' that's gone viral on TikTok
A doctor explains what people should know about the ‘cortisol cocktail' that's gone viral on TikTok

Yahoo

time7 hours ago

  • Yahoo

A doctor explains what people should know about the ‘cortisol cocktail' that's gone viral on TikTok

(CNN) — If you've spent time on TikTok or Instagram lately, chances are the 'cortisol cocktail' trending as the latest wellness hack has appeared in your feed. This colorful, nonalcoholic drink typically contains a mix of coconut water, citrus juice and certain salts. Also called an 'adrenal cocktail,' it has amassed millions of views, with influencers claiming it can lower stress hormones, boost energy and balance your body's adrenal function. Almost half of Americans (49%) report frequent bouts of stress, and the number of people in the United States who are feeling stressed has been rising for the past two decades, according to a 2024 Gallup survey. In these uncertain times, a stress-relieving tonic feels just right as a soothing balm, but does it actually live up to the health claims? What is cortisol and its relationship to stress? What nutrients are in these drinks and how are they purported to influence cortisol? Do they work? Who should be wary of trying this concoction? To guide us through these questions, I spoke with CNN wellness expert Dr. Leana Wen. Wen is an emergency physician and adjunct associate professor at George Washington University. She previously was Baltimore's health commissioner. CNN: What is cortisol and its relationship to stress? Dr. Leana Wen: Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands, which are organs located above the kidneys. The hormone plays a vital role in many bodily functions, including regulating metabolism, blood sugar, blood pressure, sleep-wake cycles and immune responses. Cortisol is sometimes called the 'stress hormone' because its levels naturally rise when our bodies perceive a threat or stressful situation. This reaction is part of the body's 'fight-or-flight' response, helping people stay alert and react quickly when needed. Those temporary increases in cortisol are a helpful evolutionary adaptation. Problems can arise when cortisol levels stay elevated for prolonged periods of time, which can happen when someone is under chronic stress. Persistently elevated cortisol is linked to problems such as poor sleep, anxiety, high blood pressure and even weakened immunity. There are a number of medical conditions that can lead to abnormally high or low cortisol levels. Taking high doses of steroid medications or adrenal gland tumors are examples of conditions that can cause excess cortisol. Addison's disease, or primary adrenal insufficiency, is when the adrenal gland stops its usual function. This condition, and problems with the pituitary gland in the brain, could result in low cortisol levels. CNN: What is in these 'cortisol cocktail' drinks, and how are they purported to influence cortisol? Wen: Recipes vary, but they tend to have a combination of coconut water, juice (usually orange or some other citrus fruit) and some salts (commonly sea salt and/or magnesium). Sparkling water is often added to taste. Contrary to what the name may suggest, it typically does not contain any alcohol. Each of the primary ingredients is supposed to play a role in supporting adrenal function and lowering stress. Coconut water is high in potassium, which helps maintain proper fluid and electrolyte balance. Citrus juice offers vitamin C, which plays a role in adrenal gland function. Salt and magnesium are supposed to replenish minerals depleted by stress. Moreover, some researchers believe that magnesium itself may help reduce feelings of anxiety or stress. Because of this, some versions of the cortisol cocktail include magnesium powder and/or cream of tartar, which has a high concentration of magnesium along with potassium and other salts. CNN: Is there evidence that this drink actually lowers cortisol and reduces stress? Wen: There is no scientific evidence that this drink has the effects it purports. While it's true that nutrients such as potassium, vitamin C and magnesium are important for healthy adrenal function, they are typically obtained in adequate amounts through a balanced diet. Bananas are the classic food high in potassium, but many others are packed with this mineral, too, such as raisins, apricots and tuna. Vitamin C can be found in citrus fruits, strawberries and peppers. And magnesium is also in many foods, including beans, peanut butter and leafy green vegetables. True deficiencies in these nutrients can cause health problems, but such deficiencies are uncommon in otherwise healthy individuals. More importantly, there is no evidence that consuming extra amounts beyond what the body needs will provide additional benefits or that it will meaningfully lower cortisol levels. CNN: What about the claim that the drink can treat a condition that influencers call 'adrenal fatigue'? Wen: The claim that some influencers have promoted on social media is that there is a condition of 'adrenal fatigue' in which stress is overwhelming adrenal glands and people end up feeling tired, anxious and unable to cope with daily life. However, the symptoms could stem from a variety of causes, including poor sleep, mental health conditions, and undiagnosed diseases such as anemia, hypothyroidism and diabetes. Importantly, there is no recognized medical diagnosis of adrenal fatigue. Outside of cases in which there are specific diseases causing adrenal insufficiency, there is no evidence that somehow the adrenal glands get overwhelmed and lose their ability to function. The symptoms often attributed to adrenal fatigue are real, but they are better explained by other, well‑studied causes. One risk I see is that people might rely on this so-called remedy instead of seeking medical evaluation for the real issues behind their fatigue or stress. CNN: What about all the people on the internet who claim that they have had positive health outcomes as a result of this drink? Wen: It may be that some individuals were not getting enough fluids or electrolytes before, and the additional hydration from the drink helped them feel more energized or clearheaded. There is also the placebo effect to consider: When people expect a certain treatment to work, they may genuinely feel better simply because they believe they are doing something beneficial for their health. The ritual of making and drinking this drink could itself reinforce this sense of control and care, which can have real psychological benefits even if the drink's ingredients have no direct impact on cortisol. CNN: Who should be wary of trying this so-called tonic? Wen: People who should be cautious include individuals with chronic medical conditions such as kidney disease, heart disease and diabetes. Certain individuals with kidney disease need to be especially wary of food containing high amounts of potassium. Those with heart failure may be advised to restrict their fluid intake. The sugar in fruit juice may also be problematic for some people with diabetes. Individuals interested in this drink should check with their doctor before adding this or any influencer-promoted wellness product to their diet. They should ask if any of their medications might interact with the drink's ingredients. And if they are experiencing symptoms — such as fatigue, anxiety or trouble sleeping — that prompted them to try this cocktail, they should discuss these concerns with their doctor to determine whether further evaluation is needed. Get inspired by a weekly roundup on living well, made simple. Sign up for CNN's Life, But Better newsletter for information and tools designed to improve your well-being.

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