Nourishing Adrenal Cocktail {"Singing Canary" Remake}
This Adrenal Cocktail / Adrenal Tonic tastes great and will help you keep going in the face of the many stressors of modern life. Sip on this "all day sipper" that's a makeover of the "Singing Canary" drink throughout the day to keep your mind and body happy!
With our stressed-out and hurried lifestyles, the adrenals of many are on the fritz.
In addition, we could all use a boost to our immune systems.
The answer? Feed your body the nutrients in this "sip on it all day" drink and you'll feel the benefits immediately.
Where the Name "Singing Canary" Comes From
The original recipe for this drink comes from the gals behind Trim Healthy Mama. It's an eating plan that's taking the world by storm. I don't adhere to all aspects of it, but the results of the plan are typically phenomenal for weight loss and overall health improvement. If we could all eat healthier, just think of the impact on so many things...our health, our families, our nation....our world.
The original Singing Canary was good, but I felt that it needed some more "something" to counter the turmeric taste for me--call me a wimp, that's OK by me :). So I monkeyed around with some spices and found a combination that works well and adds some extra health benefits to boot.
I call this drink an Adrenal Cocktail, but there are so many good things in it for everyone, even if you don't think that you have adrenal issues.
Is Adrenal Fatigue Real?
Some people say that adrenal fatigue is a real condition and others say it isn't.
Regardless of what you think about the condition, it's a fact that we are over-worked and over-stressed. We are pushing ourselves to the limit and our bodies are taxed with too many toxins.
Bottom Line--our bodies need help.
So whether you think you have a diagnosable condition or not, do yourself a favor and support your body with this adrenal cocktail as it has a lot of ingredients that will support overall health.
Ingredients
This Adrenal Cocktail has many ingredients that support your adrenals (and other parts of your body).
Water
This is, of course a basic thing we should be drinking anyhow, but it's important. Just please make sure that your water is purified. I have used loads of water filtration systems over the years. You can see the information in this post on water filtration and see what I am using now.
Lemons (or Lemon Juice)
Lemons contain vitamin C, citric acid, flavonoids, copper, calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, fiber.
They also have tons of polyphenols, and beneficial plant compounds such as hesperidin and diosmin. (source)
Vitamin C is one of the main vitamins hosted by the adrenals. It's a huge support for these glands.
Turmeric has so many health benefits that it's hard to know where to start. One important way that turmeric helps with adrenal health, however, is by helping the body detox. Toxins are a stress on the body and any time that you can remove stressors from the body, you help your adrenals.
Turmeric reduces histamine levels which then reduces stress on the body. (source)
Real unprocessed salt contains minerals that are beneficial. While too much salt can be a problem, too little can as well. (source)
RealSalt is a great salt and we LOVE it in our family. This type of Sea Salt is another great option.
Ginger
Ginger has anti-inflammatory effects that, as mentioned above, will assist the adrenals by reducing the stress load on the body. I recommend using organic ginger to avoid toxins and irradiation. (source)
Nutmeg
Nutmeg is known for its ability to boost the immune system, detox the body, and more. (source)
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a well-known anti-inflammatory. (source) There have been numerous studies on it showing its effects on the body such as reversing stressors and regulating hormones. (source)
Cloves
Cloves have also been shown to be beneficial in mitigating stress on the body. (source) If you like, feel free to add more to this recipe based on this information :)!
Vanilla
Vanilla, though it is mostly known for the lovely flavor that it adds to baked goods, has health benefits of its own, including anti-inflammatory properties. (source)
Fats are crucial for adrenal health.
Many people (like me) have avoided fats in the hope of losing weight. However, your body needs fats for your endocrine system to work well. So adding even just a small amount of fat to this drink is a plus.
For more information on foods that are helpful for adrenal issues, see this post on the adrenal fatigue diet.
Protein Powder
Protein is crucial for adrenal health. is important no matter where it comes from. If you can tolerate it, you can use whey or egg protein powder in this adrenal cocktail.
I personally use vegan protein powders since I don't tolerate egg or dairy well at present, plus my oldest has life-threatening allergies to dairy and egg white so it's less stressful to not have powders with those proteins in them in our home.
It's really important to source protein carefully due to them having a lot of potential exposure to toxins. And that's not only true for the animal-based powders. Pea and Rice are often grown with lots of pesticides plus rice can have a lot of arsenic in it so you need to be careful about that as well.
Directions
- Peel the lemon(s) using a sharp knife, leaving as much of the white pith as possible. If using organic lemons, you can use the whole lemon.
- Slice each lemon into quarters. Remove seeds, and place the lemon pieces into blender. Add water and remaining ingredients besides ice cubes. Blend well.
- Place blended mixture into quart jar. Add ice cubes and more water to fill the jar to the top. Stir or cover with a tight lid to shake, and then drink.
Where to Get Quality Protein Powder
I have several protein powders that I love.
There are a lot on the marketplace but I recommend organic (or those tested for pesticides) only since lots of protein powders on the market are made with ingredients that tend to have a lot of pesticides.
My Favorite Protein Powders
I LOVE this brand and this powder. This chocolate one is great too, but I prefer the vanilla combined with the hint of cherry. I love that it's not just organic and not just a protein powder, but there are so many added benefits like adaptogens, enzymes, medicinal mushrooms, and antioxidants like turmeric. AND it tastes amazing.
Use code wholenewmom to get $50 off your first order of $75 or more.
This other protein powder is really creamy and delicious and this link gets $10 off. It's garbanzo based but is tested for pesticides and the company is very thorough. Their products are developed to support the gut-brain axis which is known to help you deal with stress, so that makes this a really great choice.
If using another vegan protein powder, I highly recommend using an organically sourced powder. The reason is that many of the ingredients in vegan protein powders are crops that many pesticides are used on. This organic vegan protein powder is a solid choice but note it can cause digestive upset in some people.
FAQs & Tips
Is It Safe to Ingest Lemon Essential Oil?
Adding essential oils to food and drink is a controversial topic.
I consulted with an aromatherapist about this, and she recommended only using 1-2 drops of essential oils a drink of this size considering the amount of coconut oil in the drink. The coconut oil acts as essential oil emulsifier but you still do need to be cautious with the amount that you use.
Should You Drink This All At Once?
You don't want to drink this drink all at once (not that you could, LOL!) because your body can only absorb so much vitamin C at once.
Make this "Singing Canary" adrenal cocktail in the morning and sip on it all day long.
Do You Need to Take Black Pepper with Turmeric?
I wondered this myself. The gals at Trim Healthy Mama are pretty thorough, so I figured they knew what they were doing, but I wanted to investigate it myself.
Turns out that there is mixed information as to whether or not black pepper needs to be taken to enhance absorbability of turmeric.
This is a lengthy topic that I'll possibly cover in another post, but in essence:
- The Oil in the drink already helps with absorption
- Studies on absorbability of turmeric and black pepper center on focusing on curcumin and piperine, which are portions of turmeric and black pepper
- Likely turmeric taken with black pepper will absorb faster and stay in your bloodstream longer, but whether or not that is what you want depends on what you are taking the turmeric for--in some situations you might want the turmeric to stay in your digestive system longer. You can see more on these points here and at this source.
Vitamin C Alternatives
I referenced sodium ascorbate in my recipe due to there being some concerns regarding the ingestion of ascorbic acid. Also, sodium ascorbate is not acidic so you will not be endangering your tooth enamel with this portion of the drink. See my DIY Swim Spray for more information on the difference.
The topic is complicated Some say that taking ascorbic acid short term is fine. Others say no.
One way to address this is to use a natural option like this Acerola powder or this baobab powder. For the acerola, code wholenewmom10 gets 10% off anything on their site.
This Homemade Vitamin C is a great option. too.
Why I Recommend Synthetic Vitamin C
Natural is typically best, right?
However, in this case, the adrenal glands are what this drink is targeting and they use a LOT of vitamin C. Using all natural vitamin C is an option, but it typically won't be enough if you're really depleted, so putting BOTH forms of C in this drink (both natural and synthetic) delivers a 1-2 punch that your adrenals and your whole body will thank you for.
Caution for Pregnant Women
Turmeric is typically considered safe during pregnancy when consumed as a food, despite concern that as a supplement, it may stimulate the uterus to cause contractions. However ginger has similar properties and it is often suggested by physicians to treat morning sickness during pregnancy.
The 1/2 to 1 teaspoon in the Canary should be considered a safe amount for pregnant women since that is the amount that people in India consume on average through food. However, please consult with your physician if you are concerned and you can reduce the amount of both Turmeric and Vitamin C to 1/4 the amount or not drink the full two quarts per day as well.
The full amount of vitamin C is not recommended for pregnant women.
Recipe Notes and Substitutions
- Reduce Bitterness: You might find that the drink is still a little too "bitter" due to the turmeric. I recommend starting with ½ teaspoon of turmeric and increasing from there if desired. After making the drink, if you find it to be too bitter, you can add more stevia and/or vanilla to taste.
- MCT Oil Alternatives: You can substitute 1/2 teaspoon organic extra-virgin coconut oil for the MCT oil but it will clump some depending on the type of blender you use. I personally use organic extra virgin olive oil regularly. No clumping and very reasonably priced.
- Collagen: You can use collagen instead of protein powder.
- Homemade Vanilla: If you would prefer to make your own vanilla, see Homemade Alcohol-Free Vanilla.
- Sweetener Options: See How to Use Stevia to learn more about stevia. You can also substitute an on-plan sweetener for AIP or something else as need be. Monk Fruit Extract is a great alternative. These drops are a great option and taste amazing in all kinds of drinks. Code wholenewmom gets 20% off of those.
- THM Recipe Type: This recipe is an "all-day sipper" if you are on the Trim Healthy Mama plan.
- Vitamin C Alternative: For an all natural alternative, use this Homemade Vitamin C Powder. I haven't calculated how much you would want to use due to not knowing about the real bioavailability, but this is a great option.
I hope that you enjoy the drink and all the health benefits it affords.
Time Saving Tips
Adrenal Cocktail Mix
While this drink is super easy to make, if you're like me, you're always looking to save time so you can feel better fast and do other things with you life rather than working in the kitchen.
With that in mind, I developed this Adrenal Cocktail Dry Mix aka Singing Canary Concentrate.
This way, you can just put the wet ingredients in your blender, add the concentrate powder, and have this adrenal rescue at the ready anytime!
Make a Double (or Triple) Batch
No concentrate powder made yet? Never fear--you can still save time making this drink.
I love this drink so much, but I don't love cleaning blenders. I often make a double batch and keep the other half in the fridge until the next day.
To make a quadruple batch, blend up 3-4 times the ingredients with 2 servings of the water and then divide that between 2 quart jars and fill each with water.
Adrenal Cocktail {"Singing Canary" Remake}
Ingredients
- 1 - 2 lemons (peeled if not organic. 2-4 Tablespoons lemon juice can be used as an alternative)
- 1 1/2 cups filtered water
- 1/2 - 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon MCT oil (or coconut oil or olive oil--see Recipe Notes for details)
- 1 teaspoon protein powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 generous pinches salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (substitute mace for AIP)
- pinch clove
- 1/4 teaspoon stevia extract (see Substitution section for other alternatives.)
- 2,000 - 4,000 mg vitamin C powder (optional)
- 1 - 2 drops lemon essential oil (optional. Please see notes in post)
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Peel the rind off the lemon(s) using a sharp knife. Leave as much of the white pith as possible as it has loads of nutritional benefits. I used the whole lemon, minus the seeds, if using organic lemons.
- Slice each lemon into quarters. Remove the seeds, and place the lemon pieces into your blender. Add water and all of the remaining ingredients besides the ice cubes. Blend well.
- Place the blended mixture into a quart jar. Add ice cubes and more water to fill the jar to the top. Stir or cover with a tight lid and shake before drinking.
Notes
I love this drink so much, but I don't love cleaning blenders. I often make a double batch and keep the other half in the fridge until the next day. To make a quadruple batch, blend up 3-4 times the ingredients with 2 servings of the water and then divide that between 2 quart jars and fill each with water.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is merely an approximation. Optional ingredients are not included and when there is an alternative, the primary ingredient is typically used. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site. Erythritol carbs are not included in carb counts since they have been shown not to impact blood sugar. Net carbs are the total carbs minus fiber.
Would LOVE to hear what you think about this adrenal tonic!
Hi, I can’t stand the taste of sweeteners. I have never been able to stand the taste since I was a kid. Over the years I have tired just about everything. Could I use honey instead.
Of course! Hope you like it!
You say you use the whole lemon. Do you mean that you remove the seeds and use the peel as well (on an organic lemon, of course)?
Hi there. Sorry for the delay. Your comment got buried. Yes, that's what I do. You could use the seeds--it won't affect things to much.
Drank this and it gave a big boost to my weight loss!!
Obviously, I had adrenal fatigue, but didn't know it.
Not a lover of the flavor, but love the results. I expect it will grow on me.
How much is 2000-4000 mg of Vitamin C powder? Can you please provide a measurement?
Hi there. So glad you liked it! I'm sorry you didn't like the flavor--was it not sweet enough? You should be able to see the amount of vitamin C on your product. Looks like typically it's about 1000 for 1/4 tsp.
Can you please tell me what's the difference between ascorbic acid and sodium ascorbate?
Do they act same with the same dose?
I have ascorbic acid and it is so sour. I don't know anything about sodium ascorbate.
Sure - in the post I mention that it isn't acidic so that should help!
Just FYI: if you are diabetic, according to Diabetic Solution by Dr Bernstein, you should NOT take more than 250 mg Vitamin C...it gives false blood glucose readings. I just found this out myself, and my Dr has me on 3000 a day!
Also, I have another question (sorry!) I dislike stevia extract a LOT, but must use it as I'm diabetic (type 2). I can use stevia dried leaf, without too much yuck issue. Have you any idea how much it would be to substitute the dried leaf instead of the extract? I know that is a difficult question, sorry.
I have never heard this!
Green stevia powder is about 10 times as sweet as sugar. Stevia extract is about 32 times (depending on the brand). So you would need about 3 times the green powdered when converting.
On page 69 of "Diabetic Solution", Dr Bernstein states:
"A final note: Dietary Vitamin C is important to good health. In doses above 500mg/day, however, vitamin C supplements can destroy the enzymes on blood sugar test strips and can also raise blood sugars. Finally, in levels higher than about 400 mg/day, vitamin C becomes an oxidant rather than an antioxidant and can cause neuropathies. If you are already taking supplemental vitamin C, I urge you to taper it off or lower your dose to no more than 250 mg/daily. Use only the timed release form."
Obviously, this is advice for DIABETICS. It may very well differ for healthy individuals or those who do not have diabetes.
This version of his book, originally printed in1997, has been fully updated and revised as of 2011.
Quite interesting considering what we have been reading/told about vitamin C. Especially about the oxidant/antioxidant issue.
Please look at your supplements: many of them (that I take anyway for diabetes support) INCLUDE ADDED vitamin C! Without taking ANY vitamin C specific vitamin, I am already getting over 850 mg/day of it. One such supplement is an Adrenal Support one.
Does he have documentation of this information?
I can't wait to try this! Thank you so much for providing all the links and explaining why the ingredients are beneficial!
Hope you like it!! You are so welcome!
Okay so I DO have adrenal fatigue. A diagnosis sometimes gets one's butt in gear 😉
I actually really like the flavor, surprisingly! Do you recommend this daily?
I'm so sorry you are struggling!!!! Of course, mainstream medicine, and some alternative practitioners, disagree about it even existing. I can't medically advise, and of course if you are concerned about any of the ingredients, please check w/ your doctor, but I'm with you that it tastes amazing and the ingredients are all pretty well known for having good benefits for overall health too! How often have you had it?
This is my second day. Just sounded better than water as I was thirsty lol.
It makes sense in a way. I have heard that adding things like salt, etc., to water will help your body absorb the water better.
will try
Hope you like it!
Based on my research I have learned that the vitamin C powder you recommend is derived from corn but no corn residue is left by the end process. I am wondering if anyone with a corn allergy has used it in this or any other way and found it non-reactive?
I talked w/ the manufacturer this past week and they said the same thing.
This is from a site about corn allergies:
"With vitamin C, you can avoid the entire issue by take pure ascorbic acid or sodium ascorbate powder. If it is pure, it can still be made from corn originally, because there is no corn or corn proteins in C6H8O6."
This drink is so good and makes me feel better, but I am concerned about the acid on my teeth if I drink it throughout the day. Would adding baking soda to raise PH decrease its beneficial properties? Or could I leave out the lemons and Vit C and take Vit C on the side?
So glad you like it! I simply rinse my mouth quickly after drinking something acidic. I don't think that adding baking soda would diminish the benefits but I'm not sure that you want all that baking soda in your body. There is some medical literature talking about the benefits of it but I think it's hard to know.
Thank you.
Love this excellent flavor. I will sip this for days?
Hi! Thanks for the post. I guess this was posted a long time ago as I see the dates of other peoples questioning. My question is, how long and how many times does one have to drink this to achieve the effects and reach optimal adrenal health? Does it happen after drinking a days worth or does it need to be repeated? Im just curious as I'd like to try this but cant help but think of this burning question. Does anyone have any idea how many times this needs to be repeated, if at all?
Thank you!
Hi there and you are welcome. No worries about dates. I try to read every comment. I think it's helpful ongoing b/c of the healing ingredients. There are so many things to do to help your adrenals but I think many are life long. I'm starting on new things now. Will be sharing!
Could a larger quantity be made and drunk over a period of a few days/week?
Sure - but watch making too much b/c it will only keep so long in the fridge. Did you see this post? https://wholenewmom.com/recipes/singing-canary-concentrate/
Could apple cider vinegar be added to this?
Sure! That would be a great addition!
I'm confused about why to include the coconut oil (I don't have MCT oil)... I made this for the first time today and enjoyed it, but the coconut oil just clumped together. Am I missing something? Or did I make it wrong? Thanks!
What kind of blender did you use? The oil helps (I think that is in the post) with absorption of the turmeric and I am pretty sure I outlined that it has to do w/ emulsification of the essential oil if you use that. Hope that helps. With a high speed blender it should blend up well.
I have a Ninja. So, if I don't use the essential oil, I don't need to put the coconut oil in? I should clarify that the coconut oil did get blended, but the (smaller) clumps just hang out on top. Am I supposed to use fractionated coconut oil?
I think you will be fine w/o - it just adds nutritional quality. I do think it helps absorbability w/ the turmeric but I'm looking into this more and I think maybe adding pepper is good idea and might take care of that.
Great, thank you. 🙂
The vitamix blends very well.
In order for the turmeric to become completely available (bioavailable) to the human body, you also need to include some black pepper. Turmeric requires fat (hence the MCT oil, which will NOT become solid at colder temperatures), and black pepper.
Hi Carol! I did have this information in the post before--not sure what happened to it. Please see it now and tell me what you think. It's an interesting issue for sure.
MCT oil is always liquid, coconut oil is solid at temps under about 75*, so if you add ice, cold water, etc, it WILL clump and there isn't anything you can do to avoid that. I'm not certain, if fractionated coconut oil is the same as MCT oil.....I still have to research that...MCT oil HAS been highly processed to make it 'healthier' especially for diabetics...ut it is supposed to be really good for you...
Yes you are right that it does. I think it depends on the amt of blending as to how much "clumping" you will have vs a clumpy kind of blended topping, b/c I didn't mind whatever was on the top of mine and I use a Vitamix most of the time. You actually could use FCO - technically they are the same thing. I do know there is one type of MCT oil that is different - C8. But otherwise they are the same.
Is this an all day sipper?
Yes!
Apparently, I have an older version of this post, which indicates the vitamin C you use, but you mention that you are thinking about switching over to a different one. Could you provide the link to the one you are considering, as neither was linked to anything.
Thanks.
2,000 mg vitamin C powder (optional. I use this brand but this is a whole food brand I'm considering)
Hi there. Sorry it took so long to respond, Carol. Hmmmm...so you printed it off, I guess? I think I have the vitamin C linked to in here now. I think I was looking at Synergy brand? But when I looked to get the same amt of C you needed a whole lot more.
You mentioned essential oils then I didn’t see the note about it?
This is where I talked about them:
Plus, the original recipe called for the addition of lemon essential oil as an optional add-on. I'm not comfortable with internal use of essential oils without consulting with a practitioner or aromatherapist.
However, if you really do wish to add the lemon essential oil to your drink, and have consulted with someone appropriately, you may. (If you are curious about the essential oils that I have chosen to use, you can go here to read my series on The “Best” Essential Oils or go here to the end of the series.)
Wow! What a difference these tips made for me. I simmered my turmeric powder in 1/2 c. water, and added some finely ground black pepper. I also incorporated 1/2 tsp. baobab powder. Loving it!
I have baobab in my shopping cart - how do you use it? Excited to get it!
Going to try this
Will this work for someone with adrenal burnout (low cortisol)?
Hi there. I have heard that these things are good for adrenal fatigue which I think is the same thing, correct? Sorry for the delay in responding. Your comment got buried and I have been dealing with a ton of issues. Thanks for reading and hope you are doing well.
How would this drink be for someone with Addisons Disease?
Thanks!
Since these oils apparently have been thought or shown to reduce cortisol that wouldn't be a good idea. This isn't medical advice, however. Thanks for reading!
I would use 1T coconut oil, lose the powder and eat real protein, use the collagen powder perhaps. But bone broth is better source.
I would use grated ginger, i freeze little clumps of it for smoothies, they would work in here too!
Turmeric needs pepper to be sbsorbed. 1/4t pepper per 1t turmeric. Pepper actually helps many things absorb. So go for it. Set your grind very fine. Some ppl simmer their turmeric for about 5-7 min, not long, to cut the awful flavor (I rly dont like it). It seems it being raw rly isnt good, compared to gently, briefly cooked. I need to try this!
I use powdered indian gooseberry for vit C, 1t would be nice in this drink. You get the whole complex, not just an isolated compound. Love the whole lemons (or limes!), WITH the pith, yes!
I bet cardamom would be awesome in this drink also 🙂
Lovely idea!
Hello Helene,
Thanks for reading and for commenting. I commented about the pepper in the comments area above - would love to hear what you think about it. Gooseberry sounds great!
sometimes i dont have time to use fresh lemons.....is it ok to use real lemon juice?
Yes, 2 T of lemon juice is the equivalent of 1 lemon but it will change the texture of the drink some. Hope you like it!