Your Daily Dose of Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar is among the most healthy things you can drink daily to support your body and help with your overall health. While it makes for a great salad dressing, it’s uses reach far passed the kitchen. If you aren’t currently ingesting 1-2 tablespoons of an organic, raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar each day, you may want to start.  Research worldwide supports the amazing properties of this natural vinegar.I was working with a patient awhile ago when the topic of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) came up. It has been around for centuries and was used to treat illnesses like Croup well before our days. We talked about why ACV is not a more well-known remedy or household supplement anymore. Over the years, new and expensive medicines stepped in and brainwashed our society against all the natural home remedies that had been working wonderfully to that point. ACV then became a secret of the grandmothers. However, tides are changing, and people of all ages and stages of life are looking to better their lives through diet and natural supplements. Apple Cider Vinegar is reentering the spotlight, and with great reasons.

The Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar is made by fermenting apple cider - with the naturally occurring yeast and bacteria included in the end result. The resulting liquid has converted the sugars first to alcohol then to acetic acid. The fermentation process means that apple cider vinegar ends up full of health-promoting probiotics and enzymes. It contains pectin, acetic acid, malic acid, live enzymes, amino acids, and many other beneficial nutrients.

Healthy Weight/Belly Fat

One of the compounds found in ACV is acetic acid, which helps suppress the buildup of body fat, keeping the stomach from feeling and looking bloated. This can also help you feel fuller, causing you to eat fewer calories and lower your overall Body Mass Index (BMI).

Healthy Gut/Happy Stomach

Organic, unfiltered, raw apple cider vinegar retains the 'mother' which makes the vinegar have a cloudy appearance. The mother is the natural occurring pectins and proteins which aid in helping break down food in the digestive tract by stimulating the natural gut enzymes. The high acetic acid content of ACV balances pH within the body.Many gastrointestinal symptoms including gas, bloating, nausea, and diarrhea can be lessened with the help of the antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antimicrobial properties of ACV. These same properties have also been proven to combat food poisoning.

Diabetes (Type 1 and 2)

Hyperglycemia (raised blood sugar levels) is a common symptom of diabetes. The anti-glycemic effect of acetic acid decreases blood sugar levels. One study found ACV improved fluctuation of insulin levels in people with both type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance. 

Autoimmune Disease

If you suffer from a known autoimmune disease, ACV may help you reclaim your daily life. While there is no known cure for AI Diseases, reducing inflammation is key to reduce the pain and symptoms, and ACV contains antioxidants that can do just that.

Sore Throat and Illness

Most germs can’t survive in the environment ACV creates. A simple mix of 1/4 cup ACV with 1/4 cup warm water can be gargled every hour or so to fight off a sore throat.Consuming ACV daily boosts the immune system, too.

Skin 

Acetic acid can be used as an alternative to antibiotic cream. Bacterial infections have been shown to be fought off by ACV in a healthier manner than utilizing antibiotics. ACV has the ability to reduce acne. Using it as a toner will allow the anti-fungal and antibacterial properties to cleanse the skin and prevent future breakouts. 

Ways to Utilize Apple Cider Vinegar

Drink 1-2 tablespoons a day. Diluting your ACV with water will help cut the acidity and prevent any ware on your enamel. Using a cotton ball, apply ACV topically twice a day. To prevent irritation, use an oil with the ACV— such as coconut oil or olive oil — and massage it into your skin whenever needed.Add ACV to your bath before bed. Add one cup of the vinegar to your evening bath and sit in the warm water for 20 to 30 minutes, allowing the skin to absorb the solution. References:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19661687https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16696665https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25648676https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25219289https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9713753https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7796781http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/27/1/281.fullhttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8355236