Nature's Health Hack: Apple Cider Vinegar

If you don't have apple cider vinegar in your kitchen cabinet (or bathroom cabinet) (or cleaning caddy) you will want to make sure you pick some up at the store next time you go.  Apple cider vinegar has worked it's magic in our house, from healing sore throats, sinus congestion, irritated skin to stomach bugs, I have seen and experienced the wonders of this lovely vinegar!  I have also seen it heal our dogs irritated skin and digestive track of parasites when added to his water.  You can also add ACV to a spray bottle mixed with water to use as a natural cleansing agent on your kitchen countertops and bathrooms. Oh, and you want to know the best part?  It's inexpensive.  

ACV is made by a long fermentation process that takes around 7 months.  During the fermentation, bacteria and yeast are added to the liquid to start the alcoholic fermentation process.  The sugars are then turned into alcohol. In a second fermentation process, the alcohol is converted into vinegar by acetic acid-forming bacteria (acetobacter). The acetic acid is what gives the cider it's sour taste.  The long fermentation process gives rise to the accumulation of a non-toxic slime composed of yeast and the acetic acid bacteria.  This is known as the "mother" of the organic, unprocessed, unfiltered ACV, and it is usually found floating in the bottom of the jar.  The "mother" is the most beneficial part of ACV! 

Some of the nutrients found in ACV are pectin; vitamins B1, B2 and B6; biotin; folic acid; niacin; pantothenic acid; and vitamin C.  These minerals are also found in ACV- sodium, phosphorous, potassium, calcium, iron and magnesium.  

​The acids in ACV bind with toxins and help detox the liver and cleanse the blood. 

​Health Benefits of ACV:
​-Relieves diabetes
​-Relieves acid reflux
​-Helps control yeast overgrowth in the gut
​-Balances ​gut pH
​-Soothes sore throats
-Clears sinus congestion
-Promotes heart health
-Helps ward off stomach bugs
​-Detoxes the liver
-Promotes energy through gut health
​-Heals skin wound

Apple Cider Vinegar is also a great facial toner!  It's an antiseptic and anti-bacterial for starters. Unfiltered, organic ACV contains naturally occurring alpha hydroxy acids (AHA).  Alpha hydroxy acids help exfoliate dead skin on the surface, helping new skin grow.  They also stimulate the growth of elastin and collagen.  Depending on how sensitive your skin is, you can dilute with filtered water and use a spray bottle to spray on face after washing, or you can lightly dilute the ACV and use a cotton ball to apply on your face.  

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When taking ACV orally, I advise no more than 1-2 tablespoons a day.  And of course drinking it with water or hot tea and honey. Doing so first thing in the morning is a good ritual to start.  For sinus congestion, I take a tablespoon of ACV and add 2 tspns of fresh, powdered cayenne pepper, mix it well together and take as a shot.  I then wait a few minutes and follow with a glass of water.  It's not an easy health shot to take, but if you are congested and in pain, this will most definitely help you!