Heard about apple cider vinegar and wonder what all the hubbub is about?  Today we explore apple cider vinegar and how it can support your health.

Apple Cider Vinegar Health Benefits

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has been used for thousands of years and offers several health benefits. ACV contains antioxidants and high levels of acetic acid, promoting its function as an antimocrobial. 

Organic, unfiltered and raw ACV—such as Bragg brand—also contains a substance called “the mother.” The mother contains strands of proteins, enzymes and beneficial bacteria which support our immunity and digestive health. It’s estimated that 70%+ of our immunity lives in our gut, so it’s not surprising that beneficial bacteria support both immunity and gut health. And much more. Let’s explore.

The Top 5 Ways that ACV Supports Health

1. Balance blood sugar
   Studies show that many type 2 diabetics that drink 2 tbsp. of ACV diluted in water at bedtime reduce their fasting morning blood sugar levels. Two tsp. of ACV taken with a high-carb meal can lower blood sugar and insulin but up to 34 percent! ACV can help lower blood sugar and insulin levels, the culprit behind type 2 diabetes, obesity and weight gain. Especially when used alongside of health-promoting food and movement protocols.
2. Support healthy digestion
   Although there has been no research to support it, ACV can be a powerful acid reflux remedy for many folks. Take 1-2 tsp. in water with your meal and see if it works for you. We’ll talk more about acid reflux in part three of this series.
3. Improve skin health
   ACV is a common remedy for skin issues like eczema, acne and dry skin. Our skin is slightly acidic, and many soaps and cleansers are alkaline; ACV can help rebalance our natural skin pH. Also, due to ACV’s antibacterial properties, it can reduce the bacteria that contribute to eczema and acne. Be sure to dilute it in water and to start slowly to see how your unique skin reacts. 
4.  Support weight loss
   There’s a lot of hoopla that ACV can assist with weight loss, in part by curbing appetite. Some research shows this to be technically true, but the weight loss is modest. Given ACV’s benefits, it certainly won’t hurt to add it to your weight loss strategy. Yet keep in mind that it’s no replacement for balancing hormones, shortening your eating window and adopting a Food Sass® 80/20 lifestyle.
5.  Increase heart health
   The antioxidants inherent in ACV, like any antioxidant-rich plant food (ACV is made from apples), is good for all of the cells of our body. Our cells LOVE antioxidants! This is also true for our heart, and some research also shows that ACV can decrease our blood cholesterol levels. 

Wise Precautions

As much as the rest of our body loves ACV, our TEETH aren’t fans of it. If you’re drinking ACV water regularly, it’s best to use a straw so that the ACV bypasses your teeth. Frequent exposure to acidic drinks and foods can cause irreversible erosion of tooth enamel.

Also, never drink ACV straight. Always dilute it with water as in its pure form it can be damaging, over time esophagus, over time.

If you have clinically low potassium levels (hypokalemia), ACV can make the condition worse. ACV can also interact negatively with a few medications, such as insulin and diuretic drugs. Be sure to check with your doc for any contraindications.

Finally, as with anything, start slow and pay attention to how your particular biochemistry responds. Start with 1 tsp. in water and you can increase until you’re ingesting 2-3 tbsp. per day. 

Part Three: Debunking Acid Reflux

Next time, in the final installment of this 3-part series, we’ll discuss the acid that’s created in our stomach. We’ll uncover why so many folks struggle with acid reflux and GERD. We’ll also discuss why acid-reducing medications most often cause more trouble than they solve. AND, we’ll also outline what to do about it.

Part One: Lemon Water Health Benefits

Missed Part One, did you? No worries. Click HERE to read all about the health benefits of lemon water.

I hope you’re enjoying this series, which explores some of the most common Q’s and A’s from my client work, relating to ACID. Until next time…

Create Vibrant Health: BodyMindSpirit®

With love and health empowerment,
Laurie