The 5 Reasons I Drink Apple Cider Vinegar Every Day
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has been a staple in my household for over eight years. It has benefited my health in numerous ways and I am confident in its healing capabilities. I want to note that I am NOT a doctor however; the positive effects ACV has provided for my family and friends is undeniable. It has helped with symptoms like acid reflux, upset stomach, diarrhea, and cramps just to name a few. It’s an amazing product and I highly recommend it. Obviously, ACV is not a cure to all of your health problems, but it has helped me and countless others in many ways. If you haven’t already tried it, give it a try and let me know what you think. I am a firm believer in “bioindividuality” (one person’s food is another person’s poison). So, if ACV doesn’t work for you please let me know! We are all different, therefore a product may work for one person but have the opposite effect on another. However, as of right now, I haven’t heard of a single person who hasn’t somehow benefited way from ACV.
Through my personal experience, ACV has relieved so many ailments in my life that I’m beginning to lose count… I know that may sound dramatic, but I’m being honest. I drink ACV whenever my stomach aches or I begin experiencing acid reflux/heart burn. Within 15-20 minutes of drinking a small glass, these conditions immediately subside. To me, ACV feels like magic going to work. It was especially helpful during my first pregnancy. Whenever my stomach started to feel off or acid reflux began, I would quickly toss back some ACV and it would work its magic! I’m still amazed by its capabilities to this very day. Below I have provided the five main reasons I drink ACV on a daily basis.
1. Energy
· A few years back when I was working at my old retail job, I noticed one of my holistic health peers drinking a bottle of Braggs ACV. I had never seen someone actually drinking it like a bottle of iced tea and so I asked her where she purchased it? She shared with me that she bought it from Whole Foods and she LOVED the benefits. Out of curiosity, I asked her what benefits she experienced and she explained that ACV gave her energy! Of course, I was a bit skeptic so I started taking note whenever I consumed ACV during the day. Long and behold I started feeling the same way! I love drinking a glass in the afternoon when I feel I need a “pick me up.” I don’t experience a crash later in the evening like I would from a cup of coffee. I’m curious if others experience the same effect. If you try this please let me know if you too, feel a shift in your energy!
2. Acid Reflux
Any pregnant mamas reading this?
If so, I highly recommend trying some ACV if you’re experiencing acid reflux. Pregnant or not it helps tremendously! During my first pregnancy, acid reflux was a common occurrence and boy was it merciless. I remember avoiding anything with tomato sauce or orange juice like the plague. Then I realized drinking diluted ACV really helped relieved my systems! It was like a tiny miracle that I just had to share with all expecting mothers who also suffered from acid reflux. They too were amazed how much it relieved their systems.
3. Digestion
· The first time I ever had ACV was because of a digestive issue almost 10 years ago! At the time, I was experiencing horrible cramping and diarrhea and nothing would relieve the pain. It had been almost two days and I started to get worried because of dehydration. At that point, I called my holistic practitioner at the time and he told me to drink a tablespoon of ACV diluted with 8 ounces of water. I’ll be honest, I thought he sounded crazy at first, but I thought, “I’ve got nothing to lose.” So, I drink the concoction and couldn’t believe my stomach. It FREAKING WORKED! My discomfort subsided almost instantly! In less than 30 minutes I felt relief. From then on, I became an ACV believer.
4. Gut health
· There are many people who suffer with leaky gut syndrome experiencing side effects that include fatigue, brain fog, bloating and abdominal discomfort. ACV has proven to help aid in these conditions. Don’t just take it from me, according to Amy Meyers M.D., “ACV has antimicrobial effects on bacteria and yeasts such as E. coli, S. aureus, and Candida albicans, and restricts their growth. What’s more, ACV has been shown to break down bacterial biofilms, which are glue-like substances that bacteria use to stick to surfaces in your body. In a study on Streptococcus pyogenes and ACV, this vinegar helped eradicate the bacteria’s biofilm.”
5. Immune booster
· ACV is an immune booster thanks to its bacteria fighting properties. Not only does it help with inflammation, but because of its fermentation it provides prebiotics and good bacteria which help aid your immune system. If I haven’t already had a glass, I’ll drink one before going to a party or crowded place to give my immune system a little oomph.
I know I’m just one person so let me give you another example outside of my own personal belief. After adding ACV to my daily routine my husband began to take notice. One night he asked me “why do you drink ACV every night before we go to bed?” I gave him a few personal stories and explained some of its popular health benefits. So, out of curiosity he tried a glass with me that very night. I made him a glass, he drank it, didn’t say much and we carried on with our night. However, the following night we just happened to have pizza for dinner which often causes acid reflux. After making a few comments Ben asked me, “do you seriously think the ACV could help relieve this discomfort?” I replied, “of course.” So, he guzzled down a small glass. Within 15 minutes of drinking ACV Ben’s acid reflux subsided. Since then, Ben has drunk a glass with me almost every night. Some nights when I’m really busy, I’ll forget to make a glass of ACV and to my surprise Ben will already have it waiting for me on the kitchen counter. It has become our daily “night cap” and I couldn’t be prouder.
So, I dare you to join us with our nightly serving of ACV. We drink it after dinner but before we brush our teeth. It’s important to note that you shouldn’t consume ACV more than once a day. Too much of anything is never good for you so start out with 1-2 teaspoons a day mixed with 8 ounces of water. You should also keep in mind that ACV has a very strong, zesty taste which makes it challenging to drink. So, it is VERY IMPORTANT that you mix it with at least 8 ounces of water before consuming. ACV can cause damage to your teeth if consumed by itself. If drinking ACV with water is still too much for you then try the recipe I’ve made below. It tastes like a refreshing citrus tea. I love making this hot drink whenever I feel a cold coming on. It boosts your immune system and helps soothe a sore throat. The perfect drink for fall + winter months.
Immune Boosting
Hot Honey Apple Citrus drink
Ingredients:
2 teaspoons Bragg’s organic unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons raw honey
12 ounces hot/warm water
optional: 1 teaspoon fresh minced ginger
Directions:
Mix all ingredients together in a cozy mug until honey is dissolved. Sip and enjoy!
Did you make this immune boosting recipe?
Please tag me @staysweetwellness on instagram and #staysweetwellnessI love seeing your recreations!
Until next time,
Stay Sweet.
-Ashley