Courtney Clark Naturopath Nutritionist

Heard of it?  Like it?  Not sure what all the fuss is about?  I am a true activist in the support of food as medicine and one of the easiest, most economical and effective ways to improve your health and wellness comes from one of the oldest remedies that’s been around.  Anyone had a grandmother that used it as a tonic for this or that?  Seen it on the shelves of your hippy friend’s pantry and wondered whether it really works?  I’d like to take a moment and share some of the reasons its part of my health schedule, mostly they are based on the positive outcomes I’ve experienced personally, some on research articles I’ve read and even one that could be considered good old fashioned, handed down advice from generations past.

–        DIGESTION ~ Decreases bloating, fights pathogens

The acid found in apple cider vinegar (ACV) known as malic acid, which is responsible for the sour taste, can improve digestive upsets, helping ease symptoms of food poisoning, reduce bloating and alleviate heartburn.

–        IMMUNE SUPPORT ~ Anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal

The acetic acid is considered a bacteriocide, which helps to inhibit the growth of unfriendly bacteria in the digestive tract and has a natural antibiotic effect.  Symptoms caused by an overgrowth of yeast such as candida albicans and the self-spreading tinea versicolour, a common and troublesome skin fungus that thrives in warm, humid climates can be also be improved.

–        ALKALISING ~ Reduces acidity levels

Most health problems in western societies stem from inflammation and one of the biggest contributors to that is acidity.  Processed foods, alcohol, prescription medication, most grains and animal products can cause a disruption in the pH balance in our bodies.  Increasing alkalinity not only reduces inflammation but reduces the risk of cancer development, which thrives in acidic environments.  Symptoms of arthritis, which is caused by an accumulation of metabolic acids in our bodies, can also be relieved.

–        PROTEIN ABSORPTION ~ Supports the breakdown and uptake of essential amino acids

Hydrochloric acid is essential for the digestion and absorption of proteins in the gut, so with the help of ACV prior to meals, you can naturally support the body’s production of this essential digestive enzyme, allowing you to get the most from the amino acids and other nutrients that your whole foods contain.

–        LOWERS BLOOD GLUCOSE  ~ Supports the management of type II diabetes

Research indicates that regular consumption of ACV has an anti-diabetic affect, beneficial to those diagnosed with type II diabetes or insulin resistance, with a reduction of up to 20% in the glycemic index of bread, when consumed with vinegar (yes even balsamic!).

–        TOPICAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ~ Ease pain, itchiness and infection

Dilute ACV with water, a minimum of 1:2 but this can be increased to 1:4 for particularly sensitive skin or acute infections.  Dip a wash cloth, cotton wool balls or tips (depending on the area affected) and apply directly to the skin to help fight infection, treat cuts, abrasions, folliculitis (infected hair follicles) relieve sunburn, fade scars, acne, warts, dissolve skin tags, as a mouthwash for ulcers and a gargle for sore throats.

So there you have it!  A few teaspoons daily in a small glass of water (with raw honey added if you struggle with the taste) can have you fixed up in no time!  Just make sure you choose organic, raw and unfiltered so you are getting the ‘mother’, the stringing-looking sediment which contains all the therapeutic active enzymes.  With a list that long of health benefits, I encourage you to give it a try next time you are browsing the health section of your local supermarket or grocery store.

FUN FACT!

It’s said that a dash of apple cider vinegar in water can disperse a bad mood in children!  Hmmm, I might have to give this one a try, perhaps as a distraction technique?!  I’m sure if I ever did get the mixture down into my toddler, they might have simply forgotten whatever it was they were upset about! 😉

Courtney Clark
Naturopath & Nutritionist

…using nature to nurture life… xx