Most of you have probably heard about Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV), however, did you know that it has been used for many hundreds, if not thousands of years. In fact, Hippocrates ( the father of medicine) used AVC back in around 400 B.C. for its health giving qualities. Even today, many use it as a common household remedy. More and more people are becoming attuned to its amazing health benefits.
What Type is Best?
When purchasing ACV, always ensure that the product has sediment floating around in it; this ensures that it has not been distilled or treated, which, by this process, removes many of the beneficial nutrients form it - don't be fooled by the clear imitation; they have little to know benefit for you. If you can find an organic product, even better! This ensures quality, without the added chemicals or preservatives. We recommend Bragg; they offer a great product which is available organically and also available in glass for those of you that are concerned about estrogen mimickers in plastics. If you can't locate this product, there are several other comparable products being sold at your local health food store.
Some of its Reported Benefits
Has anti-tumor potential
Acid Reflux
Prevents bladder stones and urinary tract infections
Strengthen the immune system
Increase stamina
Alleviate symptoms of arthritis and gout
Reduce sinus infections and sore throats
Balance high cholesterol
pH balance
Improve skin conditions such as acne
Protect against food poisoning
Skin conditions
Increase metabolism which promotes weight loss
Improve digestion and improve constipation
Prevent muscle fatigue after exercise
Fight allergies in both humans and animals
The ones in BOLD are the more common uses that we do with our patients. Many of our current patients have seen these bottle around the office and have wondered about the purposes of apple cider vinegar. The majority of patients with acid reflux do not have enough of their own good acid to digest foods and it is the rotting acids of food in their stomach that comes up and give them reflux. If the ACV hurts the patients stomach this may indicate a sign of an ulcer or gastritis because acid will makes those flare up. By definition of an allergen is an undigested protein and you need acid to digest your proteins. Some people develop an overreaction to these undigested proteins which we call allergies. Arthritis is a buildup of calcium in the joints and the pH balancing properties of ACV may help alleviate symptoms of the pain. Proper stomach pH is needed for calcium assimilation.
During the holiday season if you have found yourself or someone you know that has some indigestion after a meal try using 1-2 tablespoons of Bragg's ACV in 7oz of water and drinking that after the meal.
Dr. J