APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

AGE OLD CURE ALL NATURAL FOLK REMEDY – DISCOVER ALL IT’S CLAIMED TO DO AND WHAT THE SCIENCE SAYS... 
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

Apple Cider Vinegar has been used to treat just about everything…from Diabetes to high cholesterol to digestive complaints, like acid reflux.
What is It?
Apple cider vinegar has been a tried tested and true folk remedy for centuries. Some people swear by its positive and broad spectrum health effects. Made from apples in a process of fermentation by bacteria and yeast, the apples are first fermented into alcohol and then, left long enough, it turns into vinegar. The word vinegar literally means sour wine…
The end product contains mostly acetic acid and, although the USDA claims it has no vitamins and minerals, some say it has small amounts of amino acids, mineral salts, vitamins, and other acids. It is correct that it is a highly acidic liquid which may be the reason for its broad range of effects.

Although there have been lots of claims of health benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar there is limited research done. Most of the claims made are simply from peoples' experience over the centuries. There are a few studies that have been conducted on animals but these studies have been limited. Despite the lack of formal research, people still claim Apple Cider Vinegar has helped them with many of their health concerns.

What is it Used For?
Apple Cider Vinegar can be used in salad dressing, marinades, vinaigrettes or it can be mixed with water, juices, or smoothies. Traditionally Apple Cider Vinegar has been used to treat just about everything…from diabetes to high cholesterol to digestive complaints, like acid reflux.

Some formal research conducted on humans by the American Diabetes Foundation in 2004 tested Apple Cider Vinegar’s effects of Diabetes Type 2. It showed that taking Apple Cider Vinegar before meals increased insulin sensitivity and lowered insulin and glucose spikes after meals. Another study conducted in 2007, quoted by WebMD, showed a 4-6 % decrease in morning fasting glucose in those who took 2 Tbsp of Apple Cider Vinegar before bed. These studies show promising results from using Apple Cider Vinegar in the treatment of Diabetes Type 2.

Although people claim to have seen improvements in their cholesterol levels by taking Apple Cider Vinegar, there have been no human trials to support this. One study conducted in 2006 however did show Apple Cider Vinegar decreased total cholesterol in one animal study. But again many claim it helps reduce their LDL cholesterol.

Mainly though Apple Cider Vinegar is used for healthy digestion and helping establish a neutral ph in your body.

Apple Cider Vinegar is also said to be beneficial for hair, skin, pets, as well as house hold cleaners. It makes a great rinse for you hair by adding extra body and shine as well as it has been said to rid dandruff. ACV can ease the burn of a sun burn and can be used as a toner to help clear acne. Pet's suffering from flea? Try a spray of one part ACV and one part water to get rid of them. Apple Cider Vinegar works just like white vinegar when it comes to cleaning the house.

How Does it Work?
Theoretically, its claim to fame as a cure all for so many symptoms could be related to the fact it is an ‘acidic tonic’ for your stomach. It contains acetic acid, lactic acid, citric and malic acids. How these acids benefit and work in your system is as follows…Your stomach secretes acid to kill organisms and breakdown your food when you eat. This acid also helps you absorb minerals and B12, which need an acidic environment for absorption. Having proper acid levels in your stomach is necessary for the proper breakdown of food. Without proper breakdown food can ferment leading to gas formation, indigestion and the growth of Candida yeast and other organisms. So Apple cider vinegar aids in digestion by way of its nature as an ‘acid tonic’ for your stomach. However, it is suggested not to drink it straight. Because of it's high acidic levels apple cider vinegar may begin to break down the tooth enamel and be hard on the esophagus (not to mention the awful taste). It is suggested to mix 1-2 tablespoons with a big glass of water or juice.

Furthermore, acid reflux, despite popular medical belief, is more often caused by too low stomach acid, called hypochlorhydria. Increasing stomach acid by taking Apple Cider Vinegar will reduce symptoms of acid reflux because your food will be digesting properly with sufficient stomach acid.

Another benefit of this ‘acid tonic’ comes as a result of normalizing stomach acid. As mentioned, normalizing stomach acid results in better digestion and absorption of minerals. This leads to an overall balance of ph in your body. A balance of ph is important for numerous reasons. Your body needs to keep a very narrow ph window, especially in your blood. When you body becomes acidic your body uses Calcium from your bones to neutralize this acidity. This over time can lead to diseases like Osteoporosis. Your body operates ideally at a ph of 7, which is considered neutral. You can measure ph via saliva or urine using ph strips, readily found at health food stores.

So although your stomach needs to be acidic it is very important for optimal health that your body remains neutral ph.

ELDERBERRY
Elderberry tackles toxins, reducing damage to tissues all over your body... 

Elderberry boosts immunity and fights harmful viruses
Elder was used as a food in ancient times but it also has an extensive history of medicinal usage. Extracts of elder berries have been shown to inhibit the replication of the influenza virus, making it a suitable herb for the treatment and prevention of the common cold and flu.

Elderberries also contain large amounts of flavonoids, which act as antioxidants. As well as tannin, amino acids, carotenoids, sugars, rutin, vitamin A, B, and C.

Free radicals are unstable molecules that in their bid to become more stable must bump into healthy cells and cause damage. Elderberries antioxidant properties neutralize free radicals and therefore reduce damage to tissues all over the body, including those that are infected. Research done on elderberry anthocyanis shows that it can enhance the immune system by boosting cytokines. It is also believed that elderberry extracts may reduce oxidation of LDL ("bad") cholesterol.

Elder flowers act as a diuretic and diaphoretic, aiding the body in the release of excess fluid through the kidneys and the skin (via the sweat). Elderflower tea can be used as a wash over skin irritations and because of its antibacterial and antiviral properties it may help to alleviate allergies and boost the immune system. Topically, elder flower may help to reduce joint pain and swelling in the joints due to some forms of arthritis and can helps to stop bleeding.

Elder is recommended by natural health practitioners for a variety of conditions including prevention of colds and flus, treatment of infections, skin infections, wound cleansing, water retention and fevers.

Elderberries can be purchased as a dried berries, encapsulated berries, liquid extract or tincture. In general liquid preparations of elderberry are stronger than dried preparations. Elderberries are found in formulas for colds and flus. Elderflowers can be purchased as lose herb, encapsulated herb or tincture. They are found in formulas for water retention and kidney cleansing. By purchasing standardized elder supplements one can be sure that there are some berries and/or flowers in the formula.

The stems of elder contain the toxin cyanide and should not be used. Use caution when taking elder for long periods of time if you are on heart medication, lithium or diuretics because elder can alter the levels of these medications. Short-term use of elder has not been found to affect medication levels.