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.

LEMON - THE FRUIT

An alkalizing, hydrating boost of vitamin C. 

Lemons are a fruit with history and controversy!

Lemons initially became of interest in 1747, when Scottish physician, James Lind conducted the first ever clinical trial with lemons. He theorized that citrus fruits could cure scurvy and in his studies, he used lemons to cure scurvy in sailors. We now know that scurvy is caused by a deficiency in vitamin C and citrus fruits like lemon are a good source.

Today, people are interested in using lemons for their alkalizing effect on the body, as a liver cleanser, digestive aid, weight loss aid and as a tool for better hydration.

What is Lemon used for?

Medicinally, lemon has been used as an antimicrobial and is an old remedy for curing the common cold. Lemons rejuvenate the skin, purify the blood, detoxify the liver, get rid of bad breath and keep you hydrated. There is some evidence that lemons can help resolve kidney stones and Meniere's disease.

Of great interest and controversy, is lemon's ability to alkalize the body despite it's acidic nature. Those who promote an alkaline diet, often recommend starting your day with fresh lemon water to kick start digestion, detox a sluggish liver and to alkalize your body.

How does Lemon work?

You may be wondering - how does lemon alkalize your body when lemons are naturally acidic?

Lemons have a high amount of citric acid, which is considered a weak acid that is easily eliminated by your body. While lemons are acidic outside of the body, they become alkaline once inside your body because the minerals naturally found in lemons (Calcium, magnesium, potassium, manganese) dissociate and become alkalizing salts that override the presence of the weak citric acid. This doesn't occur with citrus fruits that have higher levels of sugar, like oranges, because sugar itself is acidic in nature and and the higher levels in oranges negate the alkalizing salts.

Lemons are naturally high in vitamin C (one lemon has about 53mg) and bioflavonoids, which boost your immune system and reduce inflammation. They also stimulate the liver and kidneys to function better and in the process, promotes detoxification. This also stimulates weight loss because it is hard for a toxic body to lose weight because some toxins are stored in our fat cells.

How do you use it?

If you want to alkalize your body, try starting your morning with lemon water. Squeeze ½ a lemon into a glass of warm or room temperature water and drink 30mins before breakfast. This will also keep your bowels regular and help you digest better.

GINGER
Ginger settles and soothes your stomach... 

Ginger relieves gas and settles the stomach
Ginger is a popular herb in the kitchen as well as the medicine cabinet. It has a long history of use in foods because it soothes the digestion. The essential oil, gingerol, aids digestion by increasing the release of digestive juices and regulating intestinal contractions. Ginger’s anti-nausea properties are due to the essential oil, shogaol.

It has been clinically tested and shown to be as effective as many anti-nausea drugs. The big benefit of using ginger for nausea is that it does not cause drowsiness. Ginger can be used for nausea from motion sickness, and pregnancy. Ginger also has anti-inflammatory properties and can be used for muscle and joint injuries like athletic injuries and arthritis. Historically ginger was also used topically as a wash for wounds and sores because it has the ability to prevent infection.

Ginger is a medicinal food because the active ingredients are present in the root in sufficient quantities to have some medicinal effects. Chewing on raw ginger or ginger candy is often sufficient to decrease nausea. Ginger tea is helpful for nausea and indigestion. Dried ground ginger that is used as a spice has less medicinal value because the essential oils are lost in the drying process. Ginger supplements are found as encapsulated herb and tablets. Ginger products should be standardized as an assurance that some active ingredients are present. Ginger can be found in combination products for indigestion, motion sickness and inflammation.

Known for its woody-spicy aroma, Aroma therapists value ginger for is fiery fresh aroma; the oil is considered to be a potent nerve tonic and is good for exhaustion and mental fatigue. The comforting and warming scent of ginger makes it an ideal room fragrance, particularly when blended with other spicy-sweet oils. Aroma therapists also dilute Ginger with light carrier oil and use it as a stimulating rub or massage oil.

Ginger, when used as a food, has very few side effects. Most side effects and cautions are relevant only when ginger supplements are used. Ginger has blood thinning and gallbladder stimulating properties. Ginger supplements should be used with caution by individuals on blood thinning medication, including aspirin, and individuals with gallstones. For the same reason, ginger supplements should be discontinued prior to surgery or dental work.