Apple Cider Vinegar for Hair: Why You Need to Be Using It, Stat

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) may seem like a weird cure-all, but scientific research has shown that ingesting this cloudy liquid can reduce the glucose and insulin response in diabetics and healthy adults. Similarly, it has been proven to help make you feel fuller (short term, anyway). Everyone from moms to beauticians and doctors swear by ACV as a trusted home remedy, and believe it…

Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

To Cure Bad Breath

Apple cider vinegar can help treat bad breath thanks to its digestive enzymes. ACV's acidity can help clear the bacteria in your mouth, and its antiseptic properties are known to break down plaque, which is known for building bacteria. You can find more information and mixture ideas here.

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To Treat Heartburn and Reflux

As counterproductive as it may sound, many people swear by using apple cider vinegar to help with heartburn and reflux. It is believed that the acid in ACV helps balance acid production in the stomach and that it might help buffer the acidity level in the stomach because acetic acid (the main component of apple cider vinegar) is a weaker acid than hydrochloric acid (the acid produced by the stomach). The most common recommendation is to mix one teaspoon to two tablespoons with eight ounces of water and drink before meals or when heartburn strikes.

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To Help Regulate Blood Sugar

Apple cider vinegar has been shown to have numerous benefits for insulin function and blood sugar levels. Therefore, ACV can be useful for people with diabetes or pre-diabetes, or those who want to keep their blood sugar levels low to normal for other reasons. (Of course, always check with your doctor.)

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To Treat a Sore Throat

Apple cider vinegar can help to treat a sore throat. To use apple cider vinegar, mix one to two tablespoons of ACV into a small glass of warm water and then slowly drink the mixture. Drink the tonic at least once a day until the sore throat subsides. You may also want to add some honey to the mixture for added benefit.

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As an Energy Booster

You can make healthy and homemade energy drinks using apple cider vinegar. While you may not want to try drinking the stuff straight—the acid can irritate your throat and digestive tract—you can dilute it with water or seltzer to make a healthy, refreshing drink.

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To Fight Allergies

Since apple cider vinegar can help ease congestion and soothe a sore throat, it works great to manage allergy symptoms. Mix one teaspoon apple cider vinegar and one teaspoon honey in eight ounces of warm water. Once combined, drink the tonic and repeat morning and evening.

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To Help Heal Bruises

It's inevitable that I end up with a big bruise on my arm right before an event or my kid gets a bruise on his head before family photos. Apple cider vinegar can help heal bruises! Apple cider vinegar helps in the healing process and also helps in the regeneration of skin cells. Soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and apply to the bruised area. Secure with tape and reapply as needed.

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To Lower Your Cholesterol

Apple cider vinegar can help lower cholesterol. The pectin found in ACV attracts bad cholesterol (LDL) and gets rid of unnecessary cholesterol, making your levels much healthier. With more pectin to absorb cholesterol in your system, your body will maintain levels at a healthy rate.

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As an All-Natural Household Cleaner

Apple cider vinegar makes a great all-natural household cleaner because it acts as a natural disinfectant. Just pour some vinegar into your toilet and let it sit overnight. Also, if you mix half a cup of vinegar with one cup of water, you can use the solution to clean anything from microwaves and kitchen counters to windows and mirrors.

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As a Cold Remedy

Apple cider vinegar can help prevent or relieve a cold. By drinking a tablespoon or two of ACV at the first onset of a cold or the flu—or when someone close to you has it—you can help prevent a full on bout of the virus. ACV actually helps to alkalize your body, and a body that’s more alkaline may be more effective at fighting off viruses that cause colds and the flu.

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As a Detox

Apple cider vinegar can help to detoxify your body. By breaking up mucus and promoting better lymph circulation in addition to aiding digestion, apple cider vinegar pushes toxins out of the body all while supplying your body with natural minerals, vitamins, and enzymes.

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To Aid in Digestion

Apple cider vinegar can help to support digestion by providing enzymes and certain acids. Take some apple cider vinegar in water fifteen minutes prior to meals to help get your digestive juices going (add one tablespoon to a few ounces of water). This can help to prevent indigestion, gas, and bloating. If you find you are already suffering from any of these complaints, sipping on a few ounces of water with one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar can help.

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To Relieve a Never-Ending Itch

Got an itch that won't go away? Apple cider vinegar can relieve those stubborn itches quickly and naturally. Dip a Q-tip or cotton ball into some ACV and apply to the itch topically for relief.

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To Ease an Upset Stomach

Tummy aches are common with children, and so many of the treatments can't be given to the littlest of kiddos. But ACV is all natural and can work wonders for an upset stomach. A mixture of one tablespoon apple cider vinegar, one cup warm water, and one tablespoon honey will ease indigestion and may alleviate cramping and gas in your upset stomach.

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To Treat a Urinary Tract Infection

Because it contains antibacterial properties, enzymes, and minerals such as potassium, apple cider vinegar works great as a UTI treatment. The acetic acid in ACV has the ability to foster good bacteria while killing bad bacteria at the same time. To make a UTI treatment tonic, combine two to three tablespoons of ACV in a glass of water (add raw honey to improve taste) and drink two to three times daily.

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As a Weight Loss Aid

Apple cider vinegar may have weight loss benefits. First, the slowing of starch digestion makes the breakdown of calories in the blood less burdensome for your body. Pectin has also been a notable fiber in making you feel fuller for longer periods of time, one of many reasons that apples have become such an iconic international health symbol. ACV also allows your body to digest protein more effectively and establish hormones that break down fat cells.

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To Treat a Yeast Infection

Apple cider vinegar can help to prevent or treat a yeast infection. There are several methods you can use, from making a drink to a soak or a douche. You can find more information here on how to make your own ACV yeast treatment.

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Help Treat a Sunburn

It may sound strange, but many people swear by putting apple cider vinegar on a sunburn. The vinegar itself has anti-inflammatory benefits that many think soothe the skin and reduce redness. But remember, it is still an acid and must be diluted before being filled in a spray bottle, dabbed on with a washcloth, or added to a cool bath.

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Help Treat Stinky Feet

Foot odor builds due to bacteria caused by perspiration, but apple cider vinegar has powerful anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties that can eliminate odor. Soaking the feet for 15 to 30 minutes in an ACV diluted tub for three days in a row, plus clean socks and shoes, should do the trick.

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Helps Tone Skin

If you never thought about making a facial toner out of apple cider vinegar, think again! ACV will tighten pores while the natural acids will stimulate circulation and prevent future breakouts. There's a great recipe at The Beauty Department.

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