By Guest Blogger Heidi Wickstrom
I never thought I would say this but I’m addicted to Apple Cider Vinegar. Yes, you heard me right. After a discussion I had with my personal trainer about drinking ACV daily for several reasons, I decided to do some research myself. It’s beneficial for pretty much anything—your skin, your hair, and your house can benefit from its qualities. Raw, organic, unfiltered and unpasteurized, apple cider vinegar is so much more than a salad dressing!
Top 10 Reasons to use ACV:
1. ACV can aid in weight loss
Many people claim the Apple Cider Vinegar promotes weight loss by speeding up the metabolism. Just mix 2 teaspoons with 16 oz of water, sip it throughout the day for daily weight management. (Warning, it’s a bit bitter, but you can always add honey or stevia)
2. Gives hair body and shine
Make your own healthy after-shampoo hair rinse by mixing 1/3 of a cup (75 ml) of ACV into a quart (1 liter) of water. You can then store this mixture in a plastic bottle and keep it in the shower for ready use. Apply the vinegar rinse after shampooing and then rinse it all out, or for extra conditioning, you can leave the rinse on your hair. This natural hair care product can be used once or twice a week or more often as needed.
3.You can use it as a toner
Psoriasis sufferers praise apple cider vinegar for reducing inflammation. Apply a few drops to a cotton ball and rub on your T-zone or other dry spots to prevent breakouts and minimize blemishes. I also like to add a drop of lavender essential oil. Therapeutic-grade lavender is highly regarded for skin and beauty.
4.Teeth Whitener
Gargle with ACV in the morning. The vinegar helps remove stains, whiten teeth, and kill bacteria in your mouth and gums. Brush as usual after you gargle.
5. It’s a Tummy Tamer
It acts as an effective agent against the viruses that cause stomach flu. It is also a rich source of pectin, which helps soothe an irritated stomach. Moreover, it helps treat stomach ache, nausea, vomiting and gas.
6. Leg cramps and Restless Leg Syndrome
Sipping on an apple cider vinegar drink can increase low potassium levels in your body, a suspect in nighttime leg cramps and restless leg syndrome.
7. Reduce swelling
Rubbing ACV onto swollen hands or feet reduces swelling. A wonderful thing during pregnancy!
8. Soothing bath soak
The next time you get ready for a nice warm bath, add one to two capfuls of ACV. It draws toxins out of the body, leaving behind toned and moisturized skin. Again, I love to add a drop of Lavender essential oil.
The next time you get ready for a nice warm bath, add one to two capfuls of ACV. It draws toxins out of the body, leaving behind toned and moisturized skin. Again, I love to add a drop of Lavender essential oil.
9. Sunburn remedy
You can relieve the pain of a sunburn and minimize peeling by applying a wash cloth soaked in ACV to the area. Don’t worry about the smell it dissipates quickly.
10.Natural deodorant
Lots of people don’t like to use an antiperspirant, so ACV is a great option. ACV absorbs and neutralizes odors. Simply rub a bit in your underarms. The smell will disappear once it dries.
Lots of people don’t like to use an antiperspirant, so ACV is a great option. ACV absorbs and neutralizes odors. Simply rub a bit in your underarms. The smell will disappear once it dries.
*I do recommend Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar, you can find it almost anywhere! It runs about $3 dollars for a 16 ounce bottle. What a bargain!!
**Huge thank you to Heidi Wickstrom for contributing this article. Heidi is a Fit & Busy mom of 2, who loves learning & sharing healthy, holistic, tips for living a healthy lifestyle.