Apple cider vinegar has been deemed a household staple worthy of its own acronym in naturalist circles. ACV has been dubbed a must-have for just about everything, ranging from digestive health, immune system function, beauty, and cleaning.
Apple cider vinegar is made with a process known as fermentation, so it comes armed with its own set of beneficial bacteria. It’s great for killing bacteria without completely sterilizing a space or your body.
Here are a few ways people all over the world are using ACV to rock their world.
#1 — To Improve Gut Health
Your gut health is connected to pretty much everything, and an imbalance of bacteria can cause everything from gastric distress to acne. The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar is naturally lethal to bacteria, while the probiotics naturally present in formulas with “The Mother” bacteria culture can help to maintain a healthy balance.
#2 — To Fight Heartburn & Indigestion
When you have heartburn, apple cider vinegar might feel like the last thing you want to drink. I promise though, you’re not being punk’d — it really does work.
Indigestion can actually be caused by low levels of stomach acid, which a quick shot of ACV can replace. (Okay, so maybe you’ll want to dilute it for palatability.)
#3 — To Help With Weight Loss
It’s bizarre, but it’s true: apple cider vinegar has been shown to decrease blood sugar levels by 31% and can actually help with weight loss.
#4 — As an Astringent
Thanks to its natural antibacterial properties, apple cider vinegar is perfect for acne prevention. It you have any active outbreaks, it might be worth avoiding until they clear up (because yea, that’s going to burn), but it’s an incredibly effective astringent. It also restores the proper pH levels to your skin, reducing your overall sensitivity and dryness.
#5 — To Treat a Cold
Apple cider vinegar can be some of the best cold medicine you’ve ever tried if you give it a chance. The beneficial bacteria present in a bottle of high quality ACV provides your body with an immune system boost, while also killing off any overabundance of bacteria in your mouth and throat (see ya, cold sores). Mix it with a little raw honey to make your own homemade cough syrup and amplify the effects.
#6 — To Treat a Sunburn
This is another one of those ACV scenarios where your mind says no, but your skin says ahhh.
Apple cider vinegar applied topically to a sunburn can actually speed the healing process, prevent blistering, and even reduce pain. Just mix it with water and spray on your skin, then allow it to dry. You might smell a little pickle-y for a day or two, but as long as you don’t have any open blisters, it shouldn’t burn.
#7 — As a Natural Conditioner
Apple cider vinegar is a CRAZY effective hair rinse and conditioner. Just dilute some 1:1 with water and pour it over wet hair in the shower to remove product buildup. ACV closes the hair cuticle, making your hair feel soft and silky smooth while also reducing frizz and balancing the pH of your scalp.
And don’t worry — it’ll be stinky in the shower, but when your hair is dry, you won’t be able to smell it.
#8 — To Clean EVERYTHING
Apple cider vinegar makes a great natural cleaner. It’s:
Acidic and breaks down residues
Naturally antibacterial
Nontoxic and safe to use around kids and pets
Affordable
Odorless (when dried)
Use it with great effect to make homemade window and glass cleaners, spot-free dish rinses, or even kid-safe toy cleaners!
What’s your favorite way to use apple cider vinegar? Show us yours on Facebook or Instagram and tag us in the post! @AvocadoMattress or #AvocadoGreenMagazine
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