Who knew a simple solution to a number of ailments and issues was right there hidden inside your kitchen cupboard. Apple cider vinegar is a kitchen staple but few know the alternative ways it can be used. Take count of the number alternative methods related to this beneficial beverage.
Calm Your Stomach
Sip apple cider vinegar mixed with water when you have an upset stomach. Diarrhea is sometimes caused by a bacterial infection. Vinegar serves as a solution due to its antibiotic properties. The ingredient, pectin, soothes intestinal spasms. Mix a couple of tablespoons of vinegar with water or a clear juice.
Stop Hiccups
Hiccups can be extremely annoying. If you’ve tried the regular solutions (holding your breath, being scared, etc) to no avail, take a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. The extra sour taste overstimulates the throat’s nerves. Otherwise responsible for hiccuping, those nerves will cease to spasm. There’s even a vinegar-flavored lollipop that people reserve for times they have uncontrollable hiccups.
Kill Colds Before They Start
Oncoming colds usually present a number of signs, such as a sore throat. As soon as you feel a cold coming on, bust out the apple cider vinegar. Germs can’t survive the acid levels of vinegar. Mix ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar with ¼ cup of warm water. Gargle the solution every hour until you feel better.
Lower Cholesterol
A 2006 study found that acetic acid in vinegar lowered the amount of ‘bad’ cholesterol in rats. Another study asserts that an ounce of apple vinegar per day lowers cholesterol as compared to a control group that did not ingest vinegar.
Facilitate Digestion
Some people have trouble with spicy foods or rich dishes such as those with heavy sauces. If you traditionally have trouble with indigestion, add a teaspoon of honey and a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass of warm water. Down the mixture about thirty minutes before dining to aid digestion.
Unclog Nasal Congestion
People get a stuffy nose due to allergens in the air, a change of weather, and pets in the area. The next time it’s hard to breath, down some apple cider vinegar. The potassium helps thin mucus. Also, the acetic acid prevents the growth of bacteria. Aid sinus drainage by drinking a glass of water mixed with a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar.
Lose Weight
Apple cider vinegar helps you lose weight. Acetic acid suppresses one’s appetite, speeds up the metabolism, and reduces water retention. It’s thought that vinegar tampers with the body’s digestion of starch, so fewer calories enter the bloodstream. Read additional fat loss info from the Alternative Daily.
Curb Dandruff
Some recommend vinegar to address dandruff. The pH levels of the scalp change due to the acidity of vinegar. Yeast has problems growing, which results in less chafing of the scalp. Mix ¼ cup of vinegar with ¼ of water and spray on the scalp. Wrap your head in a towel and let the solution sit for fifteen minutes to an hour. Complete the process twice per week for optimal results.
Treat Acne
Those with radiant complexions use toner on their skin. The antibacterial properties in vinegar help treat acne. Also, malic and lactic acids soften and exfoliate the skin, reduce red spots, and help balance the pH levels of your skin.
Increase Energy
High levels of stress cause a buildup of lactic acid, which causes fatigue. However, amino acids contained in apple vinegar reverse feelings of lethargy. Furthermore, the potassium and enzymes help relieve fatigue, so the next time you feel rundown, add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water.
Decrease the Frequency of Nighttime Leg Cramps
Recurring leg cramps may be a sign that you don’t intake enough potassium. Mix 2 tablespoons of with a teaspoon of honey in warm water. Do this regularly until you experience a decrease in nighttime leg cramps.
Fight Bad Breath
Brushing, flossing, and gargling with mouthwash fights bad breath, but if those solutions don’t help, drink a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to kill the in-mouth bacteria that is causing the bad odor.
Whiten Teeth
Gargling with apple vinegar will kill bad breath and it will also help brighten teeth. Vinegar removes stains as well as kills bacteria in the mouth that causes plaque. Brush as you gargle with vinegar. If you want to do a really good job of whitening teeth, brush every so often with baking soda. Salt is another alternative to using toothpaste, but it may cause your gums to feel raw.
Harrison Gibbs changed his life around after ditching the fast food and returning to nature’s bounty. He became a life coach 6 years ago and is sharing his health, food and positivity tips online through blogging.
