Why apple cider vinegar may be the best $3 you ever spend.

One of my all-time favourite recommendations for digestion...and maybe a few other reasons! Let's get to it.

1. Heartburn. Wait, acid for acid? Yep. Sometimes there is too much acid production in the stomach. Sometimes there's not enough. The lower esophageal sphincter, or the top door of the stomach, runs on a negative feedback mechanism. This means when there's enough acid, it shuts, and when there isn't enough, it doesn't get that signal and stays open causing the little acid that's there to splash up. Next time you have heartburn, try a bit of ACV and wait about 5-10 minutes. That's about how long it takes for the signals to get working. 
*If this worsens things, an antacid should neutralize everything. Or, try deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) tablets which will coat the esophagus and protect from acid.

2. Gas and bloating. Sometimes we don't digest enough of our food ourselves and smaller particles make it through to the large intestine where bacteria get to feast...and output gas. Making sure your digestive cascade is working starts in the mouth with chewing properly. The next step is the increase in stomach acid in response to food. This signals the release of enzymes from the stomach and pancreas, and triggers bile release from the gallbladder. Ramping up your body's own digestive juices is one key to a healthy belly. 

3. Itchy dermatitis. ACV can act as a topical counter-irritant leaving itching to subside. Make sure there's no broken skin first. If it's itchy dandruff, ACV doubles as a wonderful conditioner. And no, you don't smell afterward!

How to take it:
I recommend half a shotglass of ACV and topping up with water. That's your dose. Rinse out your mouth though so that any residual acid doesn't break down enamel, or have straw handy so that the regular dose of vinegar goes straight down the hatch. 
[Disclaimer: this is a stock photo. I don't actually know this brand, though I'm sure they're great, but any ACV will do!]

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