My first introduction to apple cider vinegar (ACV) was in the 1980s after reading the book "Let’s Eat Right to Keep Fit" by Adelle Davis.

Every morning I would take two teaspoons of ACV in warm water with cayenne pepper to maintain overall health even though it did not taste great. I did this for years, but eventually got out of the routine. There are studies to confirm the health benefits that Davis discussed years ago, so I plan to restart this regimen and take fermented ACV in a capsule form.

Hippocrates used vinegar to clean and disinfect wounds over 2,000 years ago, and it has been used traditionally to treat nail fungus, lice, warts, and ear infections. It is also used as a preservative, plus it can inhibit bacteria such as E. coli.

Medicinally, the benefits of ACV include, but are not limited to:

  • Modulation of the intestinal microbiota. Studies show that when ACV is used for 12 weeks, it can help modulate the gut microbiome and body weight in animals that were fed junk food.
  • Having an alkalizing effect on the body, most diseases, illnesses, and bad bacteria thrive in an over-acidic environment.
  • Helping to cleanse toxins from the body. One example is glyphosate, which is not only a toxic chemical but is also a powerful antibiotic that causes dysregulation of the soil and gut micro-biome in humans and animals. ACV helps support the microbiome while at the same time helping to eliminate toxins. Our human microbiome and internal milieu/terrain ensure that the tissues and organs maintain stability or homeostasis. Think of the body’s internal milieu as soil. When soil is fertile and healthy, the tissue will thrive; when it is toxic, cells decay and die.
  • Helping to reduce belly fat and contributing to weight loss by promoting satiety.
  • Promoting healthy digestion.
  • Helping people with type 2 diabetes who may be at a higher risk of developing fungal infections, most commonly in the mouth, throat, and vagina. Candida albicans is a very common fungal infection in humans, and some research suggests that ACV may have potential as an antifungal treatment.
  • Lowering cholesterol and triglycerides, reducing blood pressure, as well as lowering blood sugar and insulin levels – all risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including atherosclerosis.
  • Having natural acidity with antimicrobial properties, which could help improve the skin barrier and prevent infections.

 

ACV capsules

ACV is formed through the fermentation of apple juice. Fermented foods provide healthy bacteria in the gut and support immune health.

Fermented ACV with chromium

This new Natural Factors Fermented Apple Cider Vinegar with Chromium contains 500 mg of ACV and 250 mcg of chromium, an essential mineral that provides additional support for blood sugar regulation. Some people like to dilute ACV in a large glass of water. Common dosages range from 1–2 teaspoons to 1–2 tablespoons per day.