Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is an ancient, natural remedy that truly says, “Food is medicine.”  Over the past few years, I sporadically drank ACV for its many health benefits.  But now, I take it daily or at least five days a week. 

So, why the change? 

Well, honestly, I couldn’t stand the taste before.  Additionally, I did not know how to drink it or how to make it taste better.   In the early days, I drank a few capfuls and felt it burn all the way down my throat, to my liver, and then to my butt.  Then, I tried drinking it with warm water as my mom and sister did.  Hmm, a little better, but still nasty.  I also added some honey to the warm water, but then I was using too much honey to hide the taste.

My friends also struggled with the taste.  They knew of the health benefits of ACV but gave up or gagged on it as part of their morning routine.  Obviously, gagging on apple cider vinegar is not a pretty way to start your day, no matter the health benefits.

Well, I found a way to make it taste great!  Additionally, it is cheap to make.  No more buying a ready-made 2-ounce shot of apple cider vinegar for $2.99 at the supermarket.

Now, I look forward to starting my day with ACV.  Furthermore, I also added some extra health benefits to my homemade tonic.

What is Apple Cider Vinegar?

ACV is made with fermented apples.  So, this process is similar to how alcohol is made.  First, wine yeast is added to crushed apples (including the peels).  During this stage, the yeast turns the sugar in the apples into alcohol.  Second, bacteria are added to the batch, and this turns the alcohol into acetic acid (i.e. vinegar).

Apple cider vinegar comes filtered or unfiltered.  Now, this is important.  Always buy the unfiltered and unpasteurized one.  Why?  Well, unfiltered apple cider vinegar contains the “mother” bacteria.  This is the key to many of its health benefits.  So, unfiltered vinegar looks cloudy and there are some murky-looking strands floating at the bottom.  Now, remember that there are good bacteria and bad bacteria, and the mother bacteria in the apple cider vinegar is the good one.  This type of ACV gives the good bacteria in your gut a nice, healthy boost.

Buy unfiltered ACV with the “mother”

Apple cider vinegar that is filtered and pasteurized looks bright and clear, meaning that the mother bacteria have been killed.  So, the bottom line is this: always buy unfiltered, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar with the “mother.”

Oh, by the way, you can also make ACV at home with apple cider.

Getting My Day Off to A Good Start

I started drinking ACV for two reasons. 

First, I went through a rough period with gastric acid reflux.  This was due primarily to stress.  Now, at first it seems weird to use ACV to treat gastric reflux.  After all, ACV is acidic and stomach acid is also acidic.  However, ACV helps to balance the stomach’s pH levels by neutralizing stomach acid.  Furthermore, we now know that gastric reflux and ulcers are linked to the overactivity of the Helicobacter pylori bacteria. ACV is also a natural anti-microbial agent, which means that it kills “bad” bacteria in the gut. 

 Second, I suffer from eczema and chronic hives.  The hives thing was a game changer. So, my body overproduces histamines and I sometimes itch and have rashes and welts several times a day.  It’s taken a while, but a daily dose of ACV has helped a lot.  Additionally, ACV can be diluted with water and wiped on the skin to calm eczema flare ups.

Other Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

ACV is good for overall general health.  However, specific health benefits include:

• Lowers blood and improves insulin resistance
• Reduces food cravings and creates a sense of fullness
• Lowers cholesterol
• Improves heart health
• Protects against certain cancers
• Kills head lice
• Controls dandruff
• Improves eczema
• Controls gastric reflux and heartburn
• Kills household germs and acts as a good overall cleaner

How Much to Take

It is very easy to abuse ACV and drink too much of it.  Why?  Well, in some people’s minds, “If a little is good, then a little more is better.”  No way with ACV.  If you’re having diarrhea or an upset stomach from ACV, then you’re drinking too much.

I limit myself to 3 teaspoons a day, which is the same as 1 tablespoon (15 ml).  Actually, I measure it by the cap on the bottle.  So, that works out to about 2 capfuls a day.  Start off with 1 teaspoon a day and gradually work yourself up to 1 tablespoon. 

Whatever you do, please do not take more than 2 tablespoons a day. 

Possible Side Effects of Too Much Apple Cider Vinegar

Use ACV with care. Furthermore, never, drink undiluted ACV and never use it undiluted on the skin.  Remember, it is acidic. Possible side effects of too much ACV include:

• Throat burns
• Diarrhea
• Disruption of the stomach pH levels
• Erosion of teeth enamel
• Excretion of potassium
• Lowers blood sugar too much for people with diabetes on medication

Oh, and as a preventive measure, always rinse your mouth with water after drinking ACV to prevent erosion of teeth enamel.

Make Cheap Great Tasting Homemade Apple Cider Vinegar Shots and Tonics

Now, the biggest thing that people hate about ACV is the taste.  However, there are many things that you can do to make it taste better.  Of course, you can buy the pre-made shots from your upscale grocery stores and pay $3 to $5 for a two-ounce shot. 

Likewise, you can purchase a great-tasting tonic or elixir from at your local farmers’ market.  However, I gagged at paying Apryll (yes, it’s spelled correctly) $28 for her 16-ounce “artisan” ACV blend tonic.  Yes, it tasted good, but not for $28.

So, here are some cheap, great-tasting ways to make apple cider vinegar shots at home.   First, buy a bottle of ACV with the mother.  The most popular brand is Bragg, and it costs about $7 for 16 ounces.  Of course, there are many other brands at your supermarket.  Remember, you need to buy for raw, unfiltered ACV with the “mother.”

And, guess what?  1 tablespoon has zero calories!

You can make your shot and drink it first thing in the morning.  Or, you can make up a batch for the week and then drink 2 ounces of your tonic first thing in the morning.  I like to make it every morning as part of my morning rituals.

A note of caution, if you make a batch for the week, it must be stored in a glass bottle or mason jar.  No refrigeration is necessary, but plan on using it up in 4 or 5 days.

Drink the ACV tonic on an empty stomach and drink first thing in the morning.  Wait about 10-15 minutes before drinking water.

Coconut Water with Apple Cider Vinegar

So, this mixture was the game changer and I make up a shot daily. And, the thing to remember is that we are using coconut water as a tonic and not a beverage.  This means that coconut water is used as a chaser (mixer) for the ACV.

Why I Like This: Coconut water is a great source of potassium and other electrolytes, a good source of antioxidants, and is low in sugar and calories.

Ingredients

2 ounces of coconut water

1 tablespoon (or 2 capfuls) of ACV

Mix in a glass and enjoy. 

Calories: About 11 calories

Apple Cider or Apple Juice with Apple Cider Vinegar

Yes, you read that correctly.  Before I started using coconut water, I used ACV with apple cider.  So, what’s the difference between apple juice and apple cider?

Apple cider (cider or raw apple juice) is made from apples that are washed, cut and ground into a wet mash. Then, the mash is pressed through a cloth into fresh juice.  Notably, the mash is unfiltered and usually unpasteurized.  So, it has a dark color and sediments at the bottom of the bottle.  Once opened, the bottle of cider is refrigerated.

On the other hand, apple juice cider is filtered cider that has all of the coarse particles of pulp or sediment removed.

Why I like this: Apple cider has pectin, which helps to reduce cholesterol.  It is also a good source of potassium and iron.  Additionally, it tastes great!

Drawbacks: Since it is not pasteurized, apple cider must be refrigerated once it is opened. Additionally, it usually comes in a half-gallon or one-gallon bottle, which makes it hard to use up in a week without drinking too much.  On the other hand, apple juice has no nutritional value.  However, it is available in small bottles so you won’t be tempted to drink too much of it for empty calories. 

Ingredients

2 ounces apple cider or apple juice

1 tablespoon (or 2 capfuls) of ACV

Dash of cinnamon (optional)

Mix in a glass and enjoy. 

Calories: About 30 calories

Lemonade (Limeade) with Honey and Apple Cider Vinegar

So, this is an easy tonic to make because you probably have all of the other ingredients in your kitchen.  And, we can all get excited about lemonade!  Limes can also be used.

Why I like this:  The ingredients are readily available.  Additionally, this tonic adds lemon juice and honey, which are also natural remedies.  Lemon juice is an excellent source of vitamin C.  In addition to boosting the immune system, it and may reduce congestion, break up phlegm, and limit the duration of the cold.     

Honey is a natural sweetener that pairs well with tea.  Honey naturally soothes the throat.  Additionally, honey from your local area is believed to reduce the symptoms of seasonal allergies. 

Ingredients

1 tablespoon of ACV

2 tablespoons of lemon juice or juice of 1/2 lemon

1 teaspoon local honey (or maple syrup)

Lemon slice or grated ginger (optional)

2 to 4 ounces of warm water  

Stir together and enjoy. 

Calories: About 32 calories

Now, It’s Your Turn

Well, I hope you feel more educated about the numerous benefits of apple cider vinegar.  Hopefully, you will incorporate ACV in your daily routine.  Even though I take ACV in the morning, you can enjoy it any time of the day.  However, I do not recommend that you take it just before bedtime.     

1. Try these different recipes for ACV shots to add variety to your morning routine. 
2. Take these ACV as one of your natural remedies and not just as a beverage.
3. Make a larger batch to save time.  Store in a mason jar or a glass container for 4-5 days.
4. Please share this article with a female friend or relative.

Well, we look forward to hearing about your experience in the comment section of this blog.  And, you can join the conversation on the Keep It Tight Sisters Facebook Page.

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