Diabetes affects over 100 million people living in the U.S. That’s a lot of drugs dispersed daily. So, when there’s a drug recall, it affects millions of people. Drug recalls occur when an over-the-counter or prescription medicine is taken off the market because it’s either defective or possibly harmful. Here’s the latest diabetes drug recall.

Diabetes meds containing carcinogens recalled

Recently, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Issued a national voluntary recall for one lot of the Type 2 diabetes medicine Riomet ER, (metformin). The drug was recalled after lab tests found it contained too much N-Nitrosodimethylamine, more commonly known as NDMA. The contaminant NDMA is a yellow liquid, once used to make rocket fuel. It has no distinct odor but is a known carcinogen, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Here’s what you need to look for:

– Drug: RIOMET ER™
– Lot number: AB06381
– Expiration date: 10/2021

If you’re taking Riomet ER, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) advises you to continue taking your medication. However, contact your doctor for advice regarding another treatment. It’s dangerous to stop taking your medicine without first talking to your health care professional.

Is there another, more natural way to treat diabetes?

Recalls can be scary, especially when you rely heavily on the recalled drug to treat your condition. Several factors can cause drugs to be recalled by the manufacturer, suggests the FDA: Health hazard, incorrect packaging or labeling, and drug contamination. With this in mind, you may want to take a more natural approach to complement your diabetes treatment. However, herbs, supplements, and medicine can be a bad mix if not done correctly, causing blood sugar to drop. Therefore, any changes to your diet and medicine should always be discussed with your health care practitioner in advance.

Diabetes is a “perfect storm”

According to the CDC, over 34 million people of all ages in the U.S. have Type 2 diabetes. Plus, one in three American adults have prediabetes — that’s 88 million people! What’s more, over seven million adults aged 18 years, who were tested for diabetes via lab testing, did not even know they had diabetes. The truth is, diabetes is typically the result of a “perfect storm,” which encompasses poor diet and lifestyle choices mixed with hereditary genes. The following all play a role in the disease, including:

– Eating the wrong foods
– Not exercising
– Being emotionally stressed
– Not getting proper sleep
– Too many toxins
– Hereditary genes

Below are a number of all-natural, self-care remedies that could help improve your diabetes.

Take apple cider vinegar

Several small studies suggest that taking apple cider vinegar could improve blood sugar levels. One study from the American Diabetes Association found that ingesting two tablespoons of ACV before bed can reduce your morning fasting sugar levels. Another study suggests that taking one to two tablespoons of ACV with meals may decrease the glycemic load of a carbohydrate-rich meal.

Exercise regularly and lose that belly fat

Being overweight is the biggest risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes. Experts agree, regular exercise not only helps you lose weight but also increases insulin sensitivity. Belly fat is particularly risky since the fat that surrounds the abdominal organs and the liver is linked to insulin resistance. You are high risk if you are a woman whose waist measures 35 inches or more or a man whose waist measures 40 inches or more.

Supplement with chromium

Since the 1950s, it’s been suggested that chromium contains a glucose tolerance factor that helps prevent diabetes. Mostly found in brewer’s yeast, research reports that chromium may lower blood sugar levels. Some trials have found that supplementing with chromium increases muscle gain and accelerates fat loss during exercise. It’s also thought to improve serum lipid profile and glucose metabolism in patients with or without diabetes. However, Stamford Health warns to be careful taking this supplement if you have kidney disease.

Add a little cinnamon to your coffee

Some controlled studies suggest that cinnamon may reduce fasting blood sugar. However, while some studies report significant drops in hemoglobin A1c, others show no effect. Nevertheless, sprinkling a little cinnamon each day on your breakfast cereal or in your coffee is a safe, non-toxic way to help lower your blood sugar potentially.

Lower your carbs

Studies show that a low-carb diet often helps prevent blood sugar spikes while reducing blood sugar levels. However, when replacing carbs with protein, make healthy protein choices. Stay away from saturated fats.

Snack on pumpkin seeds

Pumpkin seeds are high in magnesium, which is thought to be the reason why it has positive effects on diabetes. A study that looked at over 127,000 people found that magnesium-rich diets were linked with a 33 percent lower risk of type 2 diabetes in men and a 34 percent lower risk in women.

If you have diabetes, you have nearly double the chance of developing heart disease. You also have a higher chance of developing mental health issues, such as depression. However, type 2 diabetes is preventable in most cases. And in some people, it can even be reversed. Be proactive in your health. Talk to your doctor, change your diet, and start moving.

(The original article source is here)

Speaking of diabetes…If you think that Type 2 Diabetes is irreversible like many misinformed doctors will tell you, then you need to read some of the proof below on how to naturally reverse Type 2 Diabetes…

Although eating “paleo” or even low-carb is a good first step, you’ll also see below other techniques on just how simple it can be to “fix” your diabetes, control your blood sugars, and lose all of that excess fat sitting on your stomach.

> 1 Simple trick to REVERSE your Diabetes, naturally (while getting off drugs ASAP)

The post Diabetes Drug Recalled: Contains Cancer-Causing Ingredients appeared first on thenutritionwatchdog.com.

What is Candida?

As we should know by now, our bodies are host to a variety of yeasts and bacteria. Some of them healthy and some not so healthy. Candida is one of those yeasts—or fungus that normally lives in our bodies. The most common form of candida is candida albicans.

Candida is the most common types of fungus in the human body. Certain health conditions can cause the yeast to grow out of control and at that point, candida can cause a variety of unwanted symptoms. It’s generally harmless, but an overgrowth of this fungus can lead to a yeast infection.

Candida lives primarily in areas like the mouth, skin, fingernails, digestive tract, toenails, rectum and vagina. When candida grows out of control in these areas, it is called “candidiasis”. Overgrowth in the mouth can cause a condition called “thrush”. Overgrowth in the vaginal tract is generally called “vaginal candidiasis”.

Rarely, for some people with compromised immune function, candida can grow out of control and become systemic.

What Causes Yeast Infections?

Yeasts like candida, generally kept in check by our immune system and by healthy bacteria in our bodies. However, antibiotics can kill off all the beneficial bacteria that would hold candida back, opening the door for unregulated candida growth. Candida is a very opportunistic fungus, so it grows where the environment is best for it. That includes the mouth, the vagina, and the digestive tract where it is warm, moist, and dark.

Other things that can contribute to the unchecked growth of candida include high blood sugar—as in people with diabetes, people with suppressed immune function—as in those who may be undergoing chemo for cancer treatments, and even high estrogen levels. People with celiac disease or types of gluten sensitivity and food allergies often suffer from an overgrowth in their digestive systems as well, as the gut microbiome is often ‘off’.

The most common cause of yeast overgrowth is a diet high in sugar and carbohydrates and low in healthy fiber and vegetables. This contributes to higher than normal blood sugar levels, which actually feed candida. Higher blood sugar contributes to an overgrowth in the digestive system, leading to a condition called “dysbiosis”. An overgrowth in the digestive system can actually cause cravings for more carbs and sugar, leading to the theory that the candida organisms themselves can actually control our cravings.

This study shows that cutting back on sugar and refined carbohydrates can actually help lower the chances of yeast infections in women.

Several other health and lifestyle practices can lead to an increased incidence of yeast infections.

These include:

• Taking antibiotics
• Eating a diet high in sugar and refined carbs
• High alcohol intake
• A weakened immune system
• Dysbiosis (overgrowth of bad bacteria and yeasts) in digestive system
• Food allergies and gluten sensitivity
• Taking oral contraceptives
• Diabetes
• High stress levels

How Would I Know if I Have a Yeast Infection?

Yeast infections are pretty obvious, and you will have a feeling of fatigue, brain fog and just general malaise. There are also some claims that yeast infections can lead to joint aches, increased food allergies due to intestinal permeability, migraines, and food cravings, but these claims have not been scientifically researched.

Let’s take a look at some of the other signs of candida overgrowth:

1. Fatigue and Brain Fog

One of the most common symptoms of candida overgrowth is brain fog and fatigue. Brain fog and fatigue can be attributed to a variety of causes, including food allergies, environmental allergies, not enough sleep, high blood sugar and several other health issues.

But when tied with any of the above risk factors, like antibiotic use, brain fog and fatigue may be attributable to candida. Overgrowth of candida can also create nutritional deficiencies and malabsorption of important nutrients, including vitamin B6, which is essential to the creation of energy. Other deficiencies caused by overgrowth of candida include magnesium and essential fatty acids. Prolonged candidiasis can lead to other issues with fatigue including chronic fatigue syndrome. This study shows a possible connection of yeast to chronic fatigue syndrome.

2. Recurring Vaginal, Genital or Urinary Tract Infections

It is true that candida is normally found in most women’s vaginal tracts, but in some, it grows out of control. It is estimated that at least 75% of all women will have at least one vaginal yeast infection in their lifetime, and most of those have more than one recurrence.

Yeast infections don’t just happen to women, they can also occur in men, and get transferred back and forth from sexual partners.

Symptoms of vaginal yeast infections include redness and itching, along with a thick, white or yellowish, cheesy discharge from the vagina. In men, there are little to no symptoms. Candida infections can also cause painful intercourse, and vaginal candidiasis can worsen with intercourse, as seminal fluid contains nutrients that candida feed on.

Candida can also cause urinary tract infections as well, especially with a prolonged or recurrent vaginal yeast infections. Candida infections can also be very common for those with indwelling catheters.

3. Oral Thrush

Since candida is an opportunistic organism and likes warm, moist areas of the body like mucous membranes, it can grow out of control in the mouth and throat as well. This is called “thrush.”

Thrush generally occurs in newborns, the elderly, and those with weakened immune system, such as people undergoing chemotherapy or radiation. People with certain types of dental work or dentures can also get thrush more easily.

Thrush looks like reddened, sore areas with bumpy white patches on the tongue, inside the cheeks, on the gums, tonsils or the throat. The mouth may be sensitive and sore and can bleed easily. Often the tongue can be red and swollen as well with a thick white coating. In particularly bad cases, the thrush can spread down the throat making swallowing and even breathing difficult.

4. Digestive Issues and Intestinal Permeability

Healthy gut bacteria and a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut is massively important to our health overall, and the health of our digestive system. Gut bacteria also play a role in digesting and breaking down foods including starches, fiber, and some sugar.

An imbalance of gut bacteria and an overgrowth of harmful bacteria and yeasts can create unhealthy issues within the digestive system. When yeasts and bacteria in your gut become unbalanced, you can experience digestive issues, including constipation, diarrhea, nausea, gas, cramps and bloating.

Some studies have shown that overgrowth of candida in the digestive tract may be associated with chronic diseases such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and IBD (Irritable Bowel Disease).

Severe candida overgrowth in the intestines can also cause increased intestinal permeability (leaky gut syndrome), an increase in food allergies, and even systemic candida infections as the micro-holes in the gut can allow candida to escape into the bloodstream.

5. Sinusitis

Many adults have chronically inflamed sinuses. This can be due to ongoing allergies either in the environment or the diet, but also can be due to candida. The nasal passages and sinuses are another warm, moist mucous membrane area of the body that can allow candida to grow out of control, given the proper circumstances. Common symptoms include a runny nose, nasal congestion, loss of smell and headaches.

Most sinus infections are short lived and caused by either a bacterial or viral infection, and often clear up with medication, but many long-term sinus issues are believed to be fungal infections.

This study by the Mayo Clinic looked at a group of 210 individuals with chronic sinus infections and found that 96% of them actually had fungi in their mucus. While antibiotics are the usual line of treatment for acute sinus infections, they would most certainly make a chronic fungal infection worse. If you have recurring sinus infections or an infection that lasts longer than a month, you may have a candida infection.

6. Skin and Nail Infections

Bacteria on the skin and nails also help to keep candida from growing out of control. But certain conditions can make it more conducive for candida to grow on the skin or nails. Candida yeasts also like to grow on the skin and nails in warmer, moist conditions, which is why a yeast infection can often occur on the feet, between the toes. Armpits and the groin can also foster yeasts readily as well.

In men, it is called “jock itch”, in babies, it is diaper rash. On the feet it is often called “athlete’s foot”. Candida can also grow in the folds of skin of obese people and babies.

Antibacterial soaps can encourage the growth of yeast infections, as do warm, moist, dark areas of the skin. Candida can also contribute to ringworm and toenail fungus as well.

Babies who may be taking antibiotics for an ear infection or other illness, may experience a candida diaper rash.

Candida infections on the skin result in itchy, blotchy red areas, while candida infections in the nails can cause the nail to pull away from the bed of the nail, look white, gray or yellow. The nail itself becomes crumbly and loses its integrity.

How to Treat Candidiasis

The standard medical treatment for candida overgrowth is antifungals. Antifungals can be topical for the skin and nails, suppositories for vaginitis, or taken internally for severe digestive overgrowth or systemic candida infections. Many conventional medications for candida can be especially harsh, with unwelcome side effects, including liver dysfunction and have to be monitored carefully.

Candidiasis is generally not considered life threatening, unless the immune system is severely compromised as it is in people who are on cancer treatments, or those with immune disorders such as AIDS.

A better, more gentle treatment is to try an anti-candida diet to treat the underlying cause in the gut. Eliminating all sugars, grain-based carbohydrates and fruit is a good start. In addition, it is recommended to avoid lactose in dairy products, fruit, and any foods you may be sensitive or allergic to. For those who are gluten sensitive, candida overgrowth is fairly easy to treat by eliminating gluten and slowing the inflammation and immune reaction in the digestive system.

By eliminating grain based carbohydrates, all added sugars, fruits and fruit juice—as well as high yeast drinks such as beer and wine, you help to starve the candida yeasts.

Certain foods and drinks actually are proven to encourage growth of beneficial bacteria and kill off candida, including:

• Taheebo or Pau d’arco tea–Pau d’arco actually contains two primary active ingredients, lapachol and beta-lapachone. These two natural chemicals are what make it effective against bacteria, fungi, yeasts, viruses and even parasites. Lapachol is known to not only kill many different types of fungi, bacteria and yeasts—like candida, but it also lowers inflammation.

• Garlic—Garlic contains the powerful substance, allicin, which is an antifungal. It has been shown to be active against candida yeasts in animal and test tube studies.

• Coconut oil—Coconut oil contains a substance called lauric acid which is toxic to candida cells.

• Turmeric and Curcumin—curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric can kill or reduce candida growth as well as reduce any accompanying inflammation that may occur with a yeast infection.

• Aloe vera—Aloe vera gel is effective for use against oral thrush, inhibiting the growth of candida and soothing sore inflamed oral tissue as well.

• Pomegranate—Plant compounds in pomegranate peel are beneficial against candida yeasts as well but care must exercised as most pomegranate juice you purchase in the store may have added sugars or other fruit juices, helping to encourage candida growth.

• Kombucha tea—Rich in tea antioxidants, acetic acid and a plethora of beneficial bacteria, kombucha makes an excellent drink to encourage growth of helpful bacteria, as well as working to kill off candida.

• Apple Cider Vinegar— ACV works as both an antibacterial and antifungal agent. A very recent study found that undiluted ACV can prevent the growth of candida. It appears this opportunistic fungus does not get along well with ACV, but more research is necessary to determine if it is because it makes the body less receptive to candida or that it actually kills the candida.

Unfortunately, dietary changes may not always do the trick, in which case conventional antifungal medications often seem to be the only other choice. However, there are several natural antifungal treatments that work well against candida—without the harmful side effects.

Some of the most effective natural treatments include grapefruit seed extract, oregano oil capsules and clove oil. One of my favorite supplements that not only kills off candida, but also other harmful parasites is a product called Intestibal, which contains oregano oil, clove, ginger, wormwood and evening primrose oils.

It’s important to keep in mind, when combating candida, there can be a candida ‘die-off’ reaction as the candida cells break open and release a toxin which can sometimes make you feel worse for a short time.

Sticking to a low carb diet of unprocessed foods, avoiding grains, gluten and dairy and steering far away from any foods containing sugar will go a long way to helping you avoid annoying candida overgrowth. Always check with your doctor before starting any supplements to be sure they do not interfere with any other medications or health conditions.

References
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/candida-diet#downsides
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-candida-diet-separating-fact-from-fiction/
https://www.healthline.com/health/apple-cider-vinegar-candida
https://draxe.com/health/candida-symptoms/

The post The Truth About Candida appeared first on thenutritionwatchdog.com.

By: Cat Ebeling 

I’m sure you’ve seen the many articles about apple cider vinegar over the past few months. Claims about this common household item run the gamut of everything from preventing cancer, fighting diabetes and lowering blood sugar, to preventing heart attacks, aiding digestion, and clearing acne—and more!

Apple cider vinegar, or ACV as it is often called, is a vinegar made from apple cider that has been fermented. It contains acetic acid and lactic acid, as well as beneficial bacteria. It has been around for literally thousands of years and used in a variety health applications.

Is this the new miracle health cure that has been sitting in our pantry all along?  Can apple cider vinegar REALLY do all this stuff? Let’s take a look at some of these claims.

Apple Cider Vinegar and Diabetes/Blood Sugar Control

Apple cider vinegar or ACV is thought to be anti-glycemic and actually does have a beneficial effect on blood sugar. ACV contains a substance called acetic acid (which is also in kombucha fermented tea), that helps to prevent the breakdown of some carbohydrates, so the conversion of carbohydrates into glucose is actually slowed down. And yes, there are actual scientific studies that have been done on this. One study from Arizona State University, published in Diabetes Care Journal, showed that apple cider vinegar significantly improved postprandial (post-meal) insulin sensitivity in insulin-resistant subjects.

Test subjects took a drink of 20 grams of apple cider vinegar, 40 grams of water, and 1 teaspoon of saccharin with each meal. (Use stevia NOT saccharin!) Those with insulin resistance who drank the vinegar had 34% lower postprandial (after-meal) glucose compared to controls. The especially interesting finding is that those who were diagnosed with pre-diabetes had the biggest reaction and the ACV actually lowered their blood glucose better than the healthy participants.

The acetic acid in the vinegar is thought to suppress the enzyme disaccharidase, which breaks down starch in the body. Slowing down the breakdown of starch means less of it is absorbed–meaning that drinking an apple cider vinegar and water combination immediately before a meal may create an effect similar to taking the diabetes drug, Acarbose or Metformin.

Other studies show that using ACV at bedtime can also reduce the fasting blood glucose in those with blood sugar issues, showing that the vinegar may also promote insulin production during the nighttime.

For such a simple, inexpensive product that you find on your grocery store shelf, it is actually amazing that apple cider vinegar can actually have this much effect on type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes, very much like the three different classes of diabetes drugs that are commonly given.

ACV is also considered helpful for those with type 1 diabetes as well, especially for helping with post-meal glucose control. Especially considering that postprandial blood sugar control is one of the major factors that make up the A1C measurement—a measurement of blood sugar control over a period of approximately three months.

Keep in mind, if you decide to start incorporating ACV into your diet; if you are diabetic, inform your doctor. Apple cider vinegar is effective enough to affect medication dosages.

Bottom Line: Yes, ACV works to help lower blood sugar and increase insulin sensitivity.

Heart Health, Blood Pressure, And Cholesterol Control

Another one of apple cider vinegar’s claims is heart and cardiovascular health. How effective is ACV for helping with this serious disease? We know that hypertension, or high blood pressure is a serious risk factor for heart attacks and strokes. There are actual scientific studies with apple cider vinegar and blood pressure, although the studies were conducted on rats, not humans. One study showed that the acetic acid in the vinegar significantly reduced both blood pressure (p<0.05) and renin activity (p<0.01) compared to the control group given no vinegar. Other studies on animals have shown similar significant results on blood pressure as well, such as this one also conducted on animals. While studies on animals are not as reliable as studies conducted with human subjects, the results are still considered significant, and applicable to humans. Further studies with humans are recommended.

While most of us have come to the conclusion that cholesterol is not as harmful as we once thought, LDL cholesterol can still be a contributing factor in heart disease and is often a result of chronically high blood sugar. Studies done with ACV have shown that vinegar can actually lower the harmful LDL cholesterol, while at the same time, increasing the beneficial HDL cholesterol. Apple cider vinegar also reduced triglyceride levels as well—another factor in heart disease.

Other research conducted at Babol University of Medical Sciences in Iran found ACV reduces LDL (bad) cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides in those with high cholesterol. Researchers are suggesting that ACV may be used to prevent atherosclerosis and other related heart disease factors. While this particular study was done on a small number of people, and further research on this is warranted, the results are still worth noting.

Bottom Line: ACV is effective in helping to lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, and raising HDL cholesterol.

What About Weight Loss?

ACV has been touted as the magic elixir to promote weight loss. Can this actually be true?

Yes! According to one of the most well-known studies by the Central Research Institute of the Mizkan Group Corporation in Japan, obese people in the study drank a daily dose of vinegar and actually lost more body weight and body fat than those in a placebo group. While the weight loss was modest, it was, however, significant. The 12-week experiment produced lower body weight, lower body mass index, less visceral fat, lower waist measurements and lower triglyceride levels.

How does this work?

One theory is that since apple cider vinegar plays a role in lowering blood sugar in diabetics, as we discussed above, it also lowers blood sugar in overweight people, helping their bodies to store less fat after eating. This study showed that even when subjects consumed some apple cider vinegar and ate a high carb meal that consisted of a bagel and fruit juice, they consumed less food and lower calories for the remainder of the day. In fact, they consumed 200-300 calories less. While that doesn’t seem like a lot, overall it resulted in about 1.5 to 2 pounds in a month—which can add up to 24 pounds in a year!

ACV is also thought to help people feel full, and since blood sugar and insulin response tend to make you feel hungrier, ACV may actually take away some of the hunger associated with eating less and dieting. Obviously, this is not a miracle weight-loss product, but when combined with a healthy, low carb diet of vegetables, naturally-raised proteins, and healthy fats, it could really be a dietary boost!

Bottom Line: ACV is an effective weight loss aid.

Fighting Cancer 

One of the claims about ACV is that it helps fight cancer; however, it doesn’t seem that as of yet, there is convincing evidence that ACV actually has an anti-cancer effect. While there have been some studies done that do show that some types of vinegar inhibited the growth of cancer cells in a lab, there has been no real evidence of apple cider vinegar actually stopping or slowing cancer in humans as of yet. And while one study actually found ingesting a type of vinegar decreased the risk of esophageal cancer, another study associated it with an increased risk for bladder cancer. It is thought that the acetic acid in vinegar may stop a cell process called glycolysis. Cancer cells gain energy from this process, allowing them to proliferate. Another cancer-fighting theory has to do with vinegar’s polyphenols—which are a type of antioxidant and their ability to slow cancer.

Cancer studies with vinegar are still vague and undeveloped, and much more research is needed before any conclusions can be drawn. As of this article, there is no real conclusive evidence that apple cider vinegar, or any other vinegar, for that matter, is effective in fighting cancer.

Bottom Line: ACV has not been shown conclusively to be an effective cancer fighter.

Infection Fighter and Medicinal Uses

Apple cider vinegar has a long history of being used for fighting bacteria and infections. In fact, all the way back to Hippocrates, who recommended a vinegar solution for treating sores and ulcerations in the skin. A mixture of honey and vinegar has also been used for thousands of years for sore throats and coughs. Try this one from Dr. Mercola: gargle with a mixture of about one-third cup of apple cider vinegar mixed with warm water as needed. Or try a warm apple cider vinegar solution with honey and ginger.

Recent scientific studies show some of the antimicrobial effects of vinegar, but mostly in food preparation, not as a skin treatment. In studies, vinegar solutions were slightly effective at inhibiting the growth of E.coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria. Some investigations have shown that diluted vinegar works for ear infections, but it may also be irritating to inflamed skin.

Apple cider vinegar can be useful in treating acne and the bacteria that can cause acne. The acetic acid, lactic acid, and succinic acid it contains all fight the growth of Propionibacterium acnes, the bacteria that causes acne. Some studies show that the acid in vinegar may be helpful in treating scarring, but generally the acid is used at much higher concentrations than what is found in ACV.

Bottom line: ACV is marginally helpful against some bacteria; however, there are many more effective natural antimicrobial solutions such as essential oils.

Relieves Acid Reflux and Helps Digestion

Many people suffer from acid reflux, otherwise known as GERD. Acid flows back up from the stomach, burning the esophagus, causing sometimes severe, heartburn symptoms. Excessive acid reflux can actually lead to ulceration and sometimes cancer of the esophagus.

Most conventional medical treatments involve acid reflux medication, which reduces stomach acid, creating serious nutritional deficiencies and digestive problems. These medications can even make you more susceptible to gastro-intestinal infections and stomach ulcers.

Acid reflux is actually thought to be a condition of too low of a level of certain types of stomach acid. The stomach actually tries to compensate for this problem by producing more acid, creating GERD. Digestive enzymes or apple cider vinegar may help this situation by creating a more optimal environment for digestion. Try diluting 1-2 tablespoons in an 8 oz glass of water and drinking just before eating. Avoiding dairy and gluten, and eating a diet of fresh vegetables, healthy fats and fermented foods like kombucha, will help even more.

Apple cider vinegar does contain healthy probiotics that work to add beneficial bacteria to your digestive system, which helps with immunity, mood, and digestion and absorption of nutrients. Adding 1-2 tablespoons of ACV to your diet along with other healthy fermented foods such as kimchi, kombucha or kefir is very beneficial for your health.

Bottom Line: ACV can help with acid reflux and aids in digestion by adding beneficial bacteria.

What Kind to Buy

The best type of ACV is raw, organic, unprocessed apple cider vinegar. You may see little strands of ‘goo’ floating around in the mixture. Raw means the healthy bacteria are still present in the solution. This is actually good—as it often contains bits of the ‘mother’, the proteins, enzymes, bacteria and yeast which helps to create it. Avoid the processed, clear vinegars, as much of the healthy benefits—along with the beneficial bacteria—are processed out.

How to Take Apple Cider Vinegar

The easiest way to get ACV in your diet is to add it to your food. ACV makes one of the best salad dressings, mixed with olive oil and a touch of maple syrup. It also makes a great coleslaw dressing mixed with mayonnaise, or drizzled on fish to bring out its flavor. Add it to cooked greens to help you absorb more of the nutrients in the greens. Add it to any food that you would consider adding lemon juice to, as its tart flavor works well with a variety of dishes.

You can also drink ACV, mixed in a glass of water or juice, before meals or first thing in the morning. It is considered healthy and safe for most people but keep in mind, consuming too much of it can erode teeth, and upset the stomach. And be sure to let your doctor know if you are taking any prescription medications, especially any that help with blood sugar control or insulin.

While there seems to be news almost daily about apple cider vinegar and its amazing health claims, keep in mind this is a healthy food additive, but not a miracle health solution. Adding it to your daily diet of organic vegetables, naturally raised protein sources, and healthy fats is the best way to get all the health benefits from apple cider vinegar.

It’s apparent that much more research needs to be done on apple cider vinegar’s health claims. But we do know this—ACV is a great all-purpose ingredient to enhance your health and well-being and is a great natural food to keep in your kitchen cabinet.

Speaking of ACV…

My friends at The Alternative Daily have a free book showing you over 81 amazing uses for Apple Cider Vinegar. You may wonder why you should have their free book shipped to you after you just read this great article, but we just scratched the surface on what ACV can do for you, your family, and your home… Grab your free book here

References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1785201/

Johnston, C.S. and C.A. Gaas, Vinegar: medicinal uses and antiglycemic effect. MedGenMed, 2006. 8(2): p. 61.
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1271/bbb.90231
https://www.healthline.com/health/amazing-apple-cider-vinegar#4
https://draxe.com/apple-cider-vinegar-uses/
http://jn.nutrition.org/content/130/3/507?ijkey=cea0b5abac537bea6615ec9363ceb36094a02e0e&keytype2=tf_ipsecsha
http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/27/1/281.full
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317218.php
https://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com/blog/apple-cider-vinegar-and-diabetes/
https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/06/02/apple-cider-vinegar-hype.aspx
https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2018/01/01/apple-cider-vinegar-black-seed-oil-benefits.aspx?utm_source=dnl&utm_medium=email&utm_content=art1&utm_campaign=20180101Z1&et_cid=DM176538&et_rid=170060670

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Today’s blog is republished from my friends at TheAlternativeDaily, and I wanted to share it on our blog here because it combines a few different amazing “tonics” you should add to your regular routine.  You don’t need to do all of them daily, but should definitely figure out how to add them to your regular routine…

By Liivi Hess, TheAlternativeDaily.com

As a nation, we’re fascinated with the concept of miraculous healing. Presumably, this miracle can come in the form of a pill, tea or a fantastically labeled elixir of health. Every day, millions of dollars are spent as people search for cures in the form of mystical pharmaceutical remedies that can banish all ailments and protect from disease.

Sadly, no one ever finds it. It seems that fancy packaging and slick marketing aren’t directly proportional to healing abilities. At best, these mass-produced, semi-synthetic, meticulously labeled products have but a minor placebo effect. At worst, they can actually make our health decrease, unbalance hormones and offset vital bodily functions.

It may come as a surprise to learn the mystical health tonic you’ve been searching for is much closer to home. As with many things in the health world, taking a step back and observing how our predecessors did things can be invaluable. The solution lies in simple, minimally processed, raw ingredients — ones that are selected for their natural health benefits, not as a small cog in a great machine comprised of many altered, unnatural ingredients.

Here are two three-ingredient concoctions that may just provide that miracle of health and healing you’ve been searching for.

Apple cider vinegar, honey and cinnamon super syrup

While very simple to make and with no rare or hard-to-find ingredients, this health tonic is wide-ranging in the benefits it bestows upon those who drink it. It can relieve constipation, reduce inflammation, support kidney function, promote heart health, prevent or fight urinary tract infections, protect against bacterial, fungal or viral attack and keep the common cold at bay. As you can see, it is a heavy-hitter in the realm of health care, helping to boost your immune system and support strong heart and organ function.

The key to success with this health tonic is to source only the highest quality ingredients. Now is not the time to worry about your wallet at the supermarket or health-food store. It’s absolutely a worthwhile health investment to buy high-caliber ingredients.

With this in mind, here are the qualifications for each ingredient:

• The apple cider vinegar must be raw and organic. Raw means it still contains the active cultures that support your gut biome and bolster your immune system. Organic means the apples from which it was made are not coated in pesticides, heavy metals and toxins, which would then pass into your system and offset all your hard work.
• The honey must be raw, preferably organic. Organic just implies the bees have not pollinated flowers or plants which are treated with pesticides, herbicides or other nasty applications. This ensures you get only the highest quality honey from known sources. Raw means that the honey has not been pasteurized, a process to increase its shelf life but can render it biologically inactive by killing off the active enzymes in the honey — the reason it’s such a potent ingredient.
• And of course, your cinnamon should also be organic. As with our other ingredients, buying non-organic cinnamon means you’re at greater risk of ingesting harmful toxins and heavy metals, which can negatively impact your health.

Combine two cups of the apple cider vinegar, one cup of honey and two teaspoons of cinnamon in a jar and stir/shake well. Store your super syrup in a cool dry area, keeping in mind that placing it in the fridge will cause the honey to harden and settle to the bottom. A couple of sips in the morning, and again at night are enough to ensure you enjoy all of the nurturing benefits of this tonic.

Warm water, lemon and apple cider vinegar health-aide

That’s right, we’re once again employing the health properties of our friend apple cider vinegar — it’s just that good! This time it’s a simple concoction you can make in seconds if you have the ingredients ready; all you need is some warm or room temperature filtered or mineral water, raw organic apple cider vinegar and half an organic lemon. Simple as that.

Drinking this each morning, as soon as you wake up and before you put anything else in your stomach, is an excellent way to start your day. It stimulates digestion, expels toxins from the liver and supports your digestive enzymes for a busy day ahead.

Once again, the ingredient requirements are strict: your water should preferably be spring water from glass bottles, but if this isn’t available then filtered water will do. This ensures the base for your tonic isn’t introducing new toxins into your body as you drink it — that would be a bit counterproductive. Next, as above, your apple cider vinegar should be raw, organic and unfiltered. When apple cider vinegar is filtered, the health-giving SCOBY or “mother” (an accumulation of beneficial bacteria and yeast that turns the apples into vinegar) is removed, and we definitely don’t want that.

Finally, the lemon should be organic, to ensure its skin isn’t riddled with nasty pesticides and other harmful chemicals.

Fill a glass with warm water, squeeze in half a lemon, and pour in a rough teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. Sip it slowly and let it work its magic!

These health tonics work best if you keep at it — make sure you drink them as directed for at least a week to begin experiencing the myriad of health benefits they offer.

—Liivi Hess

Liivi is an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach and is training to become a doula. She inspires women to find peace and personal power by taking control of health and fertility naturally. Liivi‘s passion is ancestral nutrition and primal lifestyle design. She and her partner Will live between Toronto, Canada and Queenstown, New Zealand.

(Original article source here)

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Sources:
http://www.thealternativedaily.com/natural-health-benefits-of-cinnamon
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168160504002053
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308814605003262
http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jf104912h

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