VINEGAR - IS IT FRIEND OR FOE?
Vinegar is such a good example of a food source that is wrapped in misinformation, leading people down the wrong path when it comes to health and healing.
It's also a topic that keeps arising, a sign perhaps that clarification is required!
The basic component of vinegar (including apple cider vinegar) is acetic acid, which is highly acidic. Vinegar is basically a dilute form of acetic acid that is made from the oxidation of fermentable carbohydrates such as grapes or apples, with a PH ranging anywhere from 1.5 to 2.5.
Anything with this level of acidity is corrosive, which is why vinegar is such an effective cleaning agent. Do we drink cleaning agents? We wouldn’t dream of it, not even the eco ones!
Due to its high level of acidity, vinegar has the capacity to erode tooth enamel, inflame the oesophagus and stomach, and trigger nausea and acid reflux. It causes loss of the protective villi hairs and mucus lining of the intestinal tract setting the stage for ulcers, irritation, and vitamin and mineral deficiencies. It is harmful to the liver, kidneys and central nervous system, and contributes to candida overgrowth, enabling a proliferation of Streptococcus bacteria behind the scenes, the true culprit of candida!
Perhaps this provides a clearer picture of what is actually going on inside the body?
VINEGAR & DEHYDRATION
Vinegar also dehydrates the body at a very deep organ and tissue level, preventing toxins from being flushed out. When you carry poisons and toxins (which we all do in abundance), adequate hydration is critical, in order to push them out. But when you consume vinegar, it sucks water from your cells and drives the toxins in deeper.
Many people mistakenly use apple cider vinegar as part of a cleansing protocol but this is totally counter productive, as it gives the body more work to do and drives toxins in the wrong direction - in deeper rather than out!
But isn't apple cider vinegar renowned for its benefits?
Due to the apples, apple cider vinegar has slightly more nutrient but it is still acetic acid and highly corrosive. Grapes are also highly nutritious but for some reason grape vinegar is not held in such high regard?
Ultimately, all varieties of vinegar are damaging when taken internally. If you want nutrients and health benefits, eat apples and grapes!
WHAT IS VINEGAR GOOD FOR?
Vinegar is an excellent cleaning agent. Try adding a few drops of lemon essential oil to a little vinegar and use it to scrub your house clean instead of buying nasty chemicalised cleaning products.
Vinegar is also excellent for fungal infections such as athlete’s foot and warts. It can be applied topically to the area.
WHAT CAN BE USED INSTEAD OF VINEGAR?
If you’re looking for a morning tonic and something to soothe or improve your digestion and strengthen your bones and teeth, look no further than lemons and limes. These beautiful citrus fruits are alkaline in the body, providing deep hydration at the cellular level, and due to their very high levels of bioavailable calcium, citrus fruits nourish the bones and teeth. Why do dentists never ask if you’re drinking coffee or taking vinegar when they see that your enamel is corroding? It’s not the lemon water, it’s the acidic foods and drinks that you have consumed over a lifetime, including dairy, eggs, animal foods, coffee and vinegar.
Wishing you much love, health and happiness,
Rebecca