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From the food that we eat, the water that we drink, and even the air that we breathe in, chances of toxin exposure are very high.
To be healthier, we need to safely detoxify from time to time. Detoxification, or detox as it is popularly known these days, is the process of flushing out toxins from the body.
There are several ways to detoxify but the most popular method, by far, is apple cider vinegar detox.
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What is Apple Cider Vinegar Detox?
Just like the name denotes, an apple cider vinegar detox entails the use of apple cider vinegar to flush out toxins from the system. It is a safe, natural process that most people can tolerate without any harmful side effects.
An apple cider vinegar detox can be done in two ways: by consuming the vinegar and also through apple cider vinegar (or ACV) detox baths.
Apple cider vinegar detox benefits
Apple cider vinegar may be a popular salad dressing today, but hundreds of years ago, physicians recommended it for all kinds of ailments. Indeed, this natural health remedy has been around for centuries.
Today, apple cider vinegar is considered to be a unique powerhouse of remarkable cleansing properties. Here are some of its benefits as far as detoxification is concerned:
ACV detoxifies the liver
When you do a fasting ACV detox/cleanse, the vinegar works it’s magic on the liver and removes toxins stored in it.
One of the many functions of the liver is to remove the poisons we unknowingly consume through the air, food, and water. And in this modern era, we are even more susceptible to foreign toxicities compared to the previous generations. So the liver needs cleansing from time to time.
The liver works hard, day in and day out, to remove the harmful toxicities that get stored in the organs.
This is where the unique cleansing action of ACV shines. You see, ACV can bind with toxins in the liver and even flush them out.
Besides, the vitamins, minerals, and enzymes in the vinegar also assist the body when all its organs are working hard to purge the system of toxins. Thus, ACV boosts the body’s ability to function at its best and encourages all the detox organs to aid in throwing out the toxic waste.
Aids in lymphatic circulation and drainage
An important way in which ACV detox works is by encouraging the lymphatic system to drain out all the toxins accumulated in the organs.
ACV breaks down the mucus and improves circulation which then causes the toxins and mucus to exit through lymphatic drainage. That is the main reason why people who take ACV notice fewer allergies, sinus infections, asthma, colds, coughs, and seasonal flu.
It detoxifies the skin
ACV can be used internally as well as topically to detoxify the skin pores. When you massage the vinegar gently on the skin or soak in ACV baths, it gets absorbed through the skin pores into the body. This removes clogs from the skin pores and helps reduce acne.
The skin is called the third kidney of the human body. It is the largest organ which plays an important part in the excretory functions of the body. Almost one–third of the bodily waste is thrown out of the skin. A lot of detoxification occurs through sweat which is thrown out of the body via the skin.
When you regularly perform an apple cider vinegar cleanse, you will notice softer, smoother, more radiant skin as it balances the pH of the skin. It also provides your body with nearly 40 vitamins, minerals, and enzymes which detoxify, heal, replenish, nourish, and protect the skin along with all other organs of the body.
How to do an apple cider vinegar detox
Initially, it is wise to start with smaller doses of ACV and only take it a couple of times a day.
The best thing to do is to take ACV first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. You can mix it with a bit of water or juice to make it go down more easily. Many people also use ACV in their salad dressings and sauces.
Here is a tasty detox tea which I am sure you will love:
ACV Detox tea drink recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp ACV (organic, raw, unfiltered)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 12 oz of filtered water
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- A dash of cayenne pepper
- Stevia or honey to taste
Method
Mix all ingredients and consume it immediately. You can also heat the water a little bit before adding all of the remaining ingredients. Drink this tea three times a day for best results.
ACV detox bath
Not everyone likes the taste of apple cider vinegar. So, instead of consuming it, you can soak in this relaxing ACV bath.
Draw a hot bath and add a cup of Epsom salts and one cup of organic and raw ACV to the water. Soak in this relaxing bath for 20-30 minutes. This will draw out toxins, relieve aching joints, and soothe the muscles. It is also a wonderful remedy for eczema, acne, psoriasis, ringworm, and other skin conditions.
How to get the most out of apple cider vinegar detox?
The detox remedies using apple cider vinegar work best when you use it in tandem with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and a stress-free lifestyle. It is very important that you eat a well-balanced, healthy, and nutritious diet. Some people also fast while taking apple cider vinegar. However, it is best to consult a doctor before doing that.
Most important is to drink plenty of water. This will help the body throw out toxins through urine, sweat, and bowel movements.
Exercising on a regular basis will boost circulation and keep the circulatory and excretory system healthy. Together with the ACV detox, this will purify and cleanse internal organs.
Meditation could also be one of your steps of detox. Meditation helps declutter the mind. Thus, it is a mental detox of sorts. And as the saying goes: a healthy body follows a healthy mind. So relaxing, deep breathing, positive visualization, and regular meditation can all assist in a full body cleanse.
Potential side effects of apple cider vinegar detox
Most people can tolerate apple cider vinegar detox. However, a few people experience side effects like burning of throat and esophagus. Some people also experience the abrasion and eroding of their dental enamel.
Here are some possible side effects of ACV detox:
Throat and stomach irritation
Apple cider vinegar is acidic in nature. However, as it gets metabolized by the body, it makes the body alkaline. The same is the case with lemon juice. That is why, in some people, as the ACV goes down the throat, it can cause symptoms like burning, pain, and irritation.
In such cases, it is best to reduce the ratio of apple cider vinegar in water so that it is a lot more diluted. You can also take baking soda and water after taking ACV and water. This will immediately stop the irritation, burning, and pain.
Damaged tooth enamel
Some people have experienced dental sensitivity following apple cider vinegar detox. The acid in the vinegar can corrode the enamel and could expose the dentin underneath. The simplest way to tackle this issue is to drink diluted apple cider vinegar using a straw. This way, the acid won’t touch the teeth. And don’t forget to rinse your mouth afterward.
Lightheadedness, nausea, headaches
Many people who perform the ACV detox for the first time tend to experience these symptoms. That is a clear sign of toxins leaving the body. In such cases, drink plenty of water and eat smaller, healthy meals. Rest on the days you do the detox. In most cases, these symptoms go away within a couple of days.
Burning on skin
When you use full strength ACV on the skin, it can lead to some burning and stinging. However, this is an indication of its strength and effectiveness. Having said that, it is best not to use concentrated ACV on cuts, wounds, pimples, acne, and other inflamed skin conditions. You can dilute it and apply to the skin. It is best to soak in ACV bath made by mixing large quantities of warm water, ACV, and Epsom salt as above.
A word of caution
Always consult your physician before using apple cider vinegar detox if you have a serious underlying health issue, ailment, or disease. Apple cider vinegar is unlikely to interfere with other supplements or medicines but it is still better to discuss it with a physician first.
Conclusion
Apple cider vinegar detox is a powerful, effective, and wonderful method of removing toxins from the body. Even so, users must be vigilant of potential side effects, as everyone’s body reacts differently and responds in unique ways with anything it comes in contact with.
In most cases though, if healthy people perform the apple cider vinegar detox, they can see wonderful results in the form of greater energy levels, clearer skin, smoother, shinier hair, and even with weight management.
Also, as far as my research indicates, experiencing side effects with ACV detox is a rarity and not the norm. So the vast majority of people can take apple cider vinegar safely and regularly without any adverse reaction.
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