Boost Your Immune System with Homemade Fire Cider

With COVID-19 spreading like wildfire, one of the best things you can do to protect yourself (aside from social distancing) is to boost your immune system. In a recent post, I discussed various ways in which you can proactively boost your immune system, one of which involved apple cider vinegar.

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is an old-school home remedy that’s making a grand comeback. ACV is antiseptic, astringent, antibacterial and antifungal. We’re talking serious superfood here!

What Makes ACV Immune-Boosting?

Organic, cold-pressed apple cider vinegar contains a substance called “must.” Must is the bits and pieces of the fermented apple. The must is what holds the “mother.” And the mother is a colony of probiotic bacteria. Studies suggest that probiotics have an immune-boosting effect which is helpful in preventing and combating illness. What’s more, ACV comes with a slew of additional health benefits.

6 Amazing Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

1. Aids Digestion

Acid is one of the activators for the enzymes in the stomach to help break down protein. Apple cider vinegar speeds up digestion by activating gastrointestinal enzymes.

2. Controls Pathogens

Consuming apple cider vinegar helps prevent the overgrowth of microbes. Thus, protecting the body from conditions such as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).

3. Decreases Acid Reflux

We’ve all experienced that feeling of stomach acid making it’s way up the esophagus. The general go-to is to chow down on some Tums and wait for the magic to happen. What’s interesting about acid reflux is that it’s actually caused by low stomach acid. Meaning, your stomach is actually crying out for more acid. ACV pH levels are between 3.3 and 3.5, making it acidic enough to calm the stomach and prevent acid reflux.

4. Improves Blood Sugar Levels

Apple cider vinegar helps improve the body’s sensitivity to glucose. Once the body is more receptive to glucose, insulin will be less resistant.

5. Enhances Immune System

ACV stimulates white blood cells to speed up function and fight off infection.

6. Aids Metabolism

When metabolized, protein breaks down into amino acids. In order to activate this process, your body needs additional acids, such as apple cider vinegar. Therefore, ACV speeds up the breakdown of food, promoting complete protein digestion.

How to Make Homemade Fire Cider

First things first, you’ll need to get your hands on some high-quality apple cider vinegar. We’re talking raw, organic and unpasteurized. This kind of ACT still has the residue of some fiber pectin, bacteria, and yeast. Raw means it’s rich in digestion-aiding enzymes, and organic means your product is free from pesticides or chemicals. I’d recommend using Bragg’s, but as long as your reaching for a product that’s raw, organic, and unpasteurized⁠— you’re good to go.

Next up, the juicer. There’s no way around this one. Fire cider requires a juicer (preferably a cold-press) but a conventional will work as well.

Once you have your supplies, homemade fire cider is as easy as juicing the produce and stirring in the apple cider vinegar.

How to Drink Fire Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar will yield the most health benefits when taken on an empty stomach. I’d recommend taking it down first thing in the morning, before eating breakfast.

Also, it’s important to know that acid can weaken tooth enamel. In order to prevent damage, you’d be wise to use a straw when consuming apple cider vinegar.

Finally, there’s flavor to consider. I like the flavor, so I prefer to shoot it⁠— 2 Tbsp in a mini shot glass (with a straw)⁠— down the hatch. However, if you’re not a fan of the flavor (or if you’re a rookie*), you might be better off diluting it. Try adding 8-16oz of water to your fire cider, pair it with a squeeze of lemon and enjoy.

*If you’re brand new to ACV, there’s a good chance your stomach will reject the first go of it. Think of it like a shot of tequila. Your body didn’t appreciate that initial rip of alcohol⁠— you may have even felt sick to your stomach. However, over time, you adapted. Once your body adapts, you’ll have no issue ripping shots of health.

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. All readers/viewers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. Neither Katie Rodriguez nor the publisher of this content takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement or lifestyle program.

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