Apple Cider Vinegar - Have you tried it?

You've probably heard of apple cider vinegar. You may have heard people claim it can do all kinds of wonderful things.... Well, I'd have to agree! =)

While apple cider vinegar is not a magic pill, it is a good tool to have in your health toolbox.

You can use ACV for various things, including detoxing, an an anti-fungal, as a cleaner, etc.

Dr. Axe has a very good article that lists 6 benefits of ACV and 20 different uses for it. I hope you'll check it out; it's an easy read, and you may find some helpful tips for how you can use apple cider vinegar for your health.

https://draxe.com/apple-cider-vinegar-uses/

Personally, I have used the Bragg's brand, but there are probably other good brands as well. Read the label to make sure it's a quality product. Also, check the expiration date on the bottle, since some stores don't always keep a recent stock.

A few cautions when using ACV -

 *Be careful when using it on the skin if you have sensitive skin. I don't apply it topically on my skin, but for some people it seems to be fine.

 *Start slowly when using it, and see how your body responds. Or try using it for a short period of time and then taking a break. Pay attention to your body, and do what's best for you.

 *Don't start another health supplement at the same time you start using ACV. Do one thing at a time, so you can pay attention to how your body responds. (By the way, this is a good principle to apply with any health supplement, program, etc.)

 *Remember that improving your health takes time. When you see small improvements, celebrate! And keep persevering with what you know is good for your health.

I hope you'll check out this information and find something helpful. If you already use apple cider vinegar, feel free to share with us in the comments how it's been helpful for you. =)

Words That Benefit

Yesterday's Bible verse of the day was Proverbs 17:28:
"Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues."

Learning to think before we speak is important in life and relationships. But it's also important for our health. The words we speak actually affect our physical state.

Today I wanted to share something I wrote several years ago, but it's a timely reminder for me today, and I hope these words will benefit you as well. =)

Toxic Words

Unfortunately chemicals aren't the only things in life that are toxic. Words can also be toxic.

Recognizing toxic words that others speak to us is usually not too hard. We can often tell whether someone's words are healthy or unhealthy. 

I think it can be harder for us to recognize the toxic words we speak to ourselves. 

It's true that our brains listen to the words our mouths speak. How often do you say things like,

- I'm so tired.

- I'm no good at this.

- I'm such a wimp.

etc. 

These words are actually toxic to your mind, body and spirit. 

I know what it's like to live with these kinds of words frequently on my tongue. They can easily become a habit. Thankfully, it is possible to retrain our tongues to speak healthy, life-giving words.

Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. -Proverbs 16:24

The best way to get rid of toxic words is to consciously replace them with healthy, life-giving words. 

I remember when someone first recommended I use daily positive affirmations. I wasn't interested. It seemed insincere, even silly to me. But gradually I've realized what an amazing tool this can be! 

Sometimes even we know something is true in our mind and heart, we may have a hard time really believing it, because it hasn't quite penetrated through our brain patterns yet. As we speak that truth out loud to ourselves every day, it changes the physical pathways in our brain. This in turn brings changes in the physiology of our bodies. It's incredible! 

So if you struggle with saying toxic things to yourself, try this exercise:

1) Write down at least 3 true, positive, affirming statements about yourself that are meaningful to you right now. 

 Ex: My body has the ability to heal and repair itself.

      I am loved, valued and uniquely designed by God.

      I can do everything through Jesus who gives me strength. (I especially love to use statements of what God's Word says about me.) 

2) Write out your statements every day - in a journal, on a poster, or wherever you'll enjoy writing them. 

3) Say or sing these statements to yourself every day (more than once a day if you can). 

4) Anytime you realize you're saying something toxic, immediately stop and then repeat your true and affirming statements instead.

I think you'll be surprised at how beneficial this is! True and life-giving words really can bring "healing to the bones." 

And as we learn to speak healing words to ourselves, hopefully we will speak healing words to others as well, bringing benefit to many people. =) 

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
-Ephesians 4:29

You are loved. You are unique. You have purpose. (Just wanted to speak some true and beneficial words to you today.) =)