You know how bad PMS can get — body aches, insatiable cravings, bad moods, and, the bane of my own personal existence, cramps that feel like heart attacks of the uterus. Personally, I'm willing to try just about any hack or tip to relieve that kind of pain, so I'm glad to hear that the wonder concoction that is apple cider vinegar also helps big-time with PMS symptoms. But is apple cider vinegar good for period cramps, the worst PMS symptom of all (if you ask me, at least)?
Apparently, it is worth it to stomach a little bit of the vinegar during your time of the month. Keep in mind, of course, some of these DIY remedies aren't always backed by tons of research. Still, I'm a personal believer in anecdotal testimonies and experimenting to see what works for you and what doesn't. Every body is different, and if you aren't big on popping ibuprofen and the like, at-home tricks and remedies can be especially great alternatives for easing your aches and pains. We all need our own little bag of personal tricks to help manage the symptoms of the monthly visitor, amirite?
So, here are some surprising benefits of that good ol' fermented drink that might make your visit from Aunt Flo a little bit easier to handle the next time it strikes.
Headaches, too, in the midst of all that blood and pain? You bet they happen. Research has shown that apple cider vinegar can help reduce blood sugar spikes, which are common culprits for sneaky headaches.
ACV also has potassium, which is recommended as a treatment for migraines, a symptom that many many women experience either during or just before that time of the month.
And here's the money, for me, at least. Apparently, the calcium found in apple cider vinegar can help to soothe the muscle contractions in your uterus that happen while you're on your period. Vinegar in general has been shown to help with other sports-related muscle cramps, as well.
To reap the benefits, you might want to give this a try for a few days before your period starts: Take a teaspoon of unfiltered, organic apple cider vinegar with hot water, and let the magic elixir do its thang.
Personally, when my adult acne was at its peak, I started drinking an apple cider vinegar beverage regularly (I like it cold best, diluted with cold water and a dash of honey), and I also used it on my face as a toner. Seriously, the stuff made my face practically glisten and shine, it worked so well. Plus, there was a noticeable difference in the population of pimples crowding my face.
What might be the reason for this, you ask? Apparently the acetic acid in apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties that work its magic to bust pimples and keep them away.
Rumor has it that apple cider vinegar can also help to regulate your blood flow, and is a natural blood-thinner. Basically, incorporating a little bit of apple cider vinegar into your diet during your time of the month might just make your period both shorter and easier to deal with. Can you imagine?
Again, while not all of these are scientifically proven, apple cider vinegar has been commonly used for its medicinal properties for so long that I would say it's definitely worth a shot — literally!
