Sip apple cider vinegar for stress or a cold

WASHINGTON – Finding people who are overworked and tired is not tough in Washington, D.C., but nutritionists say a little apple cider vinegar can help relieve those symptoms of stress.

The age-old remedy gets high praise for its antibacterial and germ-fighting properties, according to Reader’s Digest. Packed with potassium and amino acids, a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar added to a glass of water or juice helps break down the lactic acid after a workout.

If a bacterial infection is causing diarrhea, sipping vinegar water might slow it down. Folk remedy experts believe pectin in apple cider vinegar can sooth intestinal spasms.

Swish some apple cider vinegar before brushing your teeth and it will remove stains, whiten teeth, and kill bacteria.

Those germ-fighting properties are also helpful when a cold pops up. Mix apple cider vinegar with equal parts warm water for a sore throat and gargle every hour.

The Reader’s Digest list of benefits also covers hiccups. To get rid of them, try drinking a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. The sour shock could scare them away.

Drinking a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar mixed in a glass of water also might help drain a stuffy nose.

WTOP’s Kristi King contributed to this report. Follow Kristi and WTOP on Twitter.

(Copyright 2012 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)

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