Monday, October 20, 2014

Survive and Thrive Bloghop

Today I'm participating in the Survive and Thrive Bloghop hosted by: Stephen Tremp,  Alex J. Cavanaugh, Michael Di Gesu, and   L. Diane Wolfe. It is intended to focus on early disease prevention and screening.

As most of you know I'm a nurse, which lends itself to particular knowledge in this area, but I'm not going to focus on that. I'm going to get personal. For years I was in a terrible cycle. Every Fall I would get allergies which led to post-nasal drip which settled in my lungs which resulted in bronchitis or if I was really lucky, pneumonia. It reached it's peak when I was pregnant for my second daughter and found myself on antibiotics three times along with breathing treatments. Not wanting any harm to come to her, I sought a better way and miraculously, I found it. At that time I also suffered from heartburn. Those of you familiar with the joys of pregnancy can relate, I'm sure. Someone told me it was made worse by low stomach acid and that I should take fermented apple cider vinegar to help. I did, and as I did, I noticed a strange burning in my throat. I didn't know what to make of it, but the heartburn outweighed the throat, so I kept at it. The next morning I noticed a difference. I could breath. As it turns out, that vinegar was killing all the bacteria in my throat before it could make it to my lungs. Now, at the first sign (you know that burning at the back of your throat when you feel a cold coming on), I take 2-3 tsp of Bragg's unfiltered apple cider vinegar. I haven't had  so much as a cold, let alone bronchitis or pneumonia for the last nine years. And it does seem to help with the heartburn, too.  

Hope that helps!


12 comments:

  1. Wow, who knew? Thanks for the tip. Glad you found a cure for yourself.
    Thanks for participating in the blogfest!

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  2. Are you sure it was allergies? I work in the immunology field, and 66% of patients taking antihistamines are actually NOT allergic! Could just be non-allergic rhinitis/sinusitis. I used to take ACV too, maybe I should take it again. Helped with my digestion.

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  3. Hi, Melanie,I do know that apple cider vinegar is very good. Haven't used it in a while though. This reminds me that I shouldn't be without a bottle.

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  4. I've never been pregnant, so I can only imagine how difficult it must have been for you to be experiencing pregnancy, heartburn, AND allergies. I'm glad that you found a way to deal with it, though; I've never tried a home remedy before, but the one that you described sounded pretty effective.

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  5. So glad you found something that helps.

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  6. Hi, Melanie,

    Thanks for joining the hop! A wonderful tip, since I have sinus issues. Maybe it will help. It's also supposed to be good for arthritis ... so hopefully I will get two benefits from taking it.

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  7. I actually recently discovered apple cider vinegar for cold prevention. I forget the specific reason, but I was desperate to not catch my husband's cold because I had an event coming up. I was getting that tickle. I never got sick! Had a tickle recently and started the ACV again...no cold! I've read a lot of benefits to ACV. It tasted horrific, but it's worth it.

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  8. I've heard of this, but it was always a friend-of-a-friend-of-mine kind or story. Thanks for the info. :-)

    Anna from Shout with Emaginette

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  9. My grandparents used of Bragg's unfiltered apple cider vinegar and my parents swear by it. I tried it but had trouble getting past the taste. We do have a bottle in our fridge. Not sure how old it is. But now I'm inspired to try it again.

    And thanks for particpating in the Blogfest!

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  10. I too remember experiencing some discomfort while I was pregnant.

    I'm so glad you found a solution to your problem. Thanks for your tip! And how nice it is that you don't need a prescription to have access to apple cider vinegar.

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  11. Hi Melanie .. I've heard apple cider vinegar is good for you ... I'm lucky I don't tend to suffer this way ... but have sent your post to a friend who may find it informative. Cheers Hilary

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  12. I'm a firm believer in apple cider vinegar. Just need to start taking it again.
    I also recommend a teaspoon of honey a day. I promise you, you won't look back!

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