Drink this Daily for Alkaline Balance, Inflammation & Clear Skin

Ingredients:

• 1-2 cups water (room temp or hot water are both fine based on preference)
• 1 lemon, juiced and sliced
• 1 tsp. apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp. aloe vera
• 1 tsp. honey is optional for sweetener and antibacterial properties (omit on sugar-free detox)
• optional – toss in some herbs like mint or basil for digestion or inflammation support

What Makes this Drink So Special

1. Lemon

Lemons have astringent qualities and are alkalizing, even though before you consume them they’re acidic. Consuming lemons and other Vitamin C rich foods assist with iron absorption which means more sustainable energy, because if your iron stores are low, you’re sure to feel fatigued. Lemons can also stimulate the liver, promoting detox and a clearer complexion. Unless you suffer from heartburn or another GI issue, drinking lemon water daily can be extremely rewarding and give you a bit of a glow!

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is an age old remedy for literally dozens of health issues. Just check out this post 35 Awesome Ways to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for more ideas. “ACV” is often used to combat acid reflux caused by an underproduction of stomach acid, but that’s not all.

It’s commonly consumed because it’s rich in enzymes and helps to balance the bacteria in the gut, which of course leads to healthier, more beautiful looking skin. Some people consume apple cider vinegar in their morning drinks daily and have the most gorgeous skin ever. Diabetics may turn to this potent elixir to help lower their blood sugar and augment their insulin response.

3. Aloe Vera
Most of us know aloe vera for its healing properties when applied to the skin, usually to treat a cut or a burn. However, aloe vera can also be consumed internally and while its flavor alone isn’t the main attraction, it’s palatable and easily disguised among other flavors. Aloe vera is often used to treat gut issues, and someresearch has been done to discover whether or not aloe vera can be used to treat concerns like colitis and diabetes. This is another plant that does wonders for the look and feel of the skin and many report that taking aloe vera regularly results in clearer, brighter looking skin.

4. Honey

Honey has been a sacred food for as far back as we can go. It’s been used as food and medicine for thousands of years, and today is still touted for its antibacterial, anti fungal properties – and is the most common reference and rebuttal to Michael Pollan’s Quote “Don’t Eat Anything that Doesn’t Rot”. Why? Because honey doesn’t rot, and almost everyone will agree that it’s a naturally perfect medicine. While honey is high in sugar and should be consumed very mindfully, medicinally it’s really quite good for fighting infection and can even be applied to the skin to help treat acne and scarring.

5. Mint & Basil

Fresh wild and culinary herbs are a wonderful addition to any diet! Mint is a well-known remedy for digestive issues and easing nausea, though it doesn’t hurt knowing mint also contains minerals and anti-inflammatory compounds as well. Basil is also anti-inflammatory and flavorful added to food and beverages with a healthy twist.