Organic Apple Cider Vinegar FAQ’s

People holding up glasses of water containing Organic Apple Cider Vinegar.

Organic Apple Cider Vinegar FAQ’s

Here are some FAQ’s on ACV. There are hundreds of uses for Apple Cider Vinegar, and almost as many health benefits.

See our other articles on how to Love your gut with our Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, or try out one of our Recipes with Organic Apple Cider Vinegar.

Don’t take it straight – Organic Apple Cider Vinegar can be harsh on your oesophagus if you take it as a shot.
Don’t take it straight – it can be harsh on your oesophagus if you take it as a shot.

Young woman holding her stomach.

“Eat fermented foods, sleep a lot, fill up on fibre, and maintain a healthy weight. Your belly and your brain will thank you.” 

The Beginner’s Guide to Better Gut Health

Have another question for us?

We’d be happy to help. Send us an email, phone us on 0800 200 707 or message us on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.


Dark-haired woman smiling

“Gorgeous ACV… will be buying it again and again 🙂 ”

— Michelle

Disclaimer
The information in this article is not intended as a medical prescription for any disease or illness. Nothing stated here should be considered medical advice. Use as directed. If symptoms persist, consult your healthcare professional. 

Recipes with Organic Apple Cider Vinegar

Woman preparing food in kitchen with Skybright Organic Apple Cider Vinegar.

Recipes with Organic Apple Cider Vinegar

Looking for other ways to incorporate Apple Cider Vinegar into your diet? Struggling with the taste?

We recommend you can simply add it to a large glass of water as a daily tonic, but you could also try it out in one of the recipes below. Get that goodness and feel great everyday.

See our other articles on how to Love your gut with our Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, or your questions answered in Organic Apple Cider Vinegar FAQ’s.

The Daily Tonic

Close-up of woman drinking Organic Apple Cider Vinegar with water from a glass.

Promote good gut health each morning with 1-4 teaspoons into a large glass of water in the morning. Don’t take it straight! – dilution is good. As apple cider vinegar is acidic, it can be harsh on your oesophagus if you take it as a shot.

Organic Apple Cider Vinegar is a prebiotic that promotes digestive health with its gut-friendly bacteria and pectin. Prebiotics are the compounds that promote the growth of probiotics, that are excellent for overall gut health. It also contains ‘the mother’ – a naturally occurring sediment within the bottle that is a storehouse of important minerals, essential amino acids and enzymes. 

The Daily Tonic can help ease digestion, regulate blood pressure, balance cholesterol, boost nutrient absorption and increase your energy levels.

Basic Vinaigrette

Jar of home-made Vinaigrette on a table.

Liven up any salad and get your daily dose of Organic Apple Cider Vinegar at the same time. The acetic acid in the vinegar also increases the body’s absorption of important minerals and nutrients from the leafy greens and salad vegetables.

¼ cup Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
¾ cup olive oil
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 teaspoon French mustard
½ teaspoon salt
Freshly ground pepper

Place garlic, mustard, salt and pepper in a screw top jar, add vinegar and oil and give it a good shake. Store in the refrigerator for up to a week, and shake it again before using.

Dairy-Free Cashew Sour Cream

Home-made Dairy-Free Cashew Sour Cream made with Organic Apple Cider Vinegar.

Use with Tacos or other Mexican creations as an alternative to sour cream or as a yummy dip.

½ cup cashews, soaked in hot water for 10 minutes, drained and rinsed.
¼ cup of cold water
1 teaspoon Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
½ lemon, juiced 
Salt to taste

Simply blend the ingredients in a blender or NutriBullet!

Thanks to Lisa @glutenfreefoodienz for sharing! See her blog for more Gluten Free Recipes.

The Lightest, Fluffiest Pancakes

Stack of pancakes made with Organic Apple Cider Vinegar.

Weekend treats! Light and fluffy pancakes using Organic Apple Cider Vinegar.

2 tablespoons Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
¾ cup milk
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons white sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon sea salt
1 free-range egg
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Combine Organic Apple Cider Vinegar with milk in a medium bowl and set aside for 5 minutes.

Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt in a large mixing bowl. Then whisk egg and butter into “soured” milk. Pour the flour mixture into the wet ingredients and whisk until any lumps are gone.

Heat a lightly oiled, non-stick pan over a medium heat. Pour a large spoonful of batter into the pan, and cook until bubbles appear on the surface. Flip, and cook until lightly browned on the other side.

Barbecue Sauce for Pulled Pork

Tacos on a plate with barbecue sauce made with Organic Apple Cider Vinegar.

This vinegar-based barbecue sauce is great with pulled pork, and a healthier alternative to shop-bought barbecue sauces.

2 cups Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon tomato sauce or ketchup
½ tsp cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon of chilli flakes
1 teaspoon of ground pepper
1 teaspoon salt

Place all ingredients in a pan. Cook on your stove top on a medium heat. Bring to a boil. Whisk together until sugar and salt are completely dissolved. Remove from heat. Cool to room temperature.

Pour sauce into a jar or bottle. For best results, refrigerate one day before serving. Shake well before serving.

Store the sauce in a mason jar. Old salad dressing bottles are also great for storing your sauce. You can serve immediately, but this sauce is best made 24 hours or more in advance.

Green Smoothie Recipe

View from top of a Green Smoothie in a blender.

Get your daily dose of Organic Apple Cider Vinegar by adding it to a green smoothie, which is loaded full of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients.

A handful of spinach
1 orange, peeled
½ banana, sliced into chunks
½ avocado
1 tablespoon Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
Some fresh or frozen berries
A big blob of plain Greek yoghurt
Ice (optional) 

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

Skybright Organic Apple Cider Vinegar. Aged for 12 months for a noticeably smoother taste.

Taste the difference. Some brands of Apple Cider Vinegar can be tough to take. Ours is made from delicious, BioGro certified, organically grown New Zealand Apples. It’s then aged for 12 months for a noticeably smoother taste.

“Absolutely delicious – This is by far the nicest ACV I’ve ever tasted.” 

– Jude

Love your gut with Organic Apple Cider Vinegar 

Love your gut with Skybright Organic Apple Cider Vinegar. Woman making heart with hands.

Love your gut with Organic Apple Cider Vinegar 

Skybright Organic Apple Cider Vinegar is made from from delicious, organically-grown New Zealand apples. Unlike other brands that have come halfway around the world, by buying this product you are supporting local farmers, growers and producers, and organic production methods.

It is raw, unfiltered, unpasteurised, and aged for at least 12 months to give it a noticeably smoother taste. The sediment contains naturally occurring amino acids and antioxidants and gives the product a cloudy appearance. It is known as the ‘mother’ – strands of proteins and friendly bacteria that promote digestive health, immune support and overall wellbeing.

Organic Apple Cider Vinegar contains pectin, a soluble fibre found in high levels in apples.
ACV contains pectin, which is a soluble fibre found in high levels in apples.

Packed with goodness

Organic Apple Cider Vinegar contains pectin, which is a soluble fibre found in high levels in apples. It is a storehouse of essential amino acids and enzymes and important minerals including potassium, chlorine, sodium, magnesium, calcium, sulphur, iron, fluoride and silicon. You’ll get a good dose of the fibre which is great for proper digestion as it will slow down sugar release, leading to a steady stream of energy. It also has cleansing properties, and can help to lower blood sugar levels and boost energy levels.

Buy local 

By buying local, you’re supporting local growers, producers, and their families. Aotearoa is the perfect place to grow an apple, and then process into Organic Apple Cider Vinegar. So that makes it great for the local economy, great for the environment, and great for your health.

Organic Apple Cider Vinegar is aged for at least 12 months to give it a noticeably smoother taste.
Aged for at least 12 months to give it a noticeably smoother taste. 🍎

Dilution is good

Organic Apple Cider Vinegar is of course very acidic. It’s best to always dilute it in a large glass of water – and you could always drink it through a (reusable) straw to avoid too much contact with your pearly whites. Then rinse your mouth with water afterwards.

✔️ With the ‘mother’

✔️ Promote gut health

✔️ Smooth digestion

✔️ Balance cholesterol

✔️ Boost energy

✔️ Gluten free

✔️ Vegan friendly

✔️ BioGro certified organic

“Absolutely delicious – This is by far the nicest Organic Apple Cider Vinegar I’ve ever tasted!”

– Jude

Using Organic Apple Cider Vinegar everyday

A zesty salad dressing 
Get some zesty flavour into your salad by adding little bit of Organic Apple Cider Vinegar to the dressing. The acetic acid in the vinegar also increases your body’s absorption of important minerals and nutrients from the leafy greens and salad vegetables.

Green smoothie containing Organic Apple Cider Vinegar

Add it to your smoothie
Take a good handful of spinach, 1 peeled orange,  ½ banana, (sliced into chunks), ½ avocado, 1 tbsp Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, some frozen berries, and a blob of plain greek yoghurt. Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.  

Home made bone broth containing Organic Apple Cider Vinegar.

Homemade bone broth
Sipping on bone broth is a great way to improve your gut health. Add Organic Apple Cider Vinegar to the bones, the water and seasonings half an hour or so before boiling. This helps pull more minerals from the bones and enhances the nutrition of the broth.

Hand holding teacup containing Organic Apple Cider Vinegar with lemon and ginger.

Organic Apple Cider Vinegar tea
Try adding a tbsp of Organic Apple Cider Vinegar to some hot water (or green tea for added antioxidants) with sliced lemon and ginger. Delicious and nutritious.

Athlete drinking Organic Apple Cider Vinegar to help turn carbs into energy.

ACV for athletes
Athletes often drink Organic Apple Cider Vinegar before they carb-load prior to competition, as the acetic acid can help your muscles turn carbs into energy. ACV provides the gut with a healthy mix of electrolytes that can help in preventing muscle and gastrointestinal cramping. 

 “I have tried several different brands of ACV. Then I tried Skybright ACV. OMG!! This is amazing. Its smooth taste is a delight. The BEST by far of all the ACV’s I have tried and tested. Highly recommend this 100%”

– Josie
BioGro Certified Organic Logo

BioGro certified Organic
Our Organic Apple Cider Vinegar is BioGro certified Organic. BioGro is New Zealand’s largest and best-known certifier of genuine organic products and the world’s most secure and impermeable traceability system. Every single BioGro Certified Organic product can be traced back to its origin. ⁠

⁠Our certification process involves an Organic Management Plan, annual audit, and visits to our facility to ensure our practices meet BioGroʻs organic standards and requirements. Many products claim to be organic but when it carries the BioGro logo you know you’re really buying organic.

The Organic Apple Cider Vinegar Daily Tonic

Take the daily tonic each morning. Just add a couple of teaspoons to a large glass of water. Dilution is good!

We don’t recommend you take it straight – as Apple Cider Vinegar is very acidic, it can be harsh on your oesophagus if you take it as a shot.

Take it first thing in the morning before breakfast, or before any meals to aid digestion, regulate blood pressure, balance cholesterol, help lower blood sugar levels, boost nutrient absorption and increase your energy levels.

Woman drinking Organic Apple Cider Vinegar daily tonic. Love your gut
Try The Daily Tonic for a month and feel the effects of its amazing health benefits.

For more information, try these other resources: Find the answers to your questions in Organic Apple Cider Vinegar FAQ’s, or try one of our Recipes with Organic Apple Cider Vinegar.

Disclaimer
The information in this article is not intended as a medical prescription for any disease or illness. Nothing stated here should be considered medical advice. Use as directed.

Swedish Bitters: A herbal tonic

Young woman stretching outdoors. Better digestive health with Swedish Bitters.

Swedish Bitters for digestive health

Swedish Bitters is a 400 year-old European herbal formula made popular through the well-known Austrian herbalist Maria Treben in her book “Health through God’s Pharmacy”. It is well proven over the years to be an outstanding digestive, liver and gallbladder tonic and is capable of supporting a huge range of body systems.

The bitter taste has a very important part to play in the effectiveness of the formulation. The liver, the keeper of balance in the body, is stimulated by the bitters in Swedish Bitters and will then produce fluids required for proper and complete digestion and drive toxins out of your system. 

It is very important to cleanse your body of toxins and unwanted substances. This helps to revitalise the entire circulatory system, which may help to regulate blood sugar levels, improve blood pressure and strengthen the immune system.

Skybright Swedish Bitters. Woman and herbs.
Swedish Bitters is made from medicinal herbs and taken in small doses.

What are Swedish Bitters?

Swedish Bitters is a herbal tonic made from medicinal herbs and alcohol which helps extract the benefits of these plants. This tincture has a bitter taste, and is taken in small doses.

Why the bitter taste?

Bitters are an important class of botanicals that help support efficient digestive, assimilative, and eliminative functions. The primary function of Swedish Bitters is to help with digestive complaints like bloating, flatulence, sluggish digestion and constipation. Bitters stimulate the flow of bile from the liver, which in turn stimulates intestinal peristalsis and promotes nutrient absorption. By enhancing digestion, Swedish Bitters are a great help in cases of bloating, flatulence and gas.

“These bitter substances have almost been completely eliminated from the modern diet. This has caused some disturbance with our digestive system.”

Austrian herbalist Maria Treben in her book “Health Through God’s Pharmacy

Bitters have the ability to improve kidney and liver function, reduce bloating and improve metabolism. They can encourage toxin elimination, restore natural acid balance in the stomach, stimulate circulation and act as a gentle laxative.

When used externally, it can alleviate inflammations of all kinds if applied to spots, wounds, bruises, and scars.

The ingredients in Swedish Bitters:

As the herbs in Skybright Swedish Bitters are sourced from different countries around the world, all herbs are tested in a pharmacy lab to make sure they are free from contamination before they are used in the formula. It is a gluten-free formula, and suitable for people with lactose intolerance.

Skybright Swedish Bitters – Aloe Vera plant & Carline Root
Aloe Vera (left) and Carline Root

Aloe Vera & Carline Root
Aloe Vera soothes and cleanses and helps decrease irritation in the stomach and intestines, aiding proper digestion. Carline Root supports healthy immune, respiratory, reproductive muscular systems, and normal bladder function.

Skybright Swedish Bitters – Myrrh and Saffron
Myrrh (left) & Saffron

Myrrh & Saffron
Myrrh helps to build up the body’s defence mechanisms and is effective in keeping the digestive, sinus and respiratory organs healthy. Aids in maintaining healthy skin. Saffron supports healthy sleep patterns. It’s also good for the health of the uterus and digestive tract.

Skybright Swedish Bitters Camphor and Rhubarb Root
Camphor (left) & Rhubarb Root

Camphor & Rhubarb Root
Camphor is a bitter herb that can reduce inflammation and help to ease pain and spasms by supporting joint mobility and normal muscle function. It can also enhance digestion and kill intestinal parasites. Rhubarb Root aids healthy intestinal motility, and assists the skin’s natural barrier.

Skybright Swedish Bitters – Zedoary & Angelica Root
Zedoary (left) & Angelica Root

Zedoary & Angelica Root
Zedoary supports healthy digestive organs and is commonly used for colic, spasms, loss of appetite, and indigestion. Angelica Root aids proper digestion by flushing out toxins and maintains the respiratory system. It supports a healthy bladder, joint mobility and helps the skin eliminate toxins.

Skybright Swedish Bitters – Gentian & Theriaca Venezian 
Gentian (left) & Theriaca Venezian 

Gentian, Manna & Theriaca Venezian 
Gentian is used for digestion problems such as loss of appetite, bloating and heartburn. Manna helps to maintain proper bowel movement. Theriaca Venezian has diuretic, digestive and antiseptic properties.

One teaspoon (5ml) contains:
Aloe Vera 33.3mg, Gentian 33.3mg, Camphor 33.3mg, Manna 33.3mg, Theriaca Venezian 33.3mg*, Rhubarb Root 33.3mg, Zedoary Root 33.3mg, Angelica Root 33.3mg, Carline Root 16.5mg, Myrrh 16.5mg, Saffron 0.7mg. In a base of 40% medicinal alcohol and purified water.

*Theriaca Venezian is a herbal blend that contains Angelica root, Diptam Root, Cardamom Seed, Cinnamon (Cassia), Bistort Root, Myrrh, Zedoary Root & Valerian Root.

How to take it

Shake bottle well, and take 1-2 teaspoons or 10ml in a shot glass after meals. May be taken in water, herbal tea or juice to dilute it. It will help soothe the stomach after eating, stimulate digestion and alleviate indigestion.

In Europe, bitters are taken in a shot glass before or after meals to stimulate digestion, settle the stomach before eating and neutralise the damages of alcohol. After a heavy meal, Swedish Bitters can be quite helpful against indigestion, as well as to relieve bloating and gas. 

Keep out of reach of children. Do not use if pregnant, breastfeeding, or if vomiting, nausea, diarrhoea or abdominal pains are present.

Skybright Swedish Bitters. All-natural, Vegan-friendly and Gluten-free.

Warning: Contains alcohol

Swedish Bitters is produced in a base of 40% alcohol. This helps extract as much as possible from the herbs, while also preserving the shelf life of the tincture. To evaporate the alcohol, add 5-10ml to a cup of hot water and allow to cool.

The alcohol used in Swedish Bitters is gluten free. It is sourced from whey protein and is made in New Zealand. It is medicinal alcohol.

Disclaimer:
The information in this article is not intended as a medical prescription for any disease or illness. Nothing stated here should be considered medical advice. Use as directed. If symptoms persist, consult your healthcare professional. 

Deer Antler Velvet

Skybright Deer Antler Velvet to strengthen, protect and restore

Deer Antler Velvet to strengthen, protect and restore 

Deer Antler Velvet comes from the antlers of male deer, and is the name  given to the softer new growth that is covered in velvety hair. It’s been used in Chinese medicine for over two thousand years for its health giving properties. 

It is rich in amino acids, essential fatty acids, collagen, glucosamine, chondroitin, omega 3 and omega 6, and many other important vitamins and minerals. These work together to help strengthen the immune system, support healthy blood pressure, boost energy levels, aid joint mobility, promote recovery, reduce inflammation and improve cardiovascular health and function.

Deer antlers can grow up to 2cm per day.
Deer antlers can grow up to 2cm per day.

A renewable resource
The antlers regenerate swiftly every spring (up to 2cm per day), and because of this quick growth, they are a rich source of essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients. The antlers are removed before they harden into bone. The Deer Antler Velvet is made from the middle section of the antler (brow tine and bez tine offcuts).

Made in New Zealand
This process is done by trained and accredited farmers and veterinarians here in New Zealand, who ensure minimum discomfort to the deer. The velvet is then freeze dried to preserve the nutrients and ground to a fine powder.

Traditional uses
The uses of Deer Antler Velvet are many and varied, but they tend to fall into the general categories of support for: body strengthening, blood cell production, the immune system, healthy joint function and cardiovascular health.

Our Deer Antler Velvet capsules are an authentic 100% natural, sustainable New Zealand product of the finest quality. 

Immune system support
Deer Antler Velvet has the ability to strengthen the body’s natural immune system, counter the effects of stress, and promote rapid recovery from illness. It is also used at the onset of winter to ward off infections.

Preliminary research led by AgResearch, which is co-funded by Deer Industry New Zealand (DINZ) and AgResearch, focused on the effects of deer velvet extracts on both innate and adaptive immunity. This early stage work is encouraging, with promising results, but there is still a long way to go before we can verify claims to support Deer Antler Velvet’s effect on the immune system.

Sore joints?
Deer Antler Velvet is a natural source of anti-inflammatories such as chondroitin and glucosamine sulphate. It helps inhibit the breakdown of cartilage, and supports healthy joint structure and function.

Recover faster
Widely used by athletes to support improved sports performance, Deer Antler Velvet is an excellent promoter of recovery after physical activity and aids injury recovery time along with also being an injury preventive.

“I’m 68 years young and have been taking this product for four years and I have not noticed any reduction in suppleness in my joints”

— John

Blood circulation
Research has shown that Deer Antler Velvet supports the oxygen carrying capacity of blood, facilitating healthy blood pressure and circulation. Blood pressure reduction is due to its ability to increase dilation of the peripheral blood vessels.

Back into balance
Men and women of all ages can benefit because it supports the body’s ability to adapt to and resist stress, diseases, degeneration and toxins. Deer Antler Velvet helps bring the body’s systems back into balance.

Are there any concerns?
As with all dietary supplements, you should not exceed the recommended daily dose and should consult your healthcare professional if you are on prescription medication.

Skybright Deer Antler Velvet 500mg capsules are Made in New Zealand from the finest grade Deer Antler Velvet.
Each capsule contains 500mg of pure, finest grade Deer Antler Velvet.

Is Deer Antler Velvet WADA compliant?

Deer Antler Velvet can contain low levels of the naturally occurring substance insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), which is banned. These levels of IGF-1 are not measured routinely. As it’s a natural product with potential variability we are unable to offer any assurances.

Organisations like WADA do not offer any approvals or certification process regarding supplements, and we do not actually test the Deer Velvet Capsules directly for the type of chemicals that WADA would screen for.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) does not explicitly prohibit Deer Antler Velvet, but because some Deer Velvet products might contain the prohibited substance IGF-1, WADA advises that “athletes exercise extreme caution with this supplement because it could lead to a positive test. Athletes who use these types of products do so at their own risk.

In short, Skybright doesn’t endorse the use of Deer Velvet Supplements for athletes subject to WADA testing protocols.

Man lifting weights – Skybright Deer Antler Velvet
Supports healthy joint function, body strengthening and immune system support.

Directions: 

Take two high-strength 500mg capsules daily or as directed by your healthcare professional. All doses to be taken with food. Not for use in pregnancy. Use as directed. If symptoms persist, see your healthcare professional. Each jar contains 100 Capsules. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Each capsule contains 500mg of 100% Grade A Deer Velvet from farmed New Zealand Red Deer (Cervus elephus). There are no artificial colourings, flavouring or preservatives. Encapsulated in a bovine hard gelatin capsule. With the bovine capsule, it is not certified Halal, so we wouldn’t be able to support that claim.

Disclaimer:
The information in this article is not intended as a medical prescription for any disease or illness. Nothing stated here should be considered medical advice. Use as directed. If symptoms persist, consult your healthcare professional. 

Effervescing Anti-Uric Salts

Man drinking Skybright Anti-Uric Salts from a glass of water

Effervescing Anti-Uric Salts

Effervescing Anti-Uric Salts can assist in balancing uric acid levels and support your body’s natural pH. It’s a popular blend of natural minerals that can assist joint mobility and reduce swelling and discomfort in the joints.

Uric acid is a naturally occurring chemical produced when the body breaks down purines – a type of protein found in the body, and in most foods. Increased levels of uric acid from excess purines may accumulate in your tissues, and form crystals. This can cause high uric acid levels in the blood. Purines are found in high concentrations in foods such as red meat, organ meats, seafood, game meats, and sugary and alcoholic drinks.

In normal quantities, uric acid is a natural and healthy antioxidant, helping to prevent damage to blood vessels. Although uric acid levels are mostly increased through diet, other factors such as age, gender, ethnicity, weight and genes can all play a part.

✔️ Helps eliminate uric acid

✔️ Assists with joint mobility

✔️ Supports your body’s natural pH

It can also assist with:

✔️ Arthritis

✔️ Rheumatism

✔️ Urinary tract infections

✔️ Indigestion & Heartburn

✔️ Inflammation of the joints

Hyperuricemia (High Uric Acid)

Hyperuricemia is an excess of uric acid in the blood. Uric acid passes through the liver, and enters your bloodstream. Most of it is excreted in your urine, or passed through your intestines to maintain normal levels. However, if your body produces excess uric acid or if it isn’t excreted it accumulates in your body in the form of urate crystals. 


X-ray showing high uric acid and urate crystals in the joints.

Uric acid and urate crystals in the joints
These needle sharp crystals irritate and inflame the cartilage around the joints. It occurs most often in the big toe but it can strike other joints such as the knees or the elbows. It is more commonly found in men than women by a factor of 10 to 1.


Avoid long-term damage to joints with Skybright Anti-Uric Salts

Avoid long-term damage
This inflammation can lead to excruciating pain, swelling, redness, heat and stiffness in the affected joint. If untreated, these crystals can form knobby, chalky lumps in the joints or under the skin called tophi and can cause long-term damage.

High uric acid levels are more commonly found in men than women by a factor of 10 to 1.

Supports your natural pH

An imbalance of pH in the body can interfere with uric acid balance, with levels may increasing causing considerable discomfort in the joints of the hands and feet. Anti-Uric Salts may assist by supporting an optimum pH level.

Man drinking water from water bottle.
Drink plenty of water to help reduce and remove uric acid from the body.

Drink plenty of water

In order to aid the elimination of uric acid in the body drink plenty of water, to dilute uric acid and flush it from your body. Try to decrease your intake of refined carbohydrates (grains, sugars, starches) and alcohol.

Man clutching knee with inflammation.

“Excellent stuff, it helped the swelling go down in my knees, I have told friends about it as they had swelling in the knuckles in their hands.”

— Vanessa

Directions for use:

Take 1 teaspoon (5g) in a glass of water in the morning. 1 x 165g Glass Pot = 33 Servings. Uric acid levels are at their highest in the morning so by taking them before breakfast, they are flushed out of the system before food intake. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help reduce and remove uric acid from the body.

Skybright Anti-Uric Salts next to a glass of water.
Take 1 teaspoon (5g) in a glass of water in the morning.

One teaspoon contains: 

Sodium bicarbonate 2.25g, Acid tartaric 2.25g, Potassium hydrogen tartrate 275mg, Magnesium sulphate 225mg. Store in a warm, dry place. People on medication should consult their doctor before using Anti-Uric Salts.

Sodium bicarbonate: Used as an antacid, for short-term relief of stomach upset, to correct acidosis in kidney disorders, to make the urine alkaline during bladder infections and to minimise uric acid crystallisation during gout treatment.

Acid tartaric: An antioxidant which occurs naturally in many plants, particularly grapes, bananas, and tamarinds, and is one of the main acids found in wine. 

Potassium hydrogen tartrate: A byproduct of wine making and an acid used to activate sodium bicarbonate.

Magnesium sulphate: A naturally occurring mineral. Magnesium is important for many systems in the body especially the muscles and nerves. 

Precautions:

People on medication, with high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, kidney disease or pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their doctor or healthcare professional before using Anti-Uric Salts. Excess consumption may have a laxative effect.

Anti-Uric Salts has high sodium content per dose due to the sodium bicarbonate. This means it may be inappropriate for someone with high blood pressure, on a sodium restricted diet or concurrent use with antacids (also high in sodium).

Sodium bicarbonate inhibits folic acid absorption therefore supplementation with folic acid is advised for people taking Anti-Uric Salts long term. 

It may inhibit the absorption of iron supplements if taken at the same time. It should be taken more than 2 hours before of after iron supplementation.

Disclaimer:
The information in this article is not intended as a medical prescription for any disease or illness. Nothing stated here should be considered medical advice. Use as directed. If symptoms persist, consult your healthcare professional. 

Remineralise: Put back what’s missing

Woman drinking water with Skybright Concentrated Mineral Drops added.

Remineralise – and put back what’s missing from our food.

Over the past few months, many of us have taken the chance to evaluate our lifestyle and our health and wellbeing, especially with regard to strengthening our immune system and enhancing our ability to fight off infections during the winter months.

Getting enough sleep, exercising often and eating a balanced, whole-food diet are all important factors in nurturing our health, for both mind and body. But often we’re lacking important minerals, that are not present in either the foods we eat, or in the water we drink. 

This is due to intensive farming techniques, which strip these minerals from the soil in which our food grows. If the minerals are not in the soils in the first place, they will not be present in the plants and therefore in the food we eat. Many of us drink filtered or bottled water, which removes the essential minerals and trace elements we need, as well as unwanted pathogens and toxins that make it safe for drinking.

These practices can lead to mineral deficiencies, which then lead to common complaints such as fatigue, irregular heartbeat, depression, and sleep issues. This also ultimately compromises our immune system, and makes us vulnerable to infections and illnesses.

Skybright Remineralise: we need to put back the minerals and vitamins that are missing from our food.
Remineralise: we need to put back the minerals and vitamins that are missing from our food.

The importance of minerals.

In today’s modern, fast-paced society, supplying our bodies with the minerals they require is difficult. The lives we lead often put increasing demands on our stores of the nutrients. The harder we push ourselves, the more we need. In times of stress, our body uses more vitamin B, vitamin C and magnesium and zinc in particular.

Minerals such as such as magnesium, potassium, iodine and selenium are the catalysts for all the vitamins and other nutrients your body uses for developing and maintaining good health.

Every second of every day the human body relies on these minerals and other trace elements to conduct and generate billions of tiny electrical impulses. Without these impulses, not a single muscle, including your heart, or your brain would be able to function.

Think of your body like a circuit board. Ionic minerals conduct electricity throughout the body, bringing energy where it needs to go in order for each cell and system to work. Without these minerals, your heart couldn’t beat, your muscles couldn’t contract, your brain couldn’t function and your body couldn’t absorb nutrients.

The human body cannot produce minerals like calcium and magnesium as they cannot be made by living organisms. We have to obtain them from the food we eat, or the water we drink. Obtaining them from water is optimal, as it helps with the bioavailability of these minerals, enabling them to be more effectively absorbed into our system. 

“Soil is the basis of all human life and our only hope for a healthy world… all of life will be healthy or unhealthy according to the fertility of the soil”

Dr. Alexis Carrel, winner of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine

New Zealand soils and mineral deficiencies.

As a country, New Zealand is still very young, and it has young soils. Where once they were rich in nutrients, our agriculture and farming over the years has stripped the topsoil of important trace minerals and elements. 

With the use of common fertilisers, there has been an increase in the growth rate of foods and an increase in yields, but we’ve also seen a steady decline in the nutritional value of the foods we eat over the past decades. This has lead to well-known deficiencies in our soils, including selenium, iodine, zinc, chromium and boron. 

Up to 91% of New Zealanders are said to be deficient in iodine, an essential trace element that supports energy production and plays an important role in supporting immune function. The biggest groups at risk are pregnant mothers and people with autoimmune issues. You can get iodine from seaweed or miso soup or by simply adding sea salt to your drinking water or sprinkling it onto your food. 

Selenium levels are also low in New Zealand soils. It’s estimated that many of us are only getting as little as 10-20% of the daily amount we require. Selenium is an antioxidant and also supports immune system function, as well as reproductive health, mood, thyroid function and cardiovascular health. Often supplementation is required but you can get it from eating beef, fish or a few brazil nuts.

Zinc is an important trace mineral, especially in New Zealand due to soil depletions. It’s a a powerful antioxidant, and great for skin, eye and hair health. Seafood is a rich source of zinc, as well as red meat. Studies suggest that supplementing with zinc may have the potential to improve immunity in the elderly, and in healthy individuals with marginal zinc deficiencies, supplementation can enhance the immune response, and may reduce the length of the common cold.

Producers are paid on the weight of their produce rather than how mineral rich the vegetables and fruit are. The processing of foods, such as peeling, extracting, heat-treating and early picking for storage and transportation across the country can further diminish the nutrient value in the foods we eat.

Until we are able to put trace minerals back into the soil through regenerative agriculture and sustainable farming, we must look to other methods to obtain the full spectrum of minerals and trace elements that we need for optimal human health.

Man holding glass of water.
In our efforts to drink ‘pure water’ this filtration eliminates the harmful substances, but also removes the important trace elements and minerals we need every day.

The water we drink.

Water can and should be a significant source of trace minerals and elements that can maintain our health and wellbeing. 

With concerns about the quality of public water supply in some areas of New Zealand, we often resort to drinking bottled water or filtered water, (reverse osmosis, distilled) which can eliminate virtually every mineral the body requires to maintain good health. In our efforts to drink ‘pure water’ this filtration eliminates the harmful substances, but also removes the important trace elements and minerals we need every day. Reverse osmosis water filters can also harbour harmful bacteria if not adequately maintained.

We need to remineralise.

Eating a plant-rich diet, while essential for good health, isn’t enough on it’s own to provide you with all the minerals and nutrients you need, as modern farming has stripped the soils of its mineral content. This has lead to significant deficiencies across the population which are increasing with our modern lifestyles, added to the prevalence of processed and convenience foods, and an ageing population.

Eat organic and seasonal where you can, eat leafy greens with every meal or at least daily. Grow your own if you have the space at home or shop at local farmers markets to ensure freshness as well as supporting the local producers and economy. 

We are all aware of the need to reduce, reuse and recycle, but with regard to nutrition, we need to rebalance, replenish and remineralise. Minerals and trace elements are vital to our everyday health and wellbeing. We need them to strengthen our immune system, stave off infections and feel more energised.

Adding minerals like sea salt or liquid mineral drops which contain more than 70 minerals and trace elements to your drinking water may be the best place to start to feel good and get back into balance. These little changes are easy to implement into your daily routine and can make a big difference to your health.

Disclaimer:
The information in this article is not intended as a medical prescription for any disease or illness. Nothing stated here should be considered medical advice. Use as directed. If symptoms persist, consult your healthcare professional. 

Silica: Understanding this important mineral

Woman stretching in yoga studio.

Silica: Understanding this important mineral.

Minerals such as such as magnesium, potassium and iron are the catalysts for all the vitamins and other nutrients your body uses for developing and maintaining good health. Our bodies can’t produce these minerals, so we have to obtain them from the foods we eat. In addition, we now know that New Zealand soils are often deficient in iodine, selenium and zinc due to intensive farming techniques.

Of all the minerals we need to stay healthy, silica is perhaps the least known and the least understood. It plays an important role in strengthening our skin tissue and bone as well as providing a number of other benefits. It is the seventh most prevalent element in human tissue, after calcium, which it works with to maintain healthy bones. Although silica is one of the most abundant substances in the body, as we age we retain less and less, and our intake tends to decrease with age, so it’s important that we maintain good levels through our diet and supplement if required.

Of all the minerals we need to stay healthy, silica is perhaps the least known and the least understood.

Silica helps with collagen formation, joint function, strong bones, teeth and gums, gastrointestinal issues and is great for hair, skin and nails. Modern diets are lacking in silica due the refinement of the grains we eat and the filtering of the water we drink. The body needs to compensate for the lack of minerals by taking it from the healthy reserves in our bone and muscle, thus leaving our system deficient and vulnerable to problems that can get worse as we age. When we are young, silica levels in our body are high and our bones and joints are flexible, but as we get older, these levels decline and this can lead to muscle degradation, soreness, lack of mobility, injuries, and longer healing times when injuries do happen.

Silica has been shown to support hair growth, healthy skin, and strong nails.
Silica has been shown to support hair growth, healthy skin, and strong nails.

The many benefits of Silica.

Healthy Skin: One of the primary functions of silica is to maintain healthy skin tissue by boosting the production of proteins such as collagen, elastin and keratin.

Collagen is the tissue which holds our cells together and is the major component of everything from our bones to our skin. It is the most plentiful protein, making up 75-80% of the skin. 

Elastin, along with collagen, is responsible for giving structure to the skin and can help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and make the skin feel supple. Keratin strengthens hair follicles, nails, and the surface layer of the skin.

Hair, skin, nails: Silica is often known as the ‘beauty mineral’ as it promotes the production of collagen and is has been shown to support hair growth, healthy skin, and strong nails. 

While there’s no scientific evidence that silica can reverse the effects of hair loss, it’s been found to deliver essential nutrients to your scalp and hair follicles and it may help strengthen hair and prevent hair breakage.

It also strengthens teeth and gums. Many toothpastes include silica as an ingredient, and it can help with inflamed and bleeding gums.

“I had trouble with my hair falling out and it had stopped growing. After the first month of taking this every day my hair had started to grow again, and stopped falling out at the rate it had been. I’m on my third bottle now, but I only take it every second or third day. REALLY pleased with this product.”

—Tina

Immune system support: As the skin is the largest organ in the body, it is the first line of defence against naturally occurring bacteria, viruses and other pathogens. Strong, healthy skin can help guard against infection.

Silica can also assist in the fast healing of burns and other wounds, as it stimulates rapid re-growth of damaged tissue. You can apply it topically to the affected area and feel relief within seconds.

Joint support: Silica assists joint function by the strengthening of connective tissues, ligaments and muscles. This in turn can also improve overall flexibility. It may also reduce swelling of joints caused by injury which can help speed up the recovery process.

Bone formation: Silica promotes bone formation, as it manages calcium usage and storage throughout the body. It enhances calcium absorption, and these two minerals work together to help strengthen your bones. It is impossible to form bone without both calcium and silica. It is thought that supplementation of silica, rather than calcium is what’s needed for maintaining strong bones and enhance longevity.

Digestive Health: Gut health is top of mind these days, and silica helps to maintain the tissues that are found along the digestive tract. Most disorders of the stomach involve a degradation of the lining in the gastrointestinal tract, and silica is an essential element involved in rebuilding and maintaining these tissues.

Aluminium detoxification: Silica has shown to be a good eliminator of aluminium. Aluminium is a proven neurotoxin, and has been implicated as a cause of Alzheimer’s disease. Silica naturally reacts with aluminium, thereby forming aluminosilicate. This reaction between silica and aluminium can occur within the body, and is believed to be an important mechanism for aluminium detoxification. Aluminosilicates are nontoxic and are eliminated by the kidneys via the urine. This may help inhibit your body’s absorption of aluminium, meaning that it is able to help decrease the amount of aluminium build-up that is found in the brain’s tissues.

Silica Liquid Mineral. Each 2ml contains: Silica Dioxide 375mg, Purified Water. 100% bioavailable
Each 2ml contains: Silica Dioxide 375mg and purified water. 100% bioavailable.

Silica deficiencies 

It is common these days for deficiencies to occur. We are simply not getting enough of this mineral in our diets to the depletion in our soils, as well as the availability of processed foods and the refinement of grains. The husks of grains are where we have historically obtained our dietary intake of silica. But with invention of the combine harvester, husks were automatically removed to create more refined flour and grains. Bread once contained many minerals, but the prevalence of white bread and white flour has seen these minerals disappear and manufacturers try to add the minerals back in with additives. These additives are often a poor substitute.

These days, we often drink filtered or purified water, which take out potentially harmful chemicals but also strip the essential minerals that we need too. Unless we are able to replenish and replace these minerals, our body will continue to take them from our reserves that are stored in our bones and muscle, making us deficient and vulnerable to weakened tissue, sore joints and skin issues.

Foods containing the mineral Silica, whole grains, oats, corn, beetroot, asparagus and avocados.
Silica is found in whole grains, oats, corn, beetroot, asparagus and avocados.

How to get more Silica in your diet

Silica doesn’t occur naturally in a lot of foods, but is found in husks of whole grains, natural oats, barley, wheat, corn, beetroot, asparagus, alfalfa sprouts and potato skins. It is also present in lettuce, cucumbers, avocados, strawberries and onions. The less refined and the less processed the foods are the better.

Like a lot of other minerals, as we age, the human body retains less and less silica, so there may be a need to supplement. While silica is essential for good health, and we are now aware of the benefits, no RDI has yet been established. A daily, therapeutic dose of 375mg is recommended, and taking it in liquid form is best for optimal absorption and bioavailability. 

Disclaimer:
The information in this article is not intended as a medical prescription for any disease or illness. Nothing stated here should be considered medical advice. Use as directed. If symptoms persist, consult your healthcare professional. 


Skybright Product Manual

Skybright Product Manual

Feel free to download our full Product Manual as a PDF. Inside, you’ll find full technical information on all of our products.

It includes information on when to take them, dosage, active ingredients, product features and benefits and any precautions or side effects.

We will continue to update the Manual as we add new products and develop the Skybright range.

Skybright Product Manual – Updated November 2023