The issue of vaccines is an emotionally “loaded” topic. People on both sides of the camp…those who are for the compulsory immunizations and those who question the widespread use of these drugs…are very passionate about their beliefs.
One thing people on both sides of the fence should be able to agree on is that it is important to maintain a healthy immune system. After all, a healthy immune system is so essential to making the actual vaccine work. So here are some pointers for keeping your immune system strong and doing it’s proper job, whether or not your choose to vaccinate.
Vaccines won’t make up for a poor diet
Weston Price, author of Nutrition and Physical Degeneration, toured the world in the 1930’s. He found that native peoples living on their traditional diets rarely got sick. The nutritional density of their diets helped them have strong immune systems. If these same people started eating the foods of Western civilization, such as refined sugar and flour, processed oils and canned goods, they became more susceptible to disease.
So, our first line of defense against disease is to eat a diet of natural foods, avoiding refined and processed foods as much as possible. Vaccines can’t make up for a junky diet, so be sure to eats lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and legumes, healthy fats and naturally-raised animal foods.
Find pleasure and avoid pressure
There is ample research that supports that our immune system responds to stress and our moods. Excessive anger, sadness, negativity and stress depress our immune function, while pleasure, hope, love, joy and laughter all enhance it. Even in difficult times we should make the time to indulge in life’s little pleasures and find reasons for fun and laughter. “Laughter does good like a medicine.” If you eat a healthy diet and learn to fill your heart with love and joy, you’ll have a better chance at fighting off anything that comes your way.
Build up your immune system with herbs and supplements
Unlike vaccines, which can only challenge your immune system, there are many herbs and supplements that can actually boost your immune system. Whether you choose to get vaccinated, it makes sense to boost your immune system to help it fight off whatever “bugs” comes your way.
Consider echinacea, one of the very best single herbs for boosting immunity. Echinacea can be used when infections are “going around” to reduce your risk of getting them. Echinacea can be used as a preventive when infections are going around to keep children and adults from “catching” bacterial or viral infections. Echinacea also reduces inflammation and inhibits the spread of infection.
Elderberry Plus combines astragalus, elderberry and reishi into a chewable tablet that helps the cells to resist viral infection. It’s an excellent choice for keeping children healthy through the cold and flu season and can be taken daily for prevention. As an adult, I love the soft and chewy tablets myself. I choose to purchase my supplements and herbs from Natures Sunshine because I am sure I am getting a quality product. If you can find a quality product that you know tests well for you, by all means, take it everyday!
Breastfeed your children
Mother’s breast milk transfers immune factors to infants and research shows that children who are breastfed have healthier immune systems (and better cognitive development) than children who are bottle fed. An infant’s immune system is not very well developed, which is why nature provides us with a natural way to boost their immune system through a substance called colostrum, which can also be found as an immune-boosting supplement.
This list is very basic and there is so much more a person can do as preventative measures. For those who want to know more, Dr. Mercola has a very thorough article on Healthy Alternatives to the Seasonal Flu Vaccine: Garlic, Zinc and Vitamin D.
Stay healthy!
