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Today we have a guest post from Jackie Scrivanich, of Natural Christian Mamas. She’s so graciously shared with us her natural alternatives to the flu shot! If you don’t know what I think of the flu shot, you can read about that here. Now, dive in to safer and healthier solutions to beat the winter flu season!
By Jackie Scrivanich
The Flu Shot
It is that time of year again. You turn on the radio, you flip through a magazine, everywhere you look there are advertisements for this year’s flu shot.
It is important that whenever you decide to receive any sort of medication, whether it be a vaccine or a pill or anything else, that you do your research to ensure that it is the best thing for you and that it makes sense to use.
You can look up the inserts for vaccines and medications online through the FDA. The adverse reactions can be seen on the VAERS website, make sure you look at them while remembering that only about 10% of adverse reactions are reported.
While reading the different flu vaccine inserts on the FDA website I came across this quotation: This vaccine “has not been evaluated for carcinogenic or mutagenic potential, or for impairment of fertility.”
Last year’s flu vaccine was notoriously ineffective. According to the CDC, it was only 12% effective for people ages 18-49. On a “good” year, the vaccine is about 50% effective.
Natural Alternatives to the Flu Shot
When it comes to your health, you might research and decide that the ineffectiveness of the shot and the possibility of reaction causes you to decide to forgo the shot altogether. Others might be interested in having alternatives handy for if they get the shot and still come down with the flu.
Either way, people who get the flu usually have an impaired immune system that was unable to fight the virus off. Here are some natural alternatives you can use to both strengthen your immune system and to deal with the flu if you get it.
1. Elderberry Syrup
Elderberries have immune boosting properties. They can both prevent the flu and help to speed up recovery if one catches the flu. Elderberry syrup can easily be made at home for a low cost.
2. Vitamin D
People with low vitamin D levels are more susceptible to the flu and other illness. Vitamin D can come from the sun,supplementation, cod liver oil, or food like egg yolk, cheese, milk, and beef liver.
3. Colloidal Silver
When used properly, colloidal silver can prevent or eliminate the flu. It is antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral.
4. Echinacea
This herb has antiviral properties and will help to reduce the symptoms of the flu or other illness. It also helps to boost the immune system in order to help prevent the flu. This herb can be taken as a tea as well as in other forms.
5. Garlic
Garlic has natural antiviral, antibiotic, and antifungal properties. It also boosts the immune system. It can be eaten raw, cooked in food, or taken in pill form.
6. Vitamin C
This vitamin is a powerful antioxidant and an antiviral. Can be taken in pill form as a supplement or through food like watermelon, cantaloupe, raspberries, and papaya.
7. Probiotics
Probiotics are vital to our immune system. In order for our immune systems to function properly and to appropriately fight off pathogens, we need to have a proper balance of gut flora. Probiotics help with that. You can get probiotics through supplementation, or food like sauerkraut, yogurt, kefir, sourdough bread, and kombucha
8. Zinc
When symptoms of the flu begin, take zinc immediately in order to cut down on the length of sickness. Zinc can also reduce the severity of symptoms. It is very effective for fighting viruses. Add zinc through supplementation or through foods like beans, seafood, or lentils.
9. Sleep
Proper sleep is important, as sleep deprivation impairs the immune system. Adequate rest is also vital for a quicker recovery from illness like the flu.
10. Diet and Exercise
Eating a whole food diet, limiting sugars (which lower the immune system), and ensuring you are getting adequate exercise is vital to keeping your immune system at its peak performance.
Boost your immune system, take care of your body, and make sure you wash your hands frequently during this time of year.
What are some of the ways you boost your immune system during this time of year?
About the Author: Jackie has a passion for Christ and a desire to help others grow deeper in their relationship with Him. She has a calling to help women and families. She believes that family are the foundation of society. Jackie has a couple degrees and has attended bible college. She is currently working towards her ordination in the church. Professionally, she is a children’s and family pastor, who also has her hand in the adult ministries at the church. She loves to preach and speak to others about God. Jackie is the wife of an amazing Canadian man (she’s American) and the mom of two amazing little boys, and the fur-mom of two sassy cats and two huge, fluffy dogs. She loves writing, speaking, gaming (total geek), photography, tattoos, love, her family, activism, and of course Jesus. Check out her blog at www.naturalchristianmommas.com.
So as far as all the supplements, what brands are recommended? And what doses are recommended for infants, children, adults and breastfeeding mommies? I’ve been paranoid because our diet stinks but we are slowly making changes. I have a 5 month old I’m trying to protect naturally and 2 older children I’m trying to change since they fell in the category of doing what the doctor says. We’ve got to do some detoxing as well so any advice you can offer on that will be great too!!
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