15 Immune System Boosters and Illness Fighters for Kids

As a mom in the trenches of our first illness of this season, boosting my kids' immune system is really fresh in my head, we've just recuperated! From the past five years of experience, we have a pretty large arsenal of first aid and have more or less figured out what works best for different types of symptoms as well as what helps prevent an illness from materializing when first symptoms are present. 

I certainly do not know it all, but I prefer to keep our kids and ourselves off of drugs of any sort. Medical treatment only when absolutely necessary. These tried and true immune boosters have helped keep us out of the doctor's office many times (even though our doctor rocks) and are definitely less expensive than over-inflated medical bills! These remedies help with everything from regular sniffles to a full blown respiratory infection that's tougher to beat. 

I've noticed in friends, family, and acquaintances in real life and online - that regular medical treatment often results in lingering symptoms that do not go away for weeks or months, or worse - side effects that are worse than the illness itself. One thing I noticed is rather predictable with these natural remedies though, there are no side effects, we get over illnesses fairly quickly, and there are no lingering symptoms. 

Here are all of our little secrets to staying well or treating acute illness through the New England fall/winter/spring, in no particular order...

1. Breastfeeding | FREE

It's no secret that breastfeeding boosts a baby's immune system. I don't know how we would have survived illness with little ones if it wasn't for breastfeeding, my first until she turned 2 and my second is almost 3 and still nursing once or twice a day. All kinds of goodness here, breast milk full of probiotics, it is antiviral, and it is full of vitamins and minerals.

2. Sunshine/Vitamin D | FREE, $4 - $20

Getting vitamin D naturally from proper sun exposure is best of course, but not always possible when the kids are bundled even for the few minutes of sun they get in cold weather. If you get supplements, make sure it is in the form of vitamin D3, not synthetic D2. For younger ones, you'll do well with hiding some liquid D3 drops in their drink. This is just common sense because vitamin D deficiency has been directly linked to being susceptible to the flu (see here and here).  

3. Sleep | FREE
It's absolutely essential for the body to have adequate sleep to have a strong immune system, especially for children (see here). Overworked, tired little bodies are more susceptible to disease. It may be tempting in this modern age to schedule your children for every available activity, but consider that their health and rest are more important and should be guarded. This is just one of gazillion reasons we love homeschooling, our learning revolves around a healthy lifestyle and not an exhausting schedule. 

4. Probiotics | $15 - $50
Since our immune system cells are largely contained in the gut, probiotics are naturally a great way to boost immunity. Not to mention they address many unwanted symptoms such as IBS, recurrent yeast infections, bloating and other digestive issues. Probiotics may also help with absorption of vitamin D3, minerals, and other nutrients. Not all probiotics are created equal though! Most do not survive the acid in your stomach before they reach the intestines. Make sure yours is not just one most commonly marketed strain like acidophiclus. Some of the most effective strains are lactobacillus reuteri (as found in breast milk) and bacillus coagulans. 

5. Vitamin C | $1 - $20
I'm sure you already know Vitamin C is great to ward of colds and flu, but did you know that most vitamin C supplements on the market are derived from genetically modified organisms? It's usually made from GM corn. Your best bet is just buying some organic lemons and incorporating that into recipes (such as this yummy, healthy dessert) and smoothies. If you must supplement though, invest in a whole food, real vitamin C supplement such as this. 

6. Elderberry Syrup | $5 - $30
I have heard so many great things about elderberries from other moms that I had to finally try it. I am getting on the bandwagon, this stuff is amazing! I don't know what it does, but it works fast and is great for cough and anything that affects respiratory system. I bought this syrup but plan on making my own out of whole dried elderberries with this recipe, which will be cheaper for the amount it yields.

7. Wild Cherry Bark Syrup | $10 - $20
I love this locally made (to me) remedy from Vermont, this syrup does wonders for lingering, persistent, or "whooping" coughs, especially when kids have trouble sleeping. It was recommended by a naturopath and I'm so thankful to have it on hand for the winter season. 

8. Colloidal Silver | $10 - $50

Not really an "immune booster", but it stops anything viral in its tracks and works well to bring high fevers under control and kill the culprit. You have to be sure of correct dosage according to the label. The best thing is, it has no particular taste and can easily be mixed into some water or a green smoothie. Be sure to follow with probiotics as this is a natural antibiotic and can wreak havoc on digestion! Just be sure to buy the right kind, NOT ionic silver or protein suspended, you want real colloidal silver, we buy this one and it's amazing for infection of any kind (it's cheaper on Swanson). We've used it for viral infections and for tooth infection. Unlike antibiotics, it kills bacteria, viruses, and parasites without harming your cells and does not breed antibiotic resistance. 

9. Olive Leaf Extract | $10 - $15
Olive leaf extract is miraculous! Let's see: antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal - great for any internal infections. It did wonders for an aching tooth I once had. Antioxidant, lowers blood pressure, contains anti-cancer compounds apigenin and luteolin (remember, all of us have cancer cells). You have to use your head and figure out dosage for a child, it's definitely not something to be taken regularly.

10. Gaia Kids Wet and Dry Cough Syrups | $15 - $20
At the recommendation of our doctor we got these syrups for lingering cough last winter, both the dry cough and the wet cough. It's great for those night time coughing spells, one dose and baby is fast asleep! It really calms things down and gradually gets rid of cough for good. Not cheap, but in our humble opinion worth it for the relief we see in our kids. 

11. Cod Liver Oil | $8 - $40
This is a supplement that is great to take daily all through the year, cod liver oil has a ton of benefits and is great for overall health. During flu season we up the dosage and skip less often than summer. I notice a difference in my own health when I take it and when I don't. Not to mention it's great for skin, nails, teeth, and hair! 

12. Echinacea | $5 - $20

An alcohol-free liquid echinacea formula is a great immune system booster and is great to mix into the kids drinks. This is a great preventative measure to implement through the winter. I use liquid echinacea in smoothies for the whole family!

13. Smoothies | varies per serving
Of course what you put in a smoothie can also boost the immune system. Berries, spinach, lemon, apples, ginger, carrots, chia seeds, cucumber, and cinnamon are all great healthy ingredients. To make it yummier and more tolerable for the kids you can add a little banana or mango, raw milk would be great if you have any. 

14. Fruits and Veggies
Of course fruits and veggies in their raw or lightly steamed form are awesome! I stock up on broccoli as my kids surprisingly like it steamed. Carrots to munch on. Slightly sour green apple slices. Sauteed cabbage. Raw sweet peppers. Sauteed cauliflower. Green peas. Offer a variety of veggies throughout the day regularly and they will learn to like them. 

15. Humidifier | $25 - $150

There is no way around it, indoor air will become really dry in the winter with the heat or furnace on. This can really dry out nasal passages and prolong illnesses, not to mention it makes viruses more easily transmittable indoors. We run a humidifier every night in the winter and sometimes throughout the day when we are sick. This one has served us well for 6 years and I loved it, though it recently died (hoping I can fix it). Meanwhile I keep the air moist by hanging well towels to dry and boiling water on the stove top.

*  *  *

Whatever you do, keep in mind that it is a proven fact that sugar suppresses immunity and triggers inflammation. Being surrounded by it everywhere makes it really hard (ask me how I know), but try to focus on a real-food diet with plenty of organic veggies and whole fruit, legumes, as well as healthy fats, and organic or grass-fed meats. Also, it's great to have a non-toxic hand sanitizer with you at all times to use when you can't wash hands. If you're home, triclosan-free soap will do the trick!

Last but not least, in a crazed and "fast-lane" society, we really really need to guard our children and families from being over-scheduled. When stress hormones rise in children and adults, immune system response is lowered. Kids need lots of creative free play time and rest to thrive!

Disclaimer: This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Talk to your trusted healthcare provider about any questions you may have regarding your health. 


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Are Vaccines Safe? {Dear Best Friend...}

I'll be honest, I didn't want to touch this subject with a ten foot pole. But among my friends in real life and online it is one of the most asked questions: "How do you decide whether to vaccinate or not? How do you know vaccines are safe?" Since three of my lovely bridesmaid from 6 years ago are all pregnant, I feel compelled to share this information and resources with them so that they can make their own decision. I'm also going to finally have a page to point readers to when they ask this question again [and again, and again...]

I am not here to tell anyone what to do, I am not a doctor, I have no medical training, it's your child and your decision. Please consult with a medical professional that you trust to make such decisions. This post is merely meant as a resource for parents that care enough to research first without blindly doing something because 'everyone does it' or 'experts' endorse it as safe - just as doctors endorsed  x-rays for pregnant women and smoking back in the day. While parents who decide not to vaccinate are usually college-educated people with above-average salaries, I believe the tide is also shifting to include all kinds of parents from a variety of income brackets to question the science behind vaccines and the claims from the manufacturers themselves. More and more people know someone who has been vaccine injured, so it is only logical to question the safety of vaccines.

Also, more parents now actually take the time to read the manufacturer's inserts, you know, just to see what's injected into their kids. Most are surprised at what they read.

Parents have every reason to question vaccines because the government branches that are supposed to lookout for the health of the people, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) and the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) are simply put - 'in bed with' the billion dollar vaccine industry.

So are vaccines safe? All I can do to answer that question is provide you with some information. There is plenty of information on the alleged benefits of vaccines on government and medical establishment websites. Let's reiterate that, government and medical establishment websites. As in, the same government that is financially invested in the success of vaccines and is closely tied to vaccine manufacturers to the point that they are nearly one and the same. Former employees of vaccine manufacturers work for CDC and the FDA, and vice versa. The very people that decide which vaccine will be injected into children all over the nation have huge conflict of interest and ties to vaccine manufacturers (more about that here and here).

What about unbiased information? Safety studies that are not conducted by the vaccine manufacturers themselves? Studies that pose no conflict of interest? There aren't many, because it's not in their financial interest.  

General Safety

To start with, one of the main reasons vaccine safety can and should be questioned is that there are no long term independent studies on vaccine side effects or safety. None. Nada. Zilch. If you can point me to one, please do. But all I've found is doctors' statements on the absence of such studies and nothing on the CDC website. Most studies are both sponsored by the manufacturers and are short term, neither of which has the interest of your child in mind.

Moreover, giving the same exact vaccine dose to every child regardless of their weight, medical history, genetic predisposition, and other individual considerations can hardly be considered safe or logical. Everyone knows that vaccines have side effects, it's no secret. It is estimated that only about 10% of these are reported to the VAERS database. It is up to you to decide if you are willing to risk serious potential side effects for the 'greater good' or if you are willing to risk the chance of an infectious disease. Either way there are risks.

The following graph shows the correlation of the mortality for children under age five and the number of vaccines on each country's recommendation list. This is perhaps the most compelling evidence to question the safety of vaccines and the sheer number of recommended doses.

Original course: http://bit.ly/11OghcO

Effectiveness and Science

It is also common knowledge that vaccines are not 100% effective. While it isn't always possible to pinpoint the effectiveness percentage, it varies anywhere from 25% to 95%. (a, b, c, d, e, f, g) In the case of Gardasil, an HPV vaccine mainly targeted at girls, the lead vaccine developer actually admitted Gardasil and Cervarix do not work, are dangerous, and haven't been adequately tested.

"Dr. Harper explained in her presentation that the cervical cancer risk in the U.S. is already extremely low, and that vaccinations are unlikely to have any effect upon the rate of cervical cancer in the United States.  In fact, 70% of all H.P.V. infections resolve themselves without treatment in a year, and the number rises to well over 90% in two years.  Harper also mentioned the safety angle.  All trials of the vaccines were done on children aged 15 and above, despite them currently being marketed for 9-year-olds. 

So far, 15,037 girls have reported adverse side effects from Gardasil alone to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (V.A.E.R.S.), and this number only reflects parents who underwent the hurdles required for reporting adverse reactions.  At the time of writing, 44 girls are officially known to have died from these vaccines.  The reported side effects include Guillian Barré Syndrome (paralysis lasting for years, or permanently — sometimes eventually causing suffocation), lupus, seizures, blood clots, and brain inflammation.  Parents are usually not made aware of these risks."(h)

Vaccines were developed before many advances in modern medicine and current eye-opening research about the complexities of the human body, yet they still function on basic assumption from nearly a century ago.

"The theory behind vaccines is that they mimic infection by spurring B cells, one of the two major types of white blood cells in the immune system, to produce antibodies as part of the adaptive immune system. It is widely believed that these vaccine-induced antibodies, which are part of the more specific adaptive immune system, teach the immune system how to directly respond to an infection before the body becomes exposed to it. 

But the new research highlights the fact that innate immunity plays a significant role in fighting infections, and is perhaps more important than adaptive immunity at preventing or fighting infections. In tests, adaptive immune system antibodies were shown unable to fight infection by themselves, which in essence debunks the theory that vaccine-induced antibodies serve any legitimate function in preventing or fighting off infection." 1, 2

Aluminum as Adjuvant

Most vaccines contain aluminum as an adjuvant to increase immune system response. It has never been adequately studied for safety and it's affects on the brain of young children have safety concerns.

"Aluminum is an experimentally demonstrated neurotoxin and the most commonly used vaccine adjuvant. Despite almost 90 years of widespread use of aluminum adjuvants, medical science's understanding about their mechanisms of action is still remarkably poor. There is also a concerning scarcity of data on toxicology and pharmacokinetics of these compounds. In spite of this, the notion that aluminum in vaccines is safe appears to be widely accepted. Experimental research, however, clearly shows that aluminum adjuvants have a potential to induce serious immunological disorders in humans. In particular, aluminum in adjuvant form carries a risk for autoimmunity, long-term brain inflammation and associated neurological complications and may thus have profound and widespread adverse health consequences. In our opinion, the possibility that vaccine benefits may have been overrated and the risk of potential adverse effects underestimated, has not been rigorously evaluated in the medical and scientific community." Journal of Current Medicinal Chemistry

Vaccines and SIDS

For a mother, waking up to find your baby blue and not breathing is probably the worst nightmare. The definitive cause of SIDS is not known but there are many theories. Nobody can say for sure if toxins in mattresses or vaccines are partly to blame. Babies are surrounded by environmental toxins, including vaccines, and there is really no way to pin-point just one cause.

Original course: http://bit.ly/11OghcO

"JAPAN In 1975, about 37 Crib Sudden Deaths were linked to vaccination in Japan. Doctors in one prefecture boycotted vaccinations, and refused to vaccinate. The Japanese government paid attention and stopped vaccinating children below the age of two years. When immunization was delayed until a child was 24 months of age, Sudden Infant Death cases and claims for vaccine related deaths disappeared. Japan zoomed from a high 17th place in infant mortality rate to the lowest infant mortality rate in the world when they stopped vaccinating. Japan didn't vaccinate any children below the age of two years between 1975 and 1988, for thirteen years. But then in 1988, Japanese parents were given the choice to start vaccinating anywhere between three months and 48 months. The Ministry study group studied 2,720 SIDS cases occurring between 1980 and 1992 and they established that their very low SIDS rate quadrupled." - Scheibner, Viera, Ph.D.

Newborn Hepatitis B Vaccine

The first vaccine all newborns receive at birth in the United States is the Hepatitis B vaccine.

"The primary reason that the CDC recommended hepatitis B vaccination for all newborns in the United States in 1991 is because public health officials and doctors could not persuade adults in high risk groups (primarily IV drug abusers and persons with multiple sexual partners) to get the vaccine."
"As of March 2012, there was a total of 66,654 hepatitis B vaccine-related  adverse events reported to the federal Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System (VAERS), including reports of headache, irritability, extreme fatigue, brain inflammation, convulsions, rheumatoid arthritis, optic neuritis, multiple sclerosis, lupus, Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS) and neuropathy. There have been more than 1500 hepatitis B vaccine-related deaths reported, including deaths classified as sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)." Note: only about 10% of actual incidences are reported

The Hepatitis B vaccine is perhaps the most controversial of all. Contrary to public belief, it isn't necessarily a deadly disease as it is portrayed.

"Infants who contract hepatitis B, either from their infected mother or infected blood transfusions, are at highest risk for chronic infection. But for the majority of healthy teenagers and adults, who come down with hepatitis B infection, symptoms include nausea, vomiting, low grade fever, pain and swelling in the joints, headache, and cough for two weeks before the onset of jaundice and enlargement/tenderness of the liver that lasts for three to four weeks. Fatigue can last up to a year but "most patients do not require hospital care" and "95 percent of patients have a favorable course and recover completely" with the case fatality ratio being "very low (approximately 0.1 percent)" according to Harrison's Principles of Medicine (11th Edition).
Those who recover completely from hepatitis B infection acquire life-long immunity. One medical textbook (Robbins Pathologic Textbook of Disease) points out that among those who do not recover completely from hepatitis B infection, fewer than 5 percent become chronic carriers of the virus, with just one quarter of these in danger of developing life threatening disease later in life. " Source

Weakened Immune System

It's a known fact that just like a virus, vaccines weaken the immune system. The problem is that in addition to a virus, vaccines contain many toxic ingredients that further weaken the immune system - something absent in a real virus scenario.

Every vaccine insert will warn that it shouldn't be injected into a person that is currently ill or has a compromised immune system. Manufacturers know this, doctors know this, yet often they fail to follow these guidelines and children needlessly suffer as a result. Assaulting an immune system that's already working hard to fight whatever it is the body is dealing with, can end up like this.

"All vaccines are immune suppressing, meaning they affect immune function for a period of time and can make some people more susceptible to coming down with a viral or bacterial infection.. The chemicals, adjuvants, lab altered viruses and bacteria and foreign DNA/RNA from animal and human cell substrates in the vaccines may compromise immune system function and depress immunity -- that is the trade-off you are risking.

The conventional belief is that it is acceptable to exchange this small overall immune suppression for immunity to one infectious disease. However, remember that this means you're trading a total immune system suppression, which is your main defense against all known disease -- including millions of pathogens -- for a temporary immunity against just one disease. 

This may help explain why people who get a flu shot may actually be more likely to acquire an infection from another virus, as was shown to be the case with H1N1 (swine flu)." - Dr. Mercola

Chronic Diseases

While we are seeing a decrease in infectious diseases and huge advances in treating them to minimize lethal outcomes, as a nation we are sicker than ever before. Children are chronically ill. Autoimmune diseases are on the rise. Cancer, asthma, allergies, ADHD, autism, rheumatoid arthritis (even in children), diabetes... How do we know vaccines are not the cause of the rise of autoimmune diseases?

Original course: http://bit.ly/11OghcO

"I believe that the exposure to yeast, egg, animal, or human proteins in the context of immunogenic (antibody producing) stimuli has the potential to result in sensitization to these proteins or even to break human immunologic tolerance to “self.” The latter is especially relevant to infants, since their immune system is only starting to make the distinction between “self” and “foreign.” Setting this distinction the wrong way from the start, in my view, is likely to pave the road to allergic or autoimmune manifestations." - Research Immunologist Tetyana Obukhanych PhD

Original course: http://bit.ly/11OghcO

Original course: http://bit.ly/11OghcO

Original course: http://bit.ly/11OghcO 

Original source: http://bit.ly/11OghcO

VAERS (Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System) Database

If you are not aware, the government does have a way to track adverse reactions to vaccines with the VAERS Database (the government website is near impossible to search, this is an easier MedAlerts database search engine).

"Since 1990, between 12,000 and 14,000 reports of hospitalizations, injuries and deaths following vaccination are made to the federal Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System, or VAERS, annually, but it is estimated that only between 1 and 10 percent of all doctors make reports to VAERS. Therefore, the number of vaccine-related health problems occurring in the United States every year may be more than 1 million." - Barbara Loe Fisher (mother to child who died follow DPT shot)

Vaccine Injury Compensation awards $250,000 for the death of an individual following a vaccine or more to cover lifelong medical bills for those injured/brain-damaged. Over the years about $1.5 billion dollars has been paid out to vaccine injured families. But compensation is tough to get and parents have to fight the system for years.

A Call for Increased Safety

Since vaccine manufacturers take no responsibility for their products and are protected by our government, it is your responsibility to make the decision for your child. You are liable for side effects, even if deadly, and you are liable if your child contracts an infections disease. The difference is that the latter is out of your control and the former is not.

Something tells me that parents would be a lot more open to vaccinations if the ingredients were not so questionable. Is it impossible to produce vaccines without aborted fetal cells, formaldehyde, aluminum, Polysorbate 80 (producing infertility in animals), thimerosal, etc.? At such a massive scale, maybe not. It may be just my opinion, but it seems all the side effects of vaccines are more so from the toxic ingredients - not so much from the viruses they contain (although that's up for debate).

The questions parents have about vaccines are all legitimate and I wish our government, doctors, and scientists would actually listen to these questions. When a mother witnesses her perfectly healthy baby wither and die within hours, days, or short weeks post vaccination - nobody dare tell her it was a 'coincidence'. She has every reason to conclude the vaccinations caused it. We cannot ignore these mothers just as much as the mothers whose children die from infections diseases that vaccines can possibly prevent.

When will we start treating children as individuals and not a herd? How can we create a simple, inexpensive test to determine if a child has a genetic predisposition to a serious adverse reaction before making an injection? When will doctors stop vaccinating children who come to the office sick, resulting in more serious adverse reactions? When will pediatricians stop the name calling, harassing, and downright violence against parents who question vaccines? When will the massive conflicts of interest between the pharmaceutical companies and those who make vaccine schedule decisions be resolved? When will long-term independent vaccine safety studies be conducted?

Decisions, Decisions

With the information available, it's up to you to decide, I know it is not easy. While I have a very strong opinion on the subject, I shared as little of it as possible as I don't want my opinion influencing yours.

Vaccines do not have to be all or nothing. We are all well aware that the number of recommended vaccines has skyrocketed and that itself is reason to worry. I suggest approaching each vaccine individually to first decide whether you need it for your child, then possibly find a single-dose vaccine manufacturer of that particular one. In case of a serious reaction (other than the usual redness, fever, etc.) you will know exactly what caused it. Remember that you can always decide to vaccinate, but you cannot un-inject your baby once you go through with it.

This post is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to vaccines, not even. You will never be able to find, read, and analyze all the information. Neither can a doctor. That is something you need to make peace with. If you are religious and/or believe in God at all, I also suggest praying for guidance, we may not know all but He certainly does.

For more information see the NVIC portal and please watch The Greater Good and visit their Catalogue of Science for further reading.

Books for further reading and research on vaccines: 
A Shot in the Dark
What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Children's Vaccinations
Vaccine Epidemic: How Corporate Greed, Biased Science, and Coercive Government Threaten Our Human Rights, Our Health, and Our Children
Confessions of a Medical Heretic
Evidence of Harm
The Vaccine Book: Making the Right Decision for Your Child

We are all adults, please keep the comments civil, if not politically correct. No bashing or name calling please.

Please share with us your opinions, stories (both of adverse reactions and 'vaccine preventable' diseases), sources, etc.

How did you decide whether to vaccinate your children or not? 

This post is part of a series called {Dear Best Friend...}. See previous posts below:

Toy Wars

5 Foods That May Make a Breastfed Baby Fussy

5 Tips for a Peaceful Birth Experience

Creating a Non-toxic Nursery

Cosleeping is Not a Fad, Cribs Are

How to Cloth Diaper

Pregnancy Must Haves

There is Only One Mom Like You

How to Pick the Best Stroller for Your Baby

Surviving the Glucose Test

Baby Must Haves, Nice-to-Haves, and No-Need-to-Haves

My Best Friend Will Be a Mom!

Some Sources Used for this Post: 

(does not include all PDF files used)

http://progress.umb.edu.pl/sites/progress.umb.edu.pl/files/129-141.pdf

http://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/can-we-continue-justify-injecting-aluminum-children

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21880755

http://healthimpactnews.com/2013/is-there-solid-science-behind-vaccinating-pregnant-women/

http://www.vaccinesuncensored.org/outdated.php

http://www.mommypotamus.com/vaccines-and-sudden-infant-death-syndrome/

http://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/isnt-your-babys-life-worth-more-than-250000/

http://wakeup-world.com/2012/11/12/time-for-a-wake-up-call-the-vaccination-hoax-debunked/

http://www.collective-evolution.com/2013/05/21/university-of-bc-doctors-expose-vaccination-coverup-official-documents-released-from-the-uk/

http://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/the-herd-immunity-myth-and-how-it-pits-parent-against-parent/

http://healthimpactnews.com/2013/is-there-any-logic-behind-vaccine-claims/

http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/breaking/17005313/family-launch-fluvax-lawsuit/

http://healthimpactnews.com/2013/the-herd-immunity-myth-treating-our-children-like-cattle-2/

http://gaia-health.com/gaia-blog/2013-05-12/vaccines-do-irreparable-harm-study-from-poland/

http://childhealthsafety.wordpress.com/2012/03/14/government-experts-cover-up-vaccine-hazards/

http://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/new-study-hepatitis-b-vaccine-damages-the-liver/

http://nocompulsoryvaccination.com/2013/05/26/jane-hansen-and-the-daily-telegraph-stop-the-smear-campaign-and-tell-australian-parents-that-truth-for-once/

http://sanevax.org/gardasil-the-journey-no-one-should-take/

http://www.ageofautism.com/2013/05/famous-bbc-journalist-speaks-out-about-how-he-became-ill-after-routine-injection.html

http://preventdisease.com/news/13/052413_Irrefutable-Evidence-Historical-Application-Vaccines-No-Health-Benefit-Impact-on-Prevention-Infectious-Disease.shtml

polish study http://www.examiner.com/article/polish-study-vaccines-carry-the-potential-to-do-tremendous-harm

http://drlwilson.com/Articles/VACCINE%20HORROR.htm

http://vactruth.com/2013/06/06/value-of-your-childs-life/?utm_source=The+Vaccine+Truth+Newsletter&utm_campaign=5dad0e4084-06_06_2013_value&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_ce7860ee83-5dad0e4084-406476935

http://www.vaccines.net/toppage1.htm

http://www.vaccinesuncensored.org/safety.php

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/18/health/policy/18cdc.html?_r=0

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/08/02/merck-flu-vaccine-conflicts.aspx

http://www.whale.to/m/quotes9.html

http://www.nvic.org/nvic-archives/conflicts-of-interest.aspx

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8473002?dopt=Abstract

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/242403.php

http://gaia-health.com/gaia-blog/2012-07-26/vaccinations-inevitably-cause-autoimmune-diseases-plos-study/

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21350943

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3264864/?tool=pubmed

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20803069

http://www.vaccineinitiative.org/?p=67

http://www.thelibertybeacon.com/2013/06/14/the-lead-vaccine-developer-comes-clean-so-she-can-sleep-at-night-gardasil-and-cervarix-dont-work-are-dangerous-and-werent-tested/

http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(03)13171-6/fulltext

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0264410X12007761

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0264410X12006299

http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/129/5/968.extract

http://cid.oxfordjournals.org/content/54/12/1730.abstract

http://journals.lww.com/jaids/Fulltext/2007/11010/Selection_of_Hepatitis_B_Virus__HBV__Vaccine.4.aspx

Why I Love Our Holistic Family Doctor

We are feeling so much better now. Sometimes I think the purpose of being sick is to make you appreciate being well so much more! The immune system strengthening effect is a nice perk. 

Being sick this time also made me realize how lucky we are to have our particular family doctor (and to have his services covered by our insurance). Doctors like these are very hard to find these days. Here is why I do not regret for a second that we all switched over to his care.

He doesn't push meds: With all my previous doctors I felt like the only thing they were capable of is writing out a prescription. Never mind trying something natural first, asking what I eat, or any environmental factors. Most doctors completely ignore the causes and just give you some medications for the symptoms. We're very blessed to have a doctor that only writes out a prescription if it is absolutely necessary and only to be used for short term management until your lifestyle changes kick in to solve the problem. Shouldn't every doctor do that? Sadly that doesn't happen. 

When we came to his office with two sick kiddos I was pretty bummed. I left feeling great just because he offered very manageable solutions. At his advice we stopped giving baby E her honey cough syrups and her fever immediately subsided. Turns out we were feeding the virus with sugar. That's something I knew about, but it completely slipped my mind when I was sick as well. Honey is good for cough and a sore throat, but not for fever.

Try every natural method: Although I am pretty well versed on natural remedies, he always suggests something new that I haven't heard of before - immediately explaining why and how it works. Medications and hospitals are truly the last resort for acute problems that cannot be solved any other way. 

He is passionate about making patients well: You know those doctors, the ones who just don't seem to care? Ours is an exception. We've never left his office feeling like we're pushed off the production line. His passion for wellness is a little contagious, and he loves to share it with patients. 

Self-education: On our last visit he shared something with us, while I was nursing our infant he called my husband aside and showed him some compelling information and charts on the ineffectiveness of vaccines. I mean, what doctor does that? I'm thankful he is learning and willing to share what he learns. I always learn something new at his office.

He takes phone calls: This is so important for kids! Most doctors will not get on the phone for a consultation for two reasons. One is they don't get paid for it, two is they aren't capable of giving a diagnosis without seeing you in person. Our doctor is pretty amazing at knowing exactly what you need without actually seeing you and he doesn't mind spending a few minutes on the phone with you even though he gets nothing in return. This is huge for us with little kids and a 45 minute drive to his office.  

Seriously, if you're still coping with the pitfalls of conventional, pharma driven doctors - you're missing out big time. There are so many natural, side effect free ways to treat even so called 'chronic conditions' and especially short term illnesses. 

The Greater Good: Must see movie for every parent!

Only until November 5th you can view The Greater Good movie online for free. If you are a parent, you simply must see this movie. Whether you are pro, anti, or undecided when it comes to vaccines - you owe it to your children to watch this movie and to take the time to research the subject thoroughly. Thinking of getting the Gardasil shot for your daughter? Watch this first. In fact, watch it before your children's next pediatrician appointment. There are only a few days left to watch it free anyway, so now is a good time. 

This is more important than your menu plan for the week, your work, your holiday plans, the next 'big game', or any other excuse you can come up with. You can view the movie on Vimeo.

Please think hard and research all pros and cons before vaccinating your children with every vaccine in existence. You don't want to regret your decisions later.

I haven't finished watching the entire movie yet, but overall I think it is a well balanced, well researched account of the state of vaccinations today. I think parents have every reason to be doubtful of them and to ask questions. The science community better stop ignoring our questions and give us concrete answers, or at least stop treating parents like they aren't capable of seeing the obvious (in regards to vaccine injured children and side effects).

Comments are welcome, but please do not start bashing debates! We all want the best for our kids. We would love to know what you think of the movie. Thanks in advance for sharing your thoughts!

Fluoride: What Every Mom Should Know

There are many controversial subject where things aren't always black and white, with a lot of gray areas. Often both sides may have ground to stand on. There is one thing though that in my mind is very clearly dangerous to you and your children and unfortunately, as is often the case, our government is doing little to nothing to protect you. Fluoride has always been in the news, and we will see more of it.

Meanwhile, as a mother or mom-to-be, it is in your best interest to be knowledgeable and informed on such an important subject. This is a short summary of facts and studies that will help you determine whether fluoride supplementation is right for your kids, whether you even want fluoride in your water, and reasons why you may want to consider fluoride free toothpaste - especially for your children.

• Ninety percent of fluoride added to drinking water is hydrofluoric acid (see warning label below), a compound of fluorine that is a chemical byproduct of aluminum, steel, phosphate, cement, and nuclear weapons manufacturing (man made fluoride with no nutritional value).
• A study in India published in Current Science in 2010 found that anemia was reduced and pre-term and low-birth-weight babies were considerably fewer in the fluoride avoidance group of women. With skyrocketing premature baby rate in the U.S., this is definitely something to consider.
• The American Medical Association states that no studies were ever done on water fluoridation side effects.
• The National Institute of Dental Research conducted a nationwide survey that demonstrated no relation between tooth decay rates and fluoridation (comparing 84 areas, of which 28 had been fluoridated for 17 years or more, 29 had never been fluoridated, and 27 had been only partially fluoridates or fluoridates for less than 17 years). The lowest tooth decay rate reported in the survey occurred in a non-fluoridated area.
• Study published in Environmental Health News showed lower IQ scores and growth in Chinese children with high concentrations of fluoride in their well water compared to those with low fluoride exposure. There are about 24 studies that show association between fluoride exposure and reduced IQ.
• The EPA's maximum limit for fluoride in food does not consider children's over exposure to fluoride. At the request of Dow AgroSciences (that markets sulfuryl fluoride as a post-harvesting fumigant for food processing and storage facilities) it raised the limits.
• Standards regarding the optimal levels of fluoride were developed based in epidemiological data collected more than 50 years ago and the ethics of forced medication of population are questionable.
• National Toxicology Program toxicology and carcinogenesis studies of sodium fluoride in rats and mice found some carcinogenic activity, lesions relating to fluorosis, and osteosclerosis of long bones.
  
  
  

With a toddler who has dental fluorosis, this issue hits close to home. Her beautiful smile isn't exactly pretty with yellow spots on the front teeth. There is really no reason for those spots to be there other than fluoride over-exposure. Our town does not fluoridate the water as far as I know, so it is possible she is exposed to it in excess in food and the environment. For more information visit the Fluoride Action Network.

Flu Vaccine: Informed Decisions

The CDC is pouring thousands if not millions into their flu vaccination campaign this season. Mothers on TwitterMoms are offered a [rather tiny] compensation to promote flu vaccines per CDC as "the best protection against the flu for your family". Though their statement is bold, many of us still wonder if these words can be trusted. I have learned both from my own experience and extensive online research that this may not always be the case. I highly doubt it is a coincidence that most people I know who get the vaccine also get the flu every season and those that do not - don't get the flu. There is plenty of information to help you make an informed and educated decision (no, not from blog sources or conspiracy sites if you're wondering). It can be hard to find, so I did the work for you!

The following is simply a list of reasons we have found not to inject ourselves with the flu vaccine this season or any other season. For ways to protect yourself from the flu naturally, you can read our other flu prevention post.

• According to the CDC, Fluarix swine flu vaccine manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline contains Polysorbate 80 (a.k.a. Tween 80). In a study conducted in Slovakia at the Institute of Preventive and Clinical Medicine, newborn female rats were injected with Polysorbate 80 4 and 7 days after birth. The findings concluded that the female rats had accelerated maturity, damaged vagina and womb lining, significant hormonal changes, and severe ovary deformities. Ultimately the young female rats were infertile, yes - unable to have children. Now I don't care how much of it is in a flu vaccine, the point is - I don't want this in my body.

• In an October 2008 study published in Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, the conclusion was that vaccinating young children against the flu had no impact on flu-related hospitalizations or doctor visits during two recent flu seasons. In fact they state:

"significant influenza vaccine effectiveness could not be demonstrated for any season, age, or setting"

• A systematic review of 51 studies published in Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews showed that the flu vaccine has the same efficacy for children under two as a placebo. Plus it demonstrated that the effectiveness of the vaccine for children over two is between 33 and 36%. How is that for sound science, it isn't even 50% effective.

• We are told by the CDC that there are 36, 000+ flu-related deaths each year. What they do not publicize is that actual flu deaths are roughly between a thousand and three thousand people. The rest die from complications such as pneumonia, most of them the elderly or those with debilitating diseases. Compare that to 616, 067 people that die from heart disease and 562,875 from cancer.

• According to the CDC, the majority of flu vaccines contain thimerosal, some as much as 25 mcg of mercury per dose (i.e. more than 250 times the Environmental Protection Agency's safety limit for mercury). We are already exposed to enormous amount of mercury in our environments through seafood, rain, and snow - we don't need more.

• Environmental Health Perspectives study clearly demonstrated that very low levels of Thimerosal can contribute to immune system disregulation.

• Another Environmental Health Perspectives study in 2005 concludes:

"that ethyl mercury, the kind of mercury found in vaccines, not only ends up in your brain, but leaves double the amount of inorganic mercury as methyl mercury, the kind of mercury found in fish.

This work is groundbreaking because little is known about ethyl mercury, and many health authorities have asserted that the mercury found in vaccines is the "safe kind." "

• A September 2004 study in Molecular Psychiatry made a link between ethylmercury and autism:

"The premise of our research is that if mercury in vaccines creates risk for neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism, genetic differences are likely to contribute to that risk. Earlier studies, however, did not use the form of mercury present in vaccines, known as thimerosal, and did not consider whether intramuscular, repetitive administration during early postnatal development, when the brain and immune systems are still maturing, might intensify toxicity.

Our predictions were confirmed. Using thimerosal dosages and timing that approximated the childhood immunization schedule, our model of postnatal thimerosal neurotoxicity demonstrated that the genes in mice that predict mercury-related immunotoxicity also predicted nuerodevelopmental damage. Features reminiscent of those observed in autism occurred in the mice of the genetically sensitive strain."

• Toxicological Sciences 2003: "Thimerosal induces DNA breaks, Caspase-3 activation, membrane damage, and cell death in cultures human neurons and fibroblasts."

• Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons 2006: After analyzing VAERS (Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System), researchers have reported increased odds for autism, speech disorders, mental retardation, and thinking abnormalities following vaccination with Thimerosal containing vaccines (DPT and Hib), compared to children who received a vaccine containing half the amount of thimerosal (DTPH).

• Last but not least, why would we want to risk neurological dysfunction to potentially avoid a bout with the flu (fact: vaccines are never 100% effective)? Why are we so afraid of this? Is there rationality to making vaccines for every single ailment know to man? Are we doing our body good by injecting multiple vaccines, especially in children? I caught a virus a couple of weeks ago (fever, chills, body aches, sore throat), I stayed home, drank chamomile, ate garlic, avoided sugar, and had some Boiron Oscillococcinum. I had a peaceful nights sleep and it was all gone save some sniffles and weakness. I personally do not want to inject a virus, mercury, aluminum, ethylene glycol, nonoxynol, and betapropiolactone into my body to avoid something easily manageable. It goes against my common sense.

There are ailments we should far more be concerned about. Diseases that can't be cured overnight with some home remedies. Heart disease and cancer combined kill more than a million people in the United States every year whereas influenza deaths (not pneumonia) are roughly under three thousand. I would love to know what my readers think. Are you getting the flu vaccine? What do you base your decision on? Are we as a country overly concerned about managing symptoms and not getting to the root cause of why we are chronically sick? We spend more on healthcare than anyone else, yet we rank 37th out of 191 countries in actual health outcomes. Looks like everyone - from Chile, to Morocco, Greece, and Costa Rica are doing better than us!

Photo: Brian Hoskins

The information and reference materials contained here are intended solely for the general information of the reader. It is not to be used for treatment purposes, but rather for discussion with the patient's own physician. The information presented here is not intended to diagnose health problems or to take the place of professional medical care.

Who Decides You're a Good Parent?

What if the government had the final say on what is in the best interest of your child? How would you feel if the government had the authority to overrule all parents on any decision concerning the child if the government believed it could make a better decision? What if they thought that homeschooling is not proper for your child and stated that delayed or no vaccination is 'abuse'? No matter what your religious beliefs are. Well, brace yourself because that is exactly how it will be if the United States ratifies the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child. Do you think they will care that you don't want a myriad of toxins in your child's body? Do you think they'll understand that you homeschool because public schools have become a socialization tool and not a place for education? They are not going to ask you if you want to raise God fearing, respectful, and intelligent children. They will put them in public school, give them condoms, and drugs for made up disorders. Because after all, the government knows what is right for children. They don't care how much you love your children, they will have the final say.

I hope you got that sarcasm above.

We are not talking about child abuse here. We are talking about loving parents who want to give their all to their children. Educated parents who do research before making haste decisions. Parents who selflessly put their children first and themselves last. Don't let your parental rights slip away right before your very own eyes! Sign the petition today!

Sign the Petition!

What do Alzheimer's, ADHD, and Autism Have in Common?

An ingredient lurking in your kitchens, bathrooms, and vaccines has undergone Federal hearings for being a toxin to humans. So how is it still there? Why hasn't anything been done about it? Why is aluminum injected into babies at higher concentrations than before? Don't get all excited about mercury (thimerosal) being phased out of single vial children's vaccines. It has been successfully replaced by more aluminum and that is not good news.  

Dr. David Ayoub is a radiologist and physician. He has become an expert on additives and preservatives in vaccines. In his studies and research he has discovered that children with ADHD and autism have massive amounts of aluminum in their toxicity profiles. Aluminum is a heavy metal and a known poison. Although it is a common natural substance on our planet, it has no biological role inside your body. 

Aluminum is present in the Hepatitis A and B vaccines, DTaP, Hib, Pneumococcal, Gardasil, and many others. In fact, the milligram dose of aluminum in children's vaccines has more than doubled since the 1970s. Unfortunately the FDA makes no distinction about the maximum amount of aluminum allowed to be injected into a small infant versus an adult. Even more shocking is the fact that the 850 mcg limit is not based on safety, but rather on the effectiveness of the adjuvant role of aluminum!

"I am no longer "trying to dig up evidence to prove" vaccines cause autism. There is already abundant evidence. The debate is not scientific but is political."

- Dr. David Ayoub 

read full article here

Richard Gale and Dr. J. Anthony Morris on the Flu Vaccine

Each time I think of a blogging subject I end up writing about something serious. Oh when will the day come when I can write on light-hearted topics? I just can't keep my findings to myself. I feel like I would be betraying my readers and contributing to the number of people who are unaware of our government toying with our health.

There are some things to consider about the so called Swine Flu before you even think about getting vaccinated against it. No, this is not something your doctor will discuss with you. In fact, it is likely you will know next to nothing about what is injected into your bloodstream unless you do your own research. I am not telling you not to get vaccinated, I am telling you to educate yourself before you make such a bold decision about your health. I am no doctor and this article is not to be taken as medical advice!

Richard Gale is a former Senior Research Analyst in the biotechnology and genomic industries. He and Dr. Gary Null write about the widespread media tactic of highlighting the 'scarcity' of the vaccine to frighten people into getting vaccinated as soon as a dose is available for them. The fact remains though, swine flu statistics are not facts, they are guesstimates. Since August nobody tests for swine flu anymore, so even if you just have some fever and sniffles you'll be counted into the swine flu bunch! How is that for sound science? The CDC itself only notes estimates on their website, and no matter how accurate a projection model they make - they cannot tell you anything true, as they themselves state that the flu is unpredictable.

Are you familiar with Dr. J. Anthony Morris, the former Chief Vaccine Control Officer and research virologist, US FDA? He is not the first to loose his government job because he put his conscience above profits. I'll quote him:

"There is no evidence that any influenza vaccine thus far developed is effective in preventing or mitigating any attack of influenza. The producers of these vaccines know that they are worthless, but they go on selling them, anyway."

"There is a great deal of evidence to prove that immunization of children does more harm than good."

What we do know though is that in the case of Britain, the health authorities' original worst-case scenario -- which said as many as 65,000 could die from H1N1 -- has twice been revised down and the prediction is now for around 1,000 deaths, way below the average annual toll of 4,000 to 8,000 deaths from seasonal winter flu. Don't you think that an overestimate of 64,000 people is significant?

In Europe skepticism about the validity and safety of the H1N1 vaccine abounds and Polish Health Minister Eva Kopacz sums it up well in addressing the Parliament (you will have to keep up with reading the English subtitles):