Why are we blaming the pigs? Wait, are we blaming pigs? It doesn’t matter either way. What does matter though is all this talk about swine flu vaccines and who should be first in line to receive one. They are putting those most vulnerable on the VIP side of the velvet rope, those with the most sensitive or weakened immune systems such as women who are preggers, the kiddies and grams and gramps. Are these really the people who should be getting injected with live (thanks for the corrections Rae) virus that is virtually untested for short term effectiveness let alone long term side effects?
Vaccines are Danger Bay! If you have been reading my recently published journal, The Healthy Cookie: Unbaked, you are well aware that vaccines are what flipped the switch for my immune system and turned the Crohn’s light on.
As with most of the ways conventional medicine treats disease, the vaccine for H1N1 is obviously another band-aid that does not address the real risk factors and why this is suddenly becoming so pandemic in its spread. Our immune systems are wrecked; weakened, feeble and wimpy to the point that we can no longer fight off the littlest infections, let alone the great big ones. What has put us, as a society, into such a vulnerable state of health? Well… vaccines for one. We can also throw in antibiotics, both taken directly and through the non-organic animal foods we eat. Eating refined foods that include white flours and sugars and white oils, and not getting enough sunlight, fresh air, exercise or sleep. Mix all that together and abracadabra alakazam- we make our immune system functionality disappear. The result is an increase in allergies, greater susceptibility to disease and increases in cancer rates.
My greatest fear with this vaccine is that it is so new. There can only be so much testing done on a new vaccine, and obviously long term results are impossible. As with the Gardisil vaccine that was rushed into the daughters of North America (By July 25, 2007, just 13 months after the HPV vaccine was licensed in the United States, 2,207 adverse reaction reports pertaining to Gardasil were filed with the federal government — an average of more than five reports per day- more), we will may learn in the future that this H1N1 vaccine only protects against a small percentage of the pathogens that cause Swine Flu, and can contribute to any number of long term chronic problems in our own health, not to mention the health of the unborn wee ones whose mommas-to-be are being pressured to succumb to the needle.
So rather than climb over each other clamoring for a vaccine that would likely do more harm than good, how about taking the approach of prevention? Novel idea perhaps? Instead of suppressing our immune function, let’s strengthen it. Instead of adding more chemicals into the cocktail of our blood, let’s take some of those bad boys out. Instead of waiting until we get sick, lets get healthy now! ARE YOU WITH ME? (Trumpets are now playing and banners are flying).
Here is my vaccine recipe.
Meghan’s Universal ‘Vaccine’ For Health
I am not giving dosages as just like any regular vaccine, the amounts vary per person. These are simply suggestions and if you are in a high risk category, I encourage you to see the help of a professional natural health care provider.
- Add a good probiotic supplement or probiotic rich foods
- Vitamins: Vitamin C and a B-Complex
- Herbs: Astragalus and Ecinachea
- Avoid processed foods and alcohol
- Eat Organic
- Increase water intake
- A minimum of 8 hours sleep a night
- Catch a little sun
- 1 green juice or smoothie a day
- Minimum of 20 minutes of gentle exercise daily
- Laugh often
- Wash your hands frequently
- Wear a mask when in enclosed densely packed places like Subway trains or buses. Unfortunately, they are becoming more and more common.
And if you do feel illness coming on, stay home! Get rest and let it get better before it gets worse.
When you have the time, I strongly encourage you to watch these videos in their entirety and check out this website: Think Twice
I feel the same way about it being the “trigger” for Celiac’s Disease. It’s just a thought, but it’s still concern.
My gastro tells me every year to get a flu shot because of my immune system, I have yet to get one and yet to get the flu! *Knocks on wood*
Wow, what timing – I just went on a rant at work about the flu shot. These new vaccines are really scary to me as well! I stay as far away from the flu shot as I can.
Let’s get you on Oprah, so that millions can get this message not just your faithful followers. mom
I hear what you are saying and agree that untested vaccines can be dangerous. What I disagree with is the fact that diet alone can prevent virus infection. The stronger your immune system is, the better it will be at fighting a virus once infected. This is not only strengthened through food, but regular cardiovascular and weight training.
Neither of these will prevent H1N1, but will make your body more prepared to fight it should you catch it. If you are following all of these measures, isn’t the vaccine one more way of supporting the good you are doing for your body already?
I am so glad you posted about this Meghan!
I am VERY torn by this! Mostly for my toddler’s sake!
I work with the public… and keep my distance when I can… have the hand sanitizers..yada yada
but mostly, MOSTLY I feel a well balanced lifestyle is KEY to staying healthy and avoiding illness (and recovering faster if we do fall ill)
(I even hit the rebounder most days to jostle my T cells around a bit! HAHA)
I eat as RAW and CLEAN as I can, work hard, exercise harder, and try to get in as many laughs as life will allow me!)
My lil guy hasn’t had so much as an ear infection… maybe a sniffle or two in his little 18 months…. I am THRILLED he’s so healthy (and will happily drink green smoothies)
and H1N1 makes me nervous. I worry that the treatment for him would be so hard on his little 20 lb body.
But for me…. I would rather be as armed as I can through being healthy, in mind body and soul and take my chances without the vaccine.
and then again…… sigh.
glad you posted about this!
“If you are following all of these measures, isn’t the vaccine one more way of supporting the good you are doing for your body already?”
I had to comment about this. The answer is a resounding NO. The vaccine has not been proven to work: either this one or the previous flu vaccines. They contain aluminum, thimerosal, formaldehyde and other toxins. The swine flu vaccine will contain squalene which causes arthritis. And it was only tested for 5 days!!! There is just no way that a blend of toxins can support your health in any way.
Meghan has the right idea: support your body’s immune system first. In case you do get the flu, it will be better prepared to let you heal faster.
Love your blog,
Magda
Great post, Meghan.
I was considering talking about this on my blog too.
There is nothing scarier to me than poorly researched medication/vaccinations. It is truly outrageous.
I also had a horrible experience from receiving a wack of immunizations before I travelled around Ecuador. That was two years ago and I’m still recovering/figuring out what’s wrong.
So glad you’re spreading the word
Ps. I’ve been taking your garlic n’ honey trick for a couple days now
I’m loving it! Who doesn’t want an excuse to swallow a spoonful of delicious, raw honey??
“The vaccine has not been proven to work: either this one or the previous flu vaccines. They contain aluminum, thimerosal, formaldehyde and other toxins. The swine flu vaccine will contain squalene which causes arthritis.”
Vaccines are no longer made with formaldehyde or metals such as mercury and those who make them have been getting rid of other harmful preservatives. http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/112/6/1394
While the H1N1 vaccine may not have been proven to work many vaccines do work, including that for the flu shot. The misunderstanding arises from people thinking that the flu shot will prevent against all strains of flu, which is does not. You can still get the flu when getting the flu shot, but it won’t be the one you got vaccinated for. While a healthy human being may not benefit from the shot those with compromised immune systems (the elderly or sick) and those who work within the health care field would be right in opting for it.
While America is certainly over vaccinated, vaccines do have a positive effect on our public health. Measles, Mumps, and Rubella has been eliminated due to the MMR vaccine (although now mumps is making a comeback with the choice not to vaccinate children or those going away to colleges) and polio is a disease of the past.
I feel torn between the vaccine debate. Each side has valid points, but the anti-vaccine campaign has become completely sensationalized. There are many pros to vaccines, especially when given correctly. When I have children I will vaccinate them, but according to better guidlines and over a longer time period.
Megan,
99% of the time I love your blog. Except for this post. I have some serious disagreements with you. While yes, I believe that a healthy lifestyle can help prevent many illnesses and yes I believe people rely/abuse antibiotics. I also agree that vaccines need to be properly tested and its hard to tell the outcome in a couple of years. I do believe vaccinations have allowed us to reach the point where people can live well into their 80s/90s. What would life be like without the small pox vaccine that meant we were able to all but eradicate the virus. Or whopping cough, or mumps? Yes, some people have complications but unfortunately global health comes down to a numbers game. If swine flu could be as bad as the flu pandemic in the early 1900s then yes vaccinate me. I’m young, healthy and a prime candidate to get the disease and to become very ill as it attacks young, healthy individuals very hard. While I agree vaccinations aren’t perfect, I will take them. Modern Medicine isn’t perfect-it can’t deal with many issues (especially gastrointestinal) but that doesn’t mean it hasn’t improved our overall health at all.
Thank you so much for all your comments. I don’t have time at the moment to address each one but I will say this- I am happy to see some of you agree and some of you disagree. My opinion is just that, mine. You have to decide what works for you. It is important to read up on both sides of the debate, to know the sources of the information and who has funded the various research and studies. The important thing is to make the most educated decision you can based on what is right for you individually.
Love hearing your thoughts, whether you agree or not. Every opinion matters.
Meghan, can I say it again?… I just LOVE your blog. You are RIGHT ON about all these topics, and unfortunately, most people have to learn the hard way. For me, it was my second son (now
that started having problems after his vaccinations. Since then, I have read up and done my research and am absolutely convinced that most of the vaccines are unnecessary. My daughter (4) has not had any (due to the issues with my son) and my pediatrician said to wait until at least age 7, when her immune system is more fully developed, and then perhaps only give 1 or 2 vaccines, with homeopathic support so it does not impact the brain or the gut. My oldest is going into middle school and they require a DPT booster, which he does not need afterall, since the doctor did a titre on his blood and he is already immune to it, therefore it’s unnecessary to subject his body to the vaccine. Furthermore, there is NO way I would subject my family to the swine flu vaccine. We take homeopathic stuff during the winter months to help our immune system.
thanks for sharing all you do!! I soooo want to come to your retreat in January and just trying to figure out how to make it work financially. Is it full yet? Need to talk to my hubby too… and see if my mom will go with me
that first smily face should have been an “8″
Yeah, pretty sure Jenny McCarthy has already succeeded in spreading this misinformation to Oprah’s masses. But hey, who needs science when you can do “research” on the internets? You may backtrack and say it’s only your opinion, but in my opinion, writing speculation and superstition as fact is irresponsible and makes you lose a lot of credit in an otherwise enjoyable blog. Stick to recipes, Meghan
Meg, I love you, and I usually love your advice, but we’re going to have to agree to disagree on this one. While my kiddo and I already do our best to follow your prescription, we’ll still be first in line for the regular and swine flu shots, to protect ourselves, but also to protect our very vulnerable soon-to-be baby.
Also, just for the sake of precision, the influenza vaccine does not contain live virus. The virus is killed before being incorporated into the vaccine.
I get the regular flu shot every year. The one year I missed, I got the flu (I’d forgotten how awful it is!).
My best friend and I had our babies around the same time. She chose not to vaccinate for measles, mumps and rubella. I chose to vaccinate my daughter.
Her daughter caught measles and became profoundly deaf as a baby. My daughter caught measles at the same time but the symptoms were greatly reduced and she made a good recovery.
These are my experiences only. I am well aware that vaccinations have caused adverse effects in some people. But I also know that the western world is a much better place without the fear of the likes of polio and smallpox.
The whole vaccination issue has been weighing heavily on me lately. I am really concerned about making a decision for my girls in the fall … they are aged 1 and 3 and I don’t want to experiment on them with a new vaccine. But I can just imagine the judgments from grandparents and daycare if I refuse. Last fall our whole family kept getting sick and homeopathy really helped, so maybe I’ll look to our naturopath for more guidance. Thanks for a thought-provoking post Meghan!
Oh look:
Warning: Swine Flu Shot Linked to Killer Nerve Disease
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/vitalvotes/archive/2009/08/18/Swine-Flu-Shot-Linked-to-Killer-Nerve-Disease.aspx
(Was about to send this to you via Facebook but decided that by posting it here instead it would be shared with your readers too.)
Wonderful post miss Meghan! When I saw the title I was going to ask you what you thought about the HPV vaccine as my sister just got it and keeps telling me I need to get it too. Scary scary stuff! In your opinion, do you think ANY vaccines are helpful to get? I am so enjoying reading everyone’s input.
When the US government gives Immunity for any side effects caused by the Swine Flu vaccine this should be a real sign that there might be something wrong.
http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=14453
I really pray that people take the time to research this vaccine before they take the poke. Take the time to read the following blog post then do some further research on this vaccine.
http://vaccineactionletter.blogspot.com/
Meghan I really think that you bring this subject up is so commendable. I truly respect you.
Jeff Noel
Meghan,
What are your thoughts on vaccines for babies? My parents did not have us vaccinated as infants, but then they had to when we got older for schools and summer camps. Just curious with so many parents blaming autism and such on all the vaccines. I know you’re taking some time off – so no need to respond right away.
Thanks. -Heather
Most of my friends who have gotten a flu vaccine in the past have all reacted, they got the flu right after the vaccine. It can’t be a coincidence.
I just wanted to clarify that the multidose vial of the regular flu vaccine does indeed have mercury in the form of the preservative thimersol. The single dose vials for infants under 1 and the flu mist do not have thimersol, but the vaccine most of us get does have it. There is a common misconception that mercury has been eliminated from all vaccines–this was shared by my pediatrician and the entire staff of the pediatric clinic I went to until I actually made them look at the product insert. When they found the multidose vial did indeed include mercury then they just dismissed my concerns. Many of the early childhood vaccines also have aluminum. Dr. Sears website and vaccine book are excellent resources. Read the product insert if you have concerns. Don’t just rely on what others say.
I have not made up my mind about getting my children the swine flu vaccine but I’m certainly very nervous about it. Especially given that the previous version of the vaccine sickened more people than the virus itself.
Never said it was just food. You can eat the healthiest diet in the world but if you are still abusing your health in other ways, it won’t do much good.
Michael- The stronger your immune system is, it will absolutely help you to fight a virus once infected, but with a stronger immune system, it also helps you to avoid infection.
Jenny- I am more than happy that you love my blog 99% of the time. Keeps me striving for that 100%!
Jennifer R- I think you have taken a great approach, assessing the vaccines on an individual basis. I believe this to be the most responsible approach.
Thanks Dr. Rae, I made the correction. (yes… she is a kiddie doctor, and one of my oldest and bestest friends). You know I value your opinion as much as you mine and I think we do pretty well in advising each other as best we can from our own perspective and professional training, education and experience. Agreeing to disagree is a-okay and you know it.
CoconutGal- It is a very personal decision and I can’t really generalize it by saying which ones who should get and why. I could definitely not say that there is one that everyone should get. Given that I know a little about your health history, I would recommend doing some thorough research on it and make the best informed decision you can.
Thank you Jeff! After some of the comments, that means a lot.
It is an extremely personal decision. Each vaccine should be looked at independently. That is the first step. I can’t imagine ever having my babies get a slew of vaccinations for any reason and I know that I likely won’t ever travel to a country again that requires them- but it’s a really tough call. Needing vaccinations in order to go to school or camp is a whole other issue. I believe that they are safer as kids get older but as long as the nervous system and digestive system are still forming- I can’t say it is what I would choose or recommend.
No. No it can’t.