You see them everywhere: Advertisements and signs advising you to protect yourself by getting a flu shot. But are you really protecting yourself or only paving the way for future health risks? Learn the serious health dangers of flu vaccines and ten natural alternatives to flu shots.
Health Dangers of Flu Shots
Flu vaccine has been reported to cause a wide variety of scary side effects. These side effects are largely due to thimerosal, the mercury-based preservative used to stabilize the flu vaccine.
Flu Shot Side Effects May Include:
- Allergic Reaction
Some people experience severe allergic reaction within a few hours to a few days after receiving a flu shot. Symptoms range from facial swelling, shortness of breath, hives, fatigue, muscle weakness, abdominal pain, rapid heartbeat and dizziness. Anaphylaxis can sometimes also result.
- Autoimmune Disease
The mercury in flu shots can also lead to autoimmune disease such as Guillain Barre Syndrome and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. The former occurs when the immune system suddenly attacks the nervous system. The latter occurs when the immune system destroys the platelets in the blood stream.
- Autism
According to research, when the number of childhood vaccines doubled, so did the rate of autism. It is estimated that the rate has increased by 15-fold since 1991! Coincidence? Not likely.
- Dystonia
This movement disorder is characterized by uncontrollable muscle movements, poor coordination and speech difficulties. To see just how serious this disease can be, watch this video about a woman who developed dystonia after receiving a flu vaccine.
- Narcolepsy
This disorder is characterized by a sudden inability to control when and where someone falls asleep.
- Hyperactivity/ADHD
- Seizures
- Bells Palsy
With all the health dangers of flu shots, it sounds like the cure or rather, “preventative” is much worse than the disease. Thankfully, there are some natural alternatives to flu shots. Here is a list of ten.
Natural Alternatives to Flu Shots
1. Dietary Changes
One of the best natural alternatives to a dangerous flu vaccine is a good diet. Fast and processed food offer little to no nutritional value. They fill your stomach but they don’t meet your dietary needs. Without proper nutrition, your immune system weakens and your body becomes more susceptible to colds and flu. For natural flu prevention, incorporate more whole-food fare into your diet. For example:
- Organic Meat, Chicken and Fish
- Organic Vegetables and Fruit
- Whole Grains (Amaranth, Quinoa & Millet are Great Gluten-Free Choices)
- Cooked Dried Beans
- Dairy (Yogurt, String Cheese)
2. Sleep
Burning the candle at both ends can get a lot accomplished in a day but it can also take its toll on your health. Most adults need anywhere from 6-9 hours of deep, restful sleep to function at their best. Sleep is a natural alternative to flu shots because your body takes this time to repair and rebuild itself. When you’re well-rested, your immune system is strong and more resistant to disease.
3. Stress Reduction
Stress is a normal part of everyday life. However, too much stress can keep the body in constant “fight or flight” mode, which taxes the adrenals. When the adrenals are constantly on high alert, not only will you be more susceptible to colds and flu, you’re at risk for adrenal fatigue. Remember to make time for yourself. Talk a walk, meditate, try yoga or take up a hobby. These activities can help rest the mind and rejuvenate the spirit.
4. Exercise
According to research, exercise plays a vital role in strengthening the immune system. The good news is you don’t have to train several hours a day to get immune-boosting benefits. Just thirty minutes of brisk walking 5 days per week can be an excellent natural alternative to flu vaccines. Plus, you’ll feel and look better too!
5. Garlic
One of the best foods you can put into your body when trying to avoid colds and flu is garlic. You may not be aware of this but garlic was one of the most prominent flu-fighters used during both World Wars! The magic flu-fighting ingredients in garlic are allicin and ajoene, thiosulfinates.
According to a 2004 study published in the British Journal of Biomedical Science, garlic has even shown promise in the fight against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA).
To get the most health benefits from garlic, crush and eat raw.
6. Tea
Another healthy alternative to flu vaccine is tea. Both green and white teas are natural anti-bacterial and anti-viral drinks. They are filled with antioxidants, which fight the free radicals that cause autoimmune disease, flu and premature aging. Tea has a wide variety of health benefits, making it one of the healthiest natural beverages you can incorporate into your diet.
7. Dry Skin Brushing
When you live in a world filled with toxic chemicals, air, water, processed food and flu shots, you need all the help you can get to detoxify your body. Dry skin brushing is a great natural alternative to flu vaccines because using it helps release blocked lymph. Dry skin brushing is the process of using a dry brush over clean, dry skin to stimulate circulation and release blocked lymph. Lymph is an odorless, colorless liquid that collects the toxins in your body and flushes them out. Dry skin brushing helps with this process. You Tube offers a dry skin brushing tutorial to help you get started.
8. Epsom Salt
Like dry skin brushing, Epsom salt is a natural way to detoxify the body and prevent the flu naturally. When you bathe in Epsom salt, it draws toxins from your body and puts you in a calm, relaxed mood. Taking an Epsom salt before bedtime is a great way to ease insomnia too. When you sleep well, you feel well and get another immune-system boost!
9. Vitamin D
According to Mercola.com, Vitamin D cuts the risk of getting the flu by a whopping 50%! Since vitamin D deficiency is one of the most common vitamin deficiencies in the world, it’s no wonder so many millions of Americans get so sick each year! The recommended dosage for flu prevention is 2,000 to 8,000 IUs per day. The best way to know if you’re vitamin D deficient is to have blood work done by your doctor.
10. Essential Oils
Here’s a natural alternative to flu shots you may never have thought of: Essential oils. Essential oils are essences derived from plants, herbs, leaves and seeds. Immune-system boosting essential oils include lemon, peppermint, oregano, cinnamon, frankincense and eucalyptus.
Essential oils are best used on the skin or taken as an infusion. For example, a few drops of oregano oil and olive oil can be mixed together and rubbed into the feet to prevent colds and flu. Lemon can be mixed with water to stave off bacterial infection.
Remember when using essential oils to never use them “neat” or undiluted on the skin unless the label says it’s safe to do so. When ingesting, use only a few drops at a time diluted in water until you know how the essence will affect you.
Now that you know how dangerous getting a flu shot can be, you might want to think twice before exposing yourself. These ten natural alternatives to flu shots can help you prevent the flu without the harmful side effects.
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