We often have patients asking our opinion on whether or not they should get the flu-shot. We will always answer that question in alignment with our belief system, proper nutrition and structural alignment are a far more powerful weapon against the flu than any vaccination you could receive to try and prevent it.
I certainly don't want to get into a debate, I am simply presenting facts about the shot, you have to do the research and decide for yourself. Unfortunately, there are toxic ingredients found in some of the flu vaccines, however the CDC website will tell you that those ingredients are in tiny amounts and are completely safe. Please refer to the cdc.gov website for a full list of vaccine ingredients as not all flu shots contain all of the ingredients listed below. The following link will give you the complete list of all the ingredients found in all vaccinations. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/pinkbook/downloads/appendices/B/excipient-table-2.pdf
Controversial ingredients found in some flu vaccines:
1. Thimerosal- which contains mercury, is used as a preservative to prevent dangerous bacteria from getting into the vial. Thimerosal is about 50 percent ethyl mercury by weight. Thimerosal exposure has been linked to attention disorders, speech delays, language delays, Tourette Syndrome, seizures, epilepsy, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, narcolepsy, neurological disorders, asthma and allergies. Over 165 peer-reviewed scientific studies show a link between Thimerosal and neurological injuries. If you want to have a Thimerosal free flu vaccine, make sure you express that to your Physician and make sure it is a single-dose vial as the multi-dose vial flu shots do contain thimerosal.
2. Antibiotics- Neomycin, gentamicin, and other antibiotics are added to vaccines in very small amounts. They stop bacteria from contaminating the vaccine. Even though it is a small amount, it is enough to disrupt and harm the beneficial gut flora, as well as contributing to allergies.
3. Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)- MSG is used as a stabilizer in vaccines. Stabilizers are added to vaccines to help the vaccine remain unchanged when it is exposed to heat, light, acidity or humidity. Although the FDA labeled MSG as “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS) in 1959, since then it has acknowledged the existence of short-term reactions to MSG. These include numbness, headaches, fatigue, disorientation and heart palpitations that some people who have low tolerance to MSG may experience after eating foods containing MSG. Please note, the only flu vaccine that contains MSG is the FluMist vaccine.
4. Formaldehyde- Symptoms of low-level exposure include runny nose, sore throat, cough, dermatitis, sleeping difficulties, headache, fatigue, breathing difficulties, sinus irritation, chest pain, frequent nausea, bronchitis, and decreased lung capacity. Not all flu vaccines contain formaldehyde.
Optimizing your immune system is the best defense against catching the flu, along with getting a chiropractic adjustment at least once a month and keeping your hands clean and away from your mouth and eyes. In addition, there are many supplements that help boost the immune system and fight off colds and the influenza virus.
The following supplements are excellent for optimizing your immune system:
Vitamin D3- one of the best flu-prevention measures you can take. Most Americans are highly deficient in Vitamin D. Sun exposure is the best way to get vitamin D, but due to our indoor lifestyles, we do not get nearly enough. If your blood test levels are very low (below 30 nanogram per milliliter (ng/ml) you will need to take 10,000 IU's per day until you reach the acceptable level of 60 to 70 ng/ml. The only way to know how much you need is to get tested at least once or twice each year. If you’ve been supplementing for some time and your levels are still below 45 ng/mL, you then know you have to increase your dose further and you may need to boost your vitamin K2 and magnesium intake, as these nutrients help optimize vitamin D levels.
ImmunoMax Chewables- An excellent option for children due to their pleasant fruit flavor that kids love. They are loaded with immune boosters like Black Elderberry, Vitamin C, Zinc, Maitake mushrooms, Astragalus Root, and much more. They have no artificial flavors or dyes and use Stevia as the sweetener.
N-Acetyl Cysteine- An Amino Acid supplement that is necessary for the production of Glutathione (helps the body cope with oxidative stress and improves the number and activity of immune cells within the body). NAC helps break down mucus in the respiratory tract and helps activate the immune cells to improve immunity.
Pro Lean Greens- A great tasting, easy to mix powder, loaded with nutrient rich vegetables, fruits, enzymes and herbs to support the body's ability to cleanse, detoxify and boost the immune system. Contains immune boosters like Bilberry Extract, Chlorella, Spirulina, Grape Seed Extract, Rose Hips, Flax Seed Meal, Royal Jelly, Barley Grass, Wheat Grass Powder and much more.
Super Biotics II- A dairy-free, 12 strain probiotic, containing 50 billion CFU per capsule. Healthy gut flora is essential to support your natural immune response.
Zinc Lozenge- Zinc is an essential mineral found in every cell in the body. It's an important cofactor for more than 200 enzymes, more than any other mineral. It plays a key role in proper immune system function.
Immune Tincture- A comprehensive herbal blend that contains immune stimulating and immune modulating herbs to enhance immune system function. Ingredients include- Echinacea Angustifolia, Astragulus Membranaceus, Pau d'Arco, Cat's Claw Bark, Maitake, Reishi, and Shiitake Mushrooms, Schisandra, Siberian Ginseng and Teasel Root. Our tinctures are therapeutic in potency and are meant to be taken in short durations only (no more than 4 weeks).
All of the supplements above can be found on our website under the Supplement Shop tab. We would love to help you with any questions you might have and to help you prepare your immune system to come out victorious over this year's "flu season".
*Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your Physician. Richeson Wellness, LLC does not dispense medical advice, prescribe, or diagnose illness. The views and nutritional advice expressed by Richeson Wellness, LLC are not intended to be a substitute for conventional medical service. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your Physician.