Last month’s post shed light on flu vaccination pros and cons as well as our perspective. For those of you who believe it’s in your best interest to identify other prevention avenues, this article is for you.

Finding your way to Whole Woman Health tells us you’re conscientious, curious and courageous about finding complimentary avenues for your well-being. We respect the ownership you have in your health and, as a result, feel compelled to share a list of ingredients found in flu vaccines.

  • Aluminum compounds: a neurotoxin associated with Alzheimer’s and dementia
  • Ammonium sulfate: attributed to respiratory toxicity
  • Beta-Propiolactdone: a chemical linked to malignant lymphatic tumors in animals
  • Ethyl mercury (thimerosal): a neurotoxin that has been associated with autism, dyslexia, mental retardation and seizures
  • Formaldehyde: a known carcinogen, neurotoxin and gene disruptor
  • Monosodium glutamate: a preservative associated with delayed learning, and behavioral and reproductive disorders
  • Oxtoxinol-9: a vaginal spermicide
  • Phenol: a toxin that is disruptive to the cardiovascular, nervous, reproductive and respiratory systems
  • Polysorbate 80: a synthetic compound that may cause anaphylactic shock and is a known carcinogen in animals

The length of time the vaccine lives in your system depends on your immune system – anywhere from six to twelve months for the average person. That, combined with the lack of data about the ingredients’ long-term effects, is cause for pause.

6 TIPS TO PRESERVE YOUR HEALTH AND WELL-BEING.

Good old’ tried and true methods for flu prevention are proven to be just as effective. And, they’re side effect free. Here are 6 tips to preserve your health and well-being.

  1. Wash your hands. Washing regularly with soap and warm water is the best way to prevent the transmission of any infectious disease. If you commute or work in a public space make sure you wash your hands every time you arrive at your destination.
  2. Develop self-awareness. Self-awareness is essential and stress needs to be taken seriously. The top three factors compromising your immune system are stress, anxiety and low-grade depression. A compromised immune system makes you more susceptible to colds and flus. Check out our previous posts related to stress management. This is a continuous process, which includes kindness to self and some extra good breaths when needed.
  3. Care for your microbes. A healthy gut flora population is one of the most important natural defenses we have against any illness. The fiber in fruits and vegetables promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, including bifidobacteria. Avoid unnecessary antibiotics that wipe beneficial gut bacteria out. Consider taking a probiotic with lactobacillus and bifidobacteria strains, which are some of the most beneficial for immunity.
  4. Get your vitamin D tested. Vitamin D is a hormone that is essential for the proper functioning of your immune system. If you don’t know your level, take 5000IU daily of Vitamin D3 daily. We mightrecommend taking more if you are low.
  5. Consider taking supplements. Supplements, especially Vitamins C, B6 and E, and zinc are the best immunity boosters when it comes to preserving your health and well-being. We also recommend mycomedicinals, or medicinal mushrooms for supporting the immune system and even for fighting infections. We carry an assortment of those and other immune support supplements in our office.
  6. Get plenty of exercise and sleep. Remember to get enough sleep for you along with moderate exercise
  7. Stay home if you’re sick. While we all feel the pressure to continue “life as normal” no matter what kind of shape we’re in, staying home when you’re feeling under the weather is the responsible and kind thing to do.

You’re encouraged to reach out with any questions. As your holistic and preventative health advocates, we’re here to support you in identifying what’s best for you.