Most of us love the change of seasons, and if you live in the Northern Hemisphere, chances are you are enjoying the cool autumn air and the lovely shades of gold and auburn taking over the landscape.
Undoubtedly, you can’t help but notice the widespread media coverage on the dangers of the “flu season”, especially now with the ongoing swine flu pandemic, urging everyone to get vaccinated against the seasonal flu. Local pharmacies, doctor’s offices and hospitals are pitching the flu shot as the only and best solution to prevent infection. But there is no mention of the ONE most important thing you can do to stay healthy during flu season, and it has to do with having a strong immune system.
Shhhh… This Subject is a Big Taboo…
It seems that any relevant discussion about the state of your immunity is a huge taboo, and this most critical component of health is NEVER discussed. But what if I told you that getting vaccinated could actually INCREASE your chances of catching the flu? If you asked my mother, she would wholeheartedly agree with this statement because that’s exactly what happened to her.
My mother and I are very close, and we often have conversations about different topics, including health issues. Of course, it is one of my priorities to stay on top of everything she does to stay healthy, and thankfully, she is incredibly healthy and looks (and acts) many years younger than her age.
A couple of years ago she called me on her way back from the supermarket where a lady in a booth convinced her to take the seasonal flu shot. I was very disturbed by this, not only because it is so unethical to prey on the elderly with scare tactics about the flu, but also because I knew that these shots are toxic and actually may do more harm than good.
Sure enough, approximately 10 days later, my mother fell ill with a terrible flu and was in bed for more than a week, with high fever and an awful chest cough. She had to take antibiotics and the cough lasted a few weeks until fortunately it all cleared up. Now bear in mind that my mother had never caught the flu for at least the last 20 years, and that one time when she actually got vaccinated, she suffered the worst flu case she could remember.
Can the Flu Shot do More Harm than Good?
Because I want to help you stay healthy – as our bone health more often than not reflects our overall health – I will go over the myths and the scientific truths about the flu and the flu shots. With this information in hand, you’ll have the tools to make an educated decision about getting the flu shot or not. So let’s get started with…
Myth # 1: The flu needlessly claims tens of thousands of lives every year
The truth: In order to convince you to take the flu shot, your doctor might try to scare you saying that influenza is the most frequent cause of death from vaccine-preventable diseases in the U.S. Your health practitioner is most probably using the information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) claiming that from 1990 through 1998, an average of 36,000 flu-related pulmonary and circulatory deaths occurred each season in the United States.
What the CDC fails to disclose is that there is no way of knowing how many people who died from underlying respiratory and circulatory problems actually had the influenza infection. Records simply do not disclose that information, making this an inaccurate number of deaths related to the flu and a monumental scare tactic.
Myth # 2: Getting the flu shot protects you from catching the flu
The truth: Scientists agree that what gets you sick is not the actual virus but the condition of your immune system. In other words, a weak immune system is what may let you catch the flu.
As in my mother’s case, many people catch the flu after getting vaccinated. How can that be? The common sense answer is that vaccines actually compromise the immune system. In other words, the flu shot keeps the immune system “busy” fighting what most of the time ends up being the wrong type of viruses.
The sad truth rarely mentioned in the mainstream media and by health practitioners is that the vaccines are manufactured one year in advance. So, aided by researchers, vaccine manufacturers have to guess one year in advance which viruses will strike the next flu season. That is why more often than not, the flu outbreaks involve strains that do not match the current flu shot (https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/96913.php). But the public is not informed of this mishap… Even so (and against all logic), the CDC still maintains that the shot could provide cross-protection against the new variant.
Myth # 3: Flu shots contain safe ingredients
The truth: Flu shots have many toxic and potentially dangerous chemicals. Because the virus strains are bred in eggs, sheep guts, monkey brains or fetal diploid tissue, manufacturers have to use potent preservatives to prevent bacteria or fungus from contaminating the vaccine. Most of the preservatives used are known to be toxic and some are even recognized carcinogens listed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Additionally, some flu shots contain live “attenuated” viruses, capable of actually causing side-effects identical to the flu.
Would You Put these Toxic Chemicals in Your Body?
I randomly chose two popular flu shots and came up with a scary list of stabilizers and preservatives used in them. Antibiotics also act as preservatives in the shots, and I marked them with an asterisk (*).
Below are the brand names and the preservatives used in each:
Fluvirin by Medeva Pharmaceuticals
Contains influenza virus, neomycin*, polymyxin*, beta-propiolactone, chick embryonic fluid.
Beta-propiolactone is a potent and toxic disinfectant used to sterilize blood plasma, shots, tissue grafts, surgical instruments, and enzymes. It is also “reasonably expected to be a human carcinogen”, especially when injected into the bloodstream (International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1999).
Flushield by Wyeth-Ayerst
Contains trivalent influenza virus, types A&B gentamicin sulphate*, formaldehyde, thimerosal, and polysorbate 80 (Tween-80), chick embryonic fluid.
Formaldehyde: please refer to Formalin.
Thimerosal is a mercury derivative and a highly toxic heavy metal that attacks every organ and system in the body. Thimerosal is made of thiosalicylic acid and a form of mercury called ethyl mercury. When all is said and done, mercury is 49.59% of the weight of thimerosal. Researchers have confirmed that it’s unsafe to touch or swallow the mercury from a broken thermometer, yet health practitioners recommend that you inject the same poison directly into your body through a shot. Additionally, some studies have linked high levels of mercury to Alzheimer’s disease. Thimerosal is a registered pesticide with the Department of Pesticide Registration of the Environmental Protection Agency.
Polysorbate 80 (also known as Tween 80): Generally contaminated with the carcinogen 1,4-dioxane, it has been shown to have estrogenic alterative effects and cause reproductive disturbances in rats.
The Baffling Shot Paradox
If vaccinations are really effective, then those who choose to get the flu shot should be immune to the disease. So why is there such a strong push to vaccinate as many people as possible? Aren’t those who get the shot protected anyways? And if this is true, we should ask doctors why, as statistics show, only 40% of health practitioners take the shot while practically 100% of doctors recommend the flu shot to their patients. Maybe they know something we don’t…until now.
Breaking News: Six Canadian Provinces Halt Flu Vaccinations
In an unprecedented move, the provinces of Quebec, Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, and Nova Scotia have stopped their seasonal flu vaccinations, as reported in The Globe and Mail on 9/29/2009 (https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/more-flu-programs-suspended/article1304958/). This is due to a controversial yet unpublished study indicating that those who took the flu shot were twice as likely to catch the swine flu.
Quoting from the article, “For those people still on the fence, this could very easily put them into the no-vaccine side of things,” said Donald Low, chief microbiologist at Toronto’s Mount Sinai Hospital.” And Ethan Rubinstein, head of adult infectious diseases at the University of Manitoba, agreed that the study “complicates” the situation, evidently not aware of the clear indication that shots actually distract the immune system and thus, greatly impair the ability to fight a full-fledged viral attack.
Ten Ways to Naturally Boost Your Immune System
The human body is fully equipped with mechanisms to stave off viruses and germs, so the key to preventing flu viruses is to maintain those systems operating at their peak. The good news is that you can strengthen your immune system with natural supplements, beneficial immune-specific foods, and by paying attention to a few simple lifestyle habits.
So whether you decide to get vaccinated or not, here are ten suggestions to naturally boost your immune system.
1. Vitamin D
We all know that flu season hits in the winter, when – especially in cold climates – we typically get very little or no sun exposure. You might be surprised to know that we carry a variety of influenza viruses throughout the year, so something must happen in the winter. Realizing this, researches searched for the connection, and found a strong correlation between Vitamin D levels and immunity (Source: Cannell et.al., On the Epidemiology of Influenza. Virology Journal, 2008;5:29). Good levels of Vitamin D are crucial to help you fight against viruses and to keep you healthy year round. Make sure you take at least 1,000 IU of Vitamin D3 during the winter, regardless of sun exposure.
2. Aloe Vera
This multi-tasking plant believed to originate in Northern Africa, has long and thick leaves that contain a liquid gel, rich in valuable nutrients. Among other things, aloe gel contains high amounts of a long chain sugar called mucopolysaccharides which boost the immune modulators to fight off viruses and bacteria. They also penetrate all cell membranes and increase their fluidity and permeability, allowing toxins to flow out of the cell and nutrients to enter the cells. Drink 2 to 4 oz. of Aloe Vera juice, preferably cold-processed.
3. Mushroom Extracts (Shiitake, Reishi, Maitake)
these mushrooms have excellent immune-boosting properties. Shiitake mushrooms are an excellent source of lentinan, a polysaccharide that increases T-cell function and can be used for cooking. Reishi mushrooms contain immunologically active polysaccharides, mainly beta-D-glucan, that have potent immune-stimulating qualities. Maitake mushrooms are delicious and rich in a potent immune stimulant that enhances the activity of key immune cells. Try to incorporate these mushrooms in your daily menu and during the winter, take mushroom extract supplements.
4. Reduce Your Sugar Consumption
Table sugar and high fructose corn syrup raise your blood insulin levels, which in turn decreases the release of growth hormone and weakens your immune system. Glucose also competes with Vitamin C needed by white blood cells to kill viruses and bacteria. Scientific studies have shown that consuming 100 grams of sugar reduces the immune function by 50 percent within an hour. To give you an idea of what this measurement means, a level teaspoon of white sugar is 5 grams and about 20 teaspoons of sugar would amount to 100 grams. Sounds like a lot? Let’s do the math: one can of soda has the equivalent of 9 teaspoons of sugar, and a 20 oz. bottle of regular soda has the equivalent of 15 teaspoons. Stay away from foods or drinks that contain large amounts of sugar and instead, whenever possible, use stevia, a natural plant-derived sweetener.
5. Vitamin C
The “Old Faithful” of antioxidants, Vitamin C plays an important role in the prevention of colds and the flu. A study involving marathon runners, skiers and soldiers training in the Arctic showed that taking an average of 625 mg of Vitamin C a day decreased the incidence of colds by 50% (Source: Douglas RM, Hemila H, D’Souza R, Chalker EB, Treacy B. Vitamin C for preventing and treating the common cold. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2004). Take 500 mg. of Vitamin C a day throughout the entire year to keep your immune system at optimum levels.
6. Garlic
This delicious culinary ingredient has antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antiseptic properties, and has long been used to fight off and prevent colds and infections. The active ingredient is allicin, and it is present in both raw and cooked garlic. Try to eat two garlic cloves a day, and if you don’t want to have “garlic breath”, add two crushed cloves to your favorite recipe or take a garlic supplement.
7. Probiotics
Friendly intestinal bacteria play a key role in keeping the immune system functioning at optimal levels. They compete with pathogens for cellular nutrients, thereby inhibiting the “invader’s” growth. One type of probiotic, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, prevents allergens and pathogens from entering the bloodstream. An article published in Nutrition Research (2001) shows that taking L. rhamnosus results in increased levels of leucocyte phagocytosis, a marker of immune activity. My recommendation: eat at least 8 oz. of unsweetened plain yogurt each day as a natural source of probiotics. You can use stevia or honey as a sweetener, and sprinkle with granola for crunch. If you have taken antibiotics in the past, you should take a supplement for at least six months to bring your intestinal flora up to par, and then continue with the yogurt.
8. Zinc
This essential yet often ignored trace element helps support the immune system. A study in men and women aged 65 and over found that taking 25 mg/day of zinc a day for only three months increased levels of circulating immune cells known as CD4 T and cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (Source: Fortes C, Forastiere F, Agabiti N, et al. The effect of zinc and vitamin A supplementation on immune response in an older population. Journal of the American Geriatric Society. 1998). Make sure you take 25 mg. of zinc every day year-round, as it is also very important to your bone health. Chelated zinc is the best and most absorb-able form.
9. Vitamin E
This potent antioxidant is made up of four tocopherols (alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-) and four tocotrienols (alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-). However, alpha-tocopherol is the most commonly form of vitamin E found in the blood and tissues. In fact, even though the main function of Vitamin E is that of an antioxidant, alpha-tocopherol in particular appears to have a beneficial effect on the molecules and enzymes in immune cells. Scientific studies show that as little as 200 IU of alpha-tocopherol can significantly increase immunity against a variety of respiratory infections (Source: Meydani SN, Leka LS, Fine BC, et al. Vitamin E and respiratory tract infections in elderly nursing home residents: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of the American Medical Association. 2004). Since the flu typically attacks the respiratory tract, it is wise to take at least 200 IU of Vitamin E, and make sure that your supplement has alpha-tocopherol in it, should you decide to take a mixed tocopherol formula, which is also fine.
10. Rest
It’s especially important during the cold and flu season to keep from getting run down. Try to get at least 6 hours of quality sleep a night. Here’s one hint: if you are physically active during the day, you’ll be tired at bedtime. So avoid long hours of inactivity and keep moving as much as possible.
Do you have any flu shot stories you’d like to share? Join the conversation and share them with the community below.
Great information. I look forward to your e-mails because I learn something every time. Keep up the great work. Thank you,
Lupe
Thank you Vivian for the update and e-mail information.. I am scheduled to take flu vaccine today. it was arranged by my primary care physician. before going out to door, had chance to read your information.. I am so glad that I made my choice Not to take it. I had to take it last year due to my job. Now I will take more seriously to enhance my immune system by taking more natural supplements. by the way, bone health method is working without taking Fosamax.. God bless all who is trusting natural way!!
Amen!
Why are there such opposing views? Are there studies on the Flu shot? Everyone I know thinks is stupid to not get the flu shot. Also,
I lost my spleen in an accident in 2003. Is is still better for me to refuse the flu shot?
Hi Sharon,
Indeed, there are opposing views because one view pushes an unnatural way to try to prevent a viral infection, against the laws of Nature. The other view offers a natural solution that works with the mechanisms that the body has. Which one would you prefer?
Hi Vivian
Thanks for your article on flu shots and I agree with you 100%. Several years ago, I was convinced to take the flu shot. That winter, for the first time in decades, I got the flu, 4 days of fever & bed. I have never taken it since. I do take vitamins & exercise, etc. to boost my immune system.
Keep up the great work.
vivian about the flu shot. i had my flu shot what a mistake. i was very healthy before the shot. i have been in bed for seven days .i feel like i am going to die.i have never felt so sick in my life.the dr. lie about the flu shot.i will never have a flu shot as long as i am alive.i am so mad at kaiser that is where i got my flu shot.i am a senior that lives alone and still works.living alone and being sick is not good.just wanted to share my flu story with you thank you for all your information.thank you linda.
Hi Linda,
Get better soon!
Vivian: Thanks so much for the email regarding flu shots and the supplements we can take instead of getting a shot. Margie
Vivian, thank you so much for the info that you email. I have never believed in flu shots, but your info has confirmed my thoughts. I can’t buy all of your recommendations, so what one vitamin would be the most effective? I take minerals, very low dose of iron and a B-complex. Also, fish oil and “Ubiquinol CoQ10 100mg. If you have time to answer me, I would really appreciate it.
Thank you
Vivian:
Thanks again for coming to our rescue. I am to see my doctor at the end of November and I know at that time he will insist on the flu shots. This information has been so informative. I will take this up with my doctor at that time. Thanks again from all of us.
Hi Ginger, instead of supplements you can simply eat the immune-boosting foods (garlic, aloe juice, mushrooms, yogurt). Then simply find a good quality multi-vitamin with Vitamin C and D.
Thanks for the information, Vivian. The medical establishment has spent many years and lots of money convincing us that we should accept their “expert” advice (often provided by pharmaceutical companies) and their drugs (often inadequately tested before being foisted on the trusting public). I’ve had the Asian flu and the one that hit in 1978. The flu is never pleasant, but it’s far preferable to the effects of some vaccines. I never got the swine flu vaccine in 1976 (and did not have my children vaccinated). None of us got it, and it was later shown that as many people died of complications from the vaccine as died from swine flu.
Without pharmaceuticals, I lowered my LDL cholesterol and increased my bone density, simply and pleasantly (though not cheaply) through diet and exercise. The kicker was that, when I obtained my records from my former doctor, she had made the notation, “Not taking Fosamax despite known osteoporosis.” I have lost any of that artificially-instilled respect and trust in doctors. When they hype the H1N1 vaccine, it has the effect of making me trust them even more. A healthy immune system take work to build in the toxic world we live in (thanks to polluting corporations, who never get mentioned as vectors of disease); but it’s worth the effort. When this all blows over, I will report back with the happy news that I did not get the vaccine and did not get the flu. Thanks, Vivian, for taking a stand against this pharmaceutically-produced “pandemic.”
When my son, who is now 28 was a baby he received his first vaccines . He was about three months old and developed a runny nose and digestive problems. I did not like giving him the vaccines because afterwards he consistantly became ill and developed severe asthma and later a diagnosis “failure to thrive” meaning he was allergic to many foods and was tested for celiac disease. I spent many evenings at the hospital and progressed into altenative medicine because he was allergic to drugs.
Hence years later I was to have a Hepatitis B vaccine for work, but did not really want to. My doctor who was our friend suggested taking a DPT vaccine becaue I was working with mentally challenged in group homes. I did not have the Hepatitis shot but did have the DPT and within three months my arms would go numb while sleeping. I lost 30 libs in three months and started walking with a gait. To make a long story short, I did not attribut my “disease” to the vaccine until 10 years later. I did attribute it to having dental work done shortly aftyer the vaccine given in 1990. I had 14 filllings removed containing mercury, which by the way is the “perservative” in the vaccines we take. I had to have chelation which I was allergic to and became bedridden and my muscles wasted the 8 months I spent in bed. Its now 19 years later and I have known suffering like no other. I write this to share and hopefully give insight to others. J. Armstrong
Thanks for posting your story, Jacqueline.
Dear Vivian,
While I fully agree with you on the dangers of Fosamax and other drugs for osteoporosis, I do believe that the potential side-effects of having a flu shot are not as likely nor as dangerous as getting the flu. The information I was given certainly DID let me know that a small percentage of those who receive the shot may get the flu, but if so, it is usually a milder form. The experience of your mother, while unfortunate, was a very uncommon occurance. I work with the public every day, and now that I am in my 50’s, have determined the flu shot(s) make sense for me. I had the Fluvirin shot a couple weeks ago, and suffered no ill effects. I also intend to get the swine flu shot when it becomes available.
Truly, Lisa
You are fortunate but not all can be guaranteed no ill effects from putting formealdyde into your bloodstream will not affect your life. I am one of thos, and have a lifetime in a wheelchair because my central nervous system was affected and damaged my motor skills. Its king of like russian roulette. You don’t know what will hapen till you pull that trigger. J Armstrong
Your e-mails and website are so informative! They give me that needed boost to keep thinking and acting in healthy ways. Thanks a million!
My husband and I were just talking this morning about going to get our flu shots. After reading your article I will get on the “10 recommended ways to boost the immune system” and not get the flu shot. thask for all your info.
Dear Vivian:
I was going to get the flu shot the other day at a local pharmacy, but the pharmacist said that I should consult with my doctor first as I inject myself with enbrel every week, which compromises the immune system. After reading your informaton on line I am not going to get the shot. I trust what you say. I wish my cousin had not gotten one, but she did because she has asthma. I pray she stays well. Her immune system is very compromised. God Bless you, Vivian, and thank you for all your advice. Joan
Vivian
Thanks for the update on the flu vaccine. I have not had a flu shot since I got out of the military in 1982 & have not had the flu since then. At times I get a little nervous about it because I teach school & the little ones are always sneezing on me. I tell anyone who will listen to me not to take the shot, but some still don’t want to take charge of their health. I’m just glad my parents have taught me to trust my own instincts & to listen to my body.
I have enjoyed the breakfast protein drinks mentioned in your Bone Revolution book. I also made the quiche & thought it was delicious. I also added a little fresh spinach to it. Yummy! Thanks for helping us.
Alice
hi vivian..
nice to get your email again,,,,
i had already decided not to have the flue shot,,either one…
but am so greatful for all the info..so can pass it on…..bless you for all your efforts on bones and this …..keep it up..! sherma
Thank you so much Vivian. I wondered about that. All those medician they try to push scare me. I got a call today from ReClaust. Trying to convince me I should take Reclaust. I told her I was doing my own natural remedy.
Thanks again Vivian.
Thank you Vivian for all the Emails which I find most interesting. I have just been given the flu jab. I have been having it for the past 34 years with good results. I used to get awful flu and used to be off work for months at a time so the work place insisted on my having the jab. Now I have osteoporosis which may be the side kick!! I take in moderation all of the natural supplements but must look for the mushroom pills. I suffer from lots of ITI’s so mushrooms in reality have been a no no but shall try again
Best wishes
Keep up the advice etc
Jean
Dear Vivian,
Unfortunately, I was not able to bring up the information on the Flu Shots.
I’m 82 years young and never have had a Flu Shot.
Please send this article out again, I’m very interested.
Louise
Dear Vivian,
Thank you for your flu shot info. I am 72 years old and have never taken the flu shot and only had a bad case of flu once about 10 years ago.
Christina
Excellent advice – I will try to follow it, although may have trouble finding fresh mush-
rooms and will have to find the complex. I take Osteocare Original which contain many minerals and D3, but not enough zinc. I am not taking aloe vera or Vitamin C, at the moment, but will do so. Unfortunately, I have just had a ‘flu vaccination but will not have one for swine ‘flu as am over 65. I take linseed oil for Omega 3, 6 and 9, or fish oil, as I have osteoarthritis.
I had a regular flu shot on Thursday Oct. 8th
It all but did me in. I will never take another one. This is Mondaay 12 th and I am still feeling horriable. I have advised some of my friends not to take the shot. I truly
believe it does more harm than good.
Hi Ruth, I hope you’ll recover soon!
In UK everyone is expected to have the flu jab once you are 65 (or 70?) I would refuse the swine flu jab because there is not enough research done and ? causes Guillan Barrie. Thanks for all your info.
It’s six of one and a half dozen of the other. Meaning, there are “pros” and “cons” to everything. I got the flu shot this year because I am getting older, and I am exposed to youngsters (like grandchildren) and they pick up everything at school.
Oops…forgot to say great post! Looking forward to your next one.
It’s six of one and a half dozen of the other. Meaning, there are “pros” and “cons” to everything. I got the flu shot this year because I am getting older, and I am exposed to youngsters (like grandchildren) and they pick up everything at school.
Thank you, Vivian, for the helpful information. My husband who is 74 years old, got a flu shot on September 29th and six days later he started having a very severe case of the flu. He still is quite sick. We had flu shots for many years and did not have the flu or any reaction. Perhaps that was because we were younger and our immune systems were able to fend off the toxins that are in the shots. I did not get a shot this year because I was leery about them. Now I KNOW I won’t get a shot. We will be boosting our immune systems. Thank you again for the valuable information. Greed is so much a part of the drug companies.
I quite agree with yourcomments. The pharmaceutical companies are making billions off of the backs of us.
Sorry that you did not send this article before now, as I already got a flu shot.
Thanks so much for the information.. I never have had a flu shot in my 60 years and doubt if I ever will. I don’t think I ever got the flu and only every so often get a little bit of a cold. As a psychotherapist, I work in an office with people who do get flus and it does not happen to me. I do take many of the suggested natural immune builders on a daily basis. My thought… don’t fix what isn’t broken, eh!!!
My bones are good despite what my doctor seems to want to think… have had my 105 pound puppy plow into me with 100 MPH of love… fall and no ill effect… don’t think I’ll go for another bone scan… don’t fix what isn’t broken, eh!!!
Happy Canadian Thanksgiving.. giving thanks for great health!!!
My sleep is interrupted almost every night because of muscle cramps — mostly in the lower legs. Any suggestions?
Try flax seed oil, organic, cold-pressed… maybe 3 1000mg capsules about 1/2 hr before bed and see what happens (or not as the case may be!!!)
Put a couple of bars of soap in your bed, near your legs, or between them. I know…. this sounds stupid. But it works. Just try it and see.
My husband had terrible cramps and after taking a combination capsule daily of Vit E, Vit A Vit C and selinium he never had them again
I got rid of muscle spasms with anti-inflammatory herbs (ginger, turmeric, white willow bark)and extra calcium, magnesium. I also took one Advil in a.m. and another in p.m. Hope this works for you. (I take extra Vitamin C with Rose Hips whenever I take Advil as this drug depletes this vitamin.)
I suffered from RLS and sometimes cramping during the night. I researched the internet and found a solution for me. I take two 250mg tablets of Magnesium before bedtime and take two 50 mg. tablets of Vit.6 during the day. I have been doing this for about two years and at present I am not bothered with cramps or RLS. Hope this helps. Good Luck
Connie, you are probably low in potassium. Have a banana, orange juice, dried apricots, or any other food that has a good amount of potassium. Don’t take potassium supplements, though; stick to whole natural foods.
About 20 years ago I took the flu shot that was being offered at my job site free for the first time and I did get the flu afterwards. After that I stopped taking it for about 6 or more years until I started taking care of my Mother who was ill but later died. I continued taking the flu shot because I then took over the care of my Father till this year. This year and every year they offer the flu shot at the local hospitals but on the flu shot day clinic I was and will be out of town so I will miss out. I’m not sure if to go to the local health dept to get it or bypass it for this year. Now that I have read this info, I’m not sure what I should do. I don’t want to come down with the flu because I need to be visiting my father at the nursing home and he will be coming home later and I need to remain healthy. I will have caregivers to do the caring but nevertheless I will be around him and I definitely do not want to get him sick because he will not only get sick but very well could die from it because of his frailty. I defintely do not want to be held responsible for getting him sick. Any ideas?
Elvia
Elvia, I understand your concerns, but then, let’s remember that actual numbers show that the majority of health care workers and doctors DON’T take the flu shot.
Read this months issue of the “Scientific American” – Informative article on vaccines all should enjoy.
For the first time this year I had the flu shot, like your mother I was shopping and wasn’t pressured but was convinced that this is what I should do especially as I am going to be 70 in December. I have NEVER had a bad cold or the flu so far, I now know I should not have taken the flu shot, it has been over two weeks ago so hopefully I won’t get it. All of the above vitamins, plus aloe which I have drank for the last 7 years every morning so I will continue with my vitamins and aloe and increase my dosage on some of them and hopefully I won’t get the flu. I will never take another shot that’s for sure. Your article has convinced me that I was right all along but was vulnerable to the hype.
Hi,
Interesting and well-researched article regarding the flu shot – any advice for a 60-year-old whose doctor just told her she needed a flu shot AND a pneumonia shot (for the first time) this year?
Thanks, Gwen Kennedy
Thanks for your info but I do believe the flu shots offer additional protection. I have been a “health nut” all my life and strongly believe in good food, vitamins and exercise to keep the immune system in good shape. With best efforts, you can still get the flu. Folks need to remember that the shot does not take effect until two weeks AFTER you get the shot. So those who got the flu within days of getting the shot unfortunately got the shot too late; the shot didn’t cause the flu. Everyone must make their own decisions but for me the shot has been a good thing.
RE: taking the flu shot and the pneumonia shot. My uncle was convinced to take both on the same day, that night he became violently ill, suffered a stroke and died several days later. I think the shots so close together were responsible but who can prove it. Prior to the shots he was perfectly healthy.
Cathy,
What a sad story! Just curious: did the doctor say that this was a weird coincidence?
Gwen,
My advice is: learn, investigate, discover and think…then, make your own educated decision using as much common sense as possible.
I have made the choice to not get any type of flu shot. The one year I did receive a flu shot I got so sick I said never again. I have encouraged my grown children to NOT have my grandbabies get any type of flu shot. I will not be pressured into the mainsteam thinking.
Thank you for the wonderful information Viv.
Thank you Vivian for your very informative newsletter.
The pressure is exactly the same here in the UK for the elderly to have these awful ‘flu jabs. I am always asked why I don’t, now I can tell them exactly why I don’t so thanks for that.
Whilst we are on the subject of “jabs” my daughter hasn’t had either of her children immunised and they are now talking about not accepting children into schools unless they’ve had all these awful toxins rolled into one before they are 5 years old. How can that be good?
Thank you again for what is going to be a healthy winter for me, much appreciated!
Kind regards
Patricia
Hi Vivian, I am a 67 yr old woman living in Bancroft, On. It is truly awesome here with all the colors. I sincerely thank you for all your info, I am learning a lot!!! I will evently buy your books. As a senior barely floating financially, it is difficult. But please know I deeply appreciate you being so willing to share your knowledge and truth. I took the flu shot once, my Dr. said I should take it because of my husband Roy. It was a guilt trip and I fell for it. I got very sick, and vowed to never have this shot again. I am confused about this H1N1 ! But I have decided not to take this serum either! I am in good health, with the exception of sciatica, which stops me for being physical the last 3yrs & I am now about 30lbs overweight. I try to watch my diet. If I try to walk even 1/4 of a block, I pay the price of a lot of pain in my right hip and leg. But I try to do stretches & some exercises, but I am very limited. Enough whining. Finally I love life,I love God, my husband, 3 sons all in their forties and 6 grandaughter’s. Thank you again Vivian for sharing all your hardwork and research!!!
Most sincerely, Anne (Henderson)
I cured my late husband of his sciatic nerve problem by simply digging into a spot on the bottom outer edge of the bottom of his foot, at the heal. It hurts, but hold the pressure, with something like a rounded point end of a hair brush, for about sixty seconds…poof, the pain is gone. It worked best using the foot on the side with the problem. You will know you have the right spot, because it will hurt worse there. Good luck! Look for a book on foot reflexology, it really works.
I also have found that I get sick with the flu very soon after getting a flu shot, so last year I skipped the shot and had my healthiest year ever. When I got the shot in the past I would usually get sick three times in a row with just a few well days in between colds and/or flu. I am so glad to have my suspicions about the flu shot verified by you! Thanks.
Dear Vivian, Like your mother I had a terrible case of the flu after taking a flu shot in 1968–I was sick five or six days. After that my father who was a Medical Doctor advised me not to get any more shots and I took that advise and did not have the flu from 1968-1999. I got brave and took the flu shot in 1999–did not get flu, but kept a cold literally all winter. I would get better than take another cold. Since that time until today–absolutely no FLU SHOTS FOR ME EVER!!!
Hi Vivian…
I thank you for the info on the flu shot. I was trying to decide if I should get one but now I will definitely not do so after reading your info. I have several friends in my neighborhood who claim Kombucha tea helps assist with bone regrowth and that it also helps build the imune system and cleanse the body…do you know if there is any truth to this or where I could find out? Since I do have osteoporosis will drinking this tea harm my fight of osteoporosis in any way? Thank you in advance for any help or suggestions you can offer.
Sherry
Hi Vivian 🙂
As always you give wonderful advice. I have to admit though, ONLY TWICE in my lifetime have I actually had the “FLU”.
The first time was when I was 38 years old. My R.A doctor told me, because my immune system had been so weakened with the flu bug, the outcome was Sjogrens Syndrome. I then went on to get Rheumatoid Arthritis 2 years later. Osteo. A was also diagnosed at that same time. No other explanation could be found as no-one in my family except me has it. ??
I never had a flu jag until 10 years ago at 55 years. I have never had the flu since, nor have I had any bad reactions in the 10 years that I have been “RECOMMENDED” to have them. My immune system is way down low, so that’s my doctors advice.
Now that I have read what you have said does scare me a great deal. We trust our doctors to look after us, so why would the want us to have the vaccines when they have all those poisons in them?
I and many others are grateful to you and all that you do to help us stay healthy, your article is an eye opener. A serious chat is worth having with my doctor and is certainly on the cards.
take care of yourself
best wishes from bonnie Scotland 🙂
Marysia
It is not accurate that six Canadian provinces cancelled their flu immunization programs. I don’t know where Vivian gets her information, but as a resident of the province of Ontario in Canada, I can tell you that, in Ontario at least, we received the announcement of the flu vaccination schedule: Seasonal flu vaccines for Ontarians over 65 in October, H1N1 vaccines for all Ontarians in November, seasonal flu vaccines for younger Ontarians in December and January. The announcement says that each person should talk to his or her own health care provider about the flu vaccinations to find out what is best for each individual.
Although I realize that it is possible to make ingredients in drugs sound unsavory, I respect the vaccination program that Canada makes available to its citizens. Preventative health-care is one of the great things about the Canadian health care system. My husband and I have received flu vaccines each year–with no ill effects–and have passed through our cold winter months without becoming ill.
DG
Hi Deborah,
The article is posted in the Globe and Mail. Here is the link to the actual article:
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/more-flu-programs-suspended/article1304958/
Everyone: feel free to check it out for yourselves 🙂
I cannot be scared into a flu shot as I have a history of Gullian-Berre Syndrome, and there is a warning label on the vaccines to not take it if you have that history.
Hi Vivian,is it possible to print out your
informative articles without the testimonials?
I have just printed out 30 pages and most of it
was e-mails to you. I would dearly love to have
the acutal imformation from you that I can
print out and pass along. Thanks,Lynda
Lynda, one way you can do this is to copy just the information you want to an email sent to yourself. If you don’t know how to do this, you just use your cursor to highlight whatever paragraphs you wish to copy. Then hold down the “Ctrl” key and at the same time, press the “c” key. Then minimize that window, bring up a new message window in your email with your name in the “To” line. Now press “Ctrl” again, only this time also press the “v” key. When you release them, you will have the printed information pop into the text of your email. If you have copied a very lengthy amount, it might take awhile before you see anything, so don’t think it isn’t working like I did at first. You have to actually Send it before you can print it. At least I do. Sometimes I’m in a hurry and don’t want to wait to receive the email so I just open up Sent Items and print it from there. Good Luck.
Lynda, there’s a more direct way to do this, no email required. With your mouse, highlight what you want to copy, then click File (from the toolbar). Click Print, then click Selection, then Print. That’s all there is to it. Hope this helps.
All of this info makes perfectly good sense to me and I just wish I had known all of this before I took the flu shot. Because of my age of 74 and that I had heart surgery in 2008 (aortic valve replacement) I was advised that it would be best for me to take the shot. I was very hesitant but did so anyway. I know my mom (now deceased) always got very sick after a shot.
It is so difficult to know what to do whether to go with the medical outlook and try to stay well or stay with natural. My chiroprator advised AGAINST the flu shot but I went against his advise. Don’t always listen to the mainstream.
Thanks for the information on the seasonal flu shots. I stopped getting the shot about five years ago after having a reaction to one.Now will you be giving us any advice about the swine flu shots which are going to be given here in Ontario beginning in November.The doctors are advising everyone should have the shot to protect their own health as well as the health of others.
Hi there ! i never got the flu shot in my life .and i never got the flu .
what you say it is thru .vitamins are more better then those toxc in our bady.
thank you for giving as your time ..
love
maria.
canada,
Couple years ago after 20 years of my yearly flu shot I had a terrible reaction. The rash mostly on my upper legs.It was red bumps almost like a pimple and itch was terrible. Doctor tried treating me said it wasn’t the shot. Went ER doctor said it was the mercury in the shot. Went to skin Dr,he said it was Psoriasis or Eczema that I had to put up with the rest of my life. It lasted for 8 months.
Thanks be to God it lasted its course and is out of my body, I pray, has been gone for over a year. No more flu shots for me.
Thanks for the info.I have been a little worried,because I can’t take the flu shots because I take a medication that suppresses the immune system. This advice will really help.
Thanks again.
I agree that the flu vaccine is an unnecessary toxin to put in your body. I have had one flu shot and that year I had the flu the worst since the ’60’s during the Hong-Kong Flu breakout. It’s alays about the money.
During my lifetime of 88 years, I have never had
a real case of flu. I have had only 2 flu shots in all those years, and each time I had a bad season of flu-like symptoms.
I have had 2 pneumonia immunizations….however,
I still had 2 bad cases of pneumonia. So go figure ! I think flu shots are a bad idea for people like myself who always get severe side effects from most any medication.
Thanks for the info. I to know people who have take the flu vaccine and have contracted the flu. My doctor offered it to me, but I refused.
My PCP gave me a flu shot on 10/1/09, with no ill effects. Did it do any good? Who knows?