Minimize Vaccine Side Effects
All of the below is from “The Vaccine Book
A healthy immune system is the key to preventing infectious diseases. We are all exposed to millions of germs every day, and vaccines cover only a tiny fraction of 1% of these germs. So we must rely on our own immune system to fight off most potential infections. Children and adults with healthy immune systems are also less likely to suffer a serious vaccine reaction. Most vaccine side effects involve the immune system reacting poorly to the vaccine, so ensuring a healthy immune system is one way parents can decrease their child’s risk of a vaccine reaction. Here’s what you can do:
- Breastfeed. If you are breastfeeding, plan to do so for a minimum of one year. Two years is better. Not only will your baby catch fewer illnesses, but her immune system may be better equipped to handle vaccines. No one has actually studied whether breast-fed babies show fewer reactions, but theoretically it makes sense.
- Minimize sugar and junk food. We do know that sugar weakens the immune system — one of the busiest times in our office is the week after Halloween.
- Minimize other chemical exposures. The small amounts of chemicals in vaccines are unavoidable. But there are other areas of life where we can control this exposure, and one is the foods we feed our kids. Serve organic foods as much as possible, beginning with baby foods. A little baby’s growing brain and developing immune system are very susceptible to chemical influences. Eating organic fruits, veggies, grains, and meats is a good way to help ensure a healthier brain and body.
- Use omega-3 oil supplements. Most children are deficient in the healthful omega-3 fats, because the main dietary source is fish and eggs, foods that most kids don’t eat enough of. Breast milk is also full of omega 3s. Fish oils (in liquid form for toddlers over age one and chewables or capsules for older kids) that are tested and found to be mercury free are a nutritious addition to any diet and can improve many aspects of a child’s health, including the immune system.
- Probiotics. These healthful bacteria live in our intestines. They play a critical role in regulating both our intestinal immune system and our internal immune system. Antibiotic use, which is a typical part of every infant and child’s early life, destroys these bacteria, leaving a child more susceptible to a host of illnesses and intestinal problems. Taking probiotics on a continuous basis, but especially for a week before and several weeks after vaccinations, can really do wonders for the immune system and may help protect from the side effects of vaccines. Also called “acidophilus,” probiotics come in liquid or powder form that can be mixed into food or liquid for infants two months and older, or swallowed as small capsules or pearls by older kids.
- Fruits and vegetables. Self-explanatory.
- Vitamin A. This specific vitamin helps with neurologic health. It also helps regulate the immune system’s response to infections. Some researchers believe it can play a role in protecting the brain from vaccine side effects. Give vitamin A once a day for three days prior to vaccines and continue each day for twn days after. Infants should get 1500 IUs daily, toddlers and preschoolers 2500 IUs, and older kids and teens 5000 IUs. The most commonly available form of vitamin drops for babies and young kids is a mix of vitamins A, C, and D or a multivitamin drop with A, B, C, D and E… A better source of vitamin A is cod liver oil, available at health food stores. The label will tell you how much vitamin A is in each teaspoon. You should be aware that overdosing vitamin A can be toxic, so do not exceed the suggested amounts. Don’t give cod liver oil to any baby younger than nine months because of the risk of triggering a fish allergy.
- Vitamin C. This antioxidant vitamin can help boost the immune system and may decrease vaccine side effects. Give it once a day for five days starting on the day of the shots. Infants should get 150 milligrams daily, toddlers and preschoolers 250 milligrams, and older kids and teens 500 milligrams. Vitamin C drops, chewables, and capsules are available at any health food store or drugstore. The amount of vitamin C in multivitamin drops (combined with vitamin A) usually isn’t enough.
The information contained throughout this blog / website should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician / physician.