What’s Really in the Flu Shot (+ Bonus Flu-Fighting Elixir Recipe!!)

What's Really in the Flu Shot (+ Bonus Flu-Fighting Elixir Recipe!!) // realnutritiousliving.com
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Fall and winter bring lots of bugs going around and the tough choice of whether or not to get a  flu shot. Should you get one to avoid illness? Is it possible to boost immunity naturally? These are tough decisions you have to make yearly, especially if you have young children or are caring for an elderly person. Read on to find out what RNL has to say!  The decision to get a flu shot is a very personal one. Being in the natural health field, I want to make it very clear that I believe there are a time and place for medicine, and the choice is usually dependent on circumstances unique to your health situation.

First I want to address the pros of the flu shot:

1. Vaccines have saved many lives and prevented many diseases from becoming epidemics. Polio is a wonderful example.

It seems a pro for elderly or young children with compromised immunity. There is no way to know which strains of flu will go around and if the shot will be a match for this seasons strain.

2. Another pro is antibodies and vaccines last, so if the same strain of flu from last year goes around again the following year, you won’t need another one.

Let’s move on to the cons of the flu shot: 

1. It can produce some pretty nasty symptoms from headaches to nausea, GI distress, muscle aches,  hives, and asthma to name a few.

2. It doesn’t always protect you from getting sick. Huh? Since there are so many who die, and we cannot predict which ones will go around, there is no guarantee they’ll get the right strain and you’ll actually be protected.

3. It contains some “extra ingredients,” many of which are toxic to the body.

As a two-time mercury poisoning sufferer, this is of particular concern. It’s used as a preservative in the flu shot. Mercury burdens the liver, leads to GI distress, is linked to candida overgrowth (which I see a TON of in my practice) AND is linked to thyroid imbalance.

The shot also contains residual antibiotics, which kill off our good bacteria and negatively affect immunity. It also may contain formaldehyde (poison) and other stabilizers, which can cause BIG problems for anyone with food sensitivities and compromise immunity. It may also contain aluminum salts which have been linked to neurological dysfunction.  

You can read more about the ingredients in the flu shot at the CDC’s website here.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Here’s how my family boosts immunity naturally (recipe below). Remember nutrition is always the first and best place to start if you want to maintain great health.

Pineapple Juice: Contains bromelain, a powerful anti-inflammatory, and digestive enzyme and is loaded with vitamin C.  It may also help reduce inflammation caused by sinusitis.

Coconut Water: Contains a unique combination of B vitamins, vitamin C, micronutrients, and phytohormones that are exceptionally beneficial to your health.

Lemon: Loaded with vitamin C, breaks down mucus, and helps prevent the growth and multiplication of pathogenic bacteria that cause infections and diseases.

Garlic: Helps your liver activate enzymes that can flush out toxins. It also has a high amount of allicin (a natural antibacterial) and selenium. These are two natural compounds that aid in liver cleansing and are anti-viral.

Turmeric: One of the most powerful anti-inflammatory agents in existence.

Ginger: Boosts immunity and metabolism by way of it’s warming properties.

Cilantro: Strong antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and antidiabetic properties, as well as powerful metal (like the mercury above) chelator.

Nature’s Flu Fighting Elixir

Ingredients 

  • 1.5 cup pineapple juice (fresh or like this work well)
  • 2 cups coconut water (fresh or like this work well)
  • Juice of 3 lemons
  • 1-2 cloves minced garlic
  • 1/4 tsp turmeric powder 
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • Dash cayenne pepper
  • Fistful of cilantro (do NOT de-stem)

Directions

  1. Blend well and enjoy 6-8 ounces for daily maintenance.
  2. Drink 1 cup 3 times per day if you feel like you’re coming down with something.
  3. Option to add 1 T raw manuka honey if your metabolism can handle. This honey has potent antioxidants and antibacterial bacterial properties. A 2009 study showed considerable boosted immune function and anti-tumor activity in mice post-consumption.

Please PIN this post and share on Facebook with any of your friends who may be feeling under the weather or considering a flu shot!

Photo in post: Natural News
Recipe inspired by The Whole Journey
 

CLICK HERE to Pin this Recipe:

What's Really in the Flu Shot (+ Bonus Flu-Fighting Elixir Recipe!!) // realnutritiousliving.com

Melissa Schollaert is a Holistic Health & Nutrition Counselor and founder of Real Nutritious Living. Helping others achieve their health goals to attain their healthiest, happiest life is her greatest ambition.

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MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: This content is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease, or as a substitute for medical advice. Please consult with your advising physician before starting any treatment for a medical condition. Real Nutritious Living, LLC shall not be held liable or responsible for any misunderstanding or misuse of the information contained on this site or for any loss, damage, or injury caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by any treatment, action, or application of any food or food source discussed on this site.

Author: Melissa Schollaert

I'm Melissa—Holistic Health Coach & loving mama. My passion is to help others thrive through strategic eating (not dieting), living a toxic free life & creating healthier families.

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