Shots and Bone Broth

It is that time of year.. Everything is ‘going around.’ Kids have runny noses and adults are waking up with scratchy throats. Pharmacies everywhere are bombarding your senses with TV, radio and print ads to come and get your flu shot.

Over the last week, the topic of vaccination has come up frequently and I just had to write a little bit about it.

Choosing to get vaccinated is a personal decision. Please inform yourself and do what is best for you and your family.

Here is a little bit of information.

Every year the World Health Organization chooses the 3 viral strains that they think will be the most common for the season. Based off those predictions, drug companies will mass produce and distribute vaccines. Studies show that when the predictions are good and the vaccines are well matched to the viruses that are circulating, people who have been vaccinated are 50 to 60 percent less likely to catch the flu than people who are not vaccinated. That is when they guess right.

That is just one part of the picture. Every time you are vaccinated you are introducing chemicals into your body. There is a chance that your body my not react well to these chemicals.

Another factor to consider is that your body has many lines of defense against pathogens, not just antibodies. Vaccines encourage antibody production but they by-pass other parts of your immunity. Your skin, mucous membranes and natural flora provide physical and chemical protection against infections.

The immune responses initiated by cells lining the airways, skin and intestines are very important in creating "memory" and protection against the microorganisms you naturally come into contact with every day.

Research in this 2011 article from the Journal of Virology found that the seasonal flu vaccine may weaken childrens' immune systems and increase their chances of getting sick from influenza viruses not included in the vaccine. The unvaccinated children naturally built up more antibodies across a wider variety of influenza strains compared to the vaccinated group.

Instead of getting the flu shot, I take steps to ensure that my immune system is functioning as well as it possibly can be. I get my spine checked so that my nervous system can properly run my immune system. I get extra rest. I eat food that will ensure my immune system has all of the nutrients and energy it needs to be optimal. I also avoid things that cause inflammation (which is extra stressful to the immune system) – grains, legumes, processed vegetable oils and processed sugar all impair your immune system.

If I do feel that scratchy feeling coming on, my strategy is:

A Beef & Swiss Chard Soup made with Bone Broth

1)    See my chiropractor

2)    Whip up a crock pot of bone broth

3)    Go to bed early

Why bone broth?

Bone broth contains minerals in a form the body can absorb easily—not just calcium but also magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, silicon, sulphur and trace minerals. Your immune system needs these minerals to work properly.

 Broth also contains the broken down material from cartilage and tendons. This includes chondroitin sulphates, glucosamine and gelatin. Chondroitin sulphate and glucosamine are sold as supplements for arthritis and joint pain because they decrease inflammation.

Gelatin helps to heal leaky gut and contributes collagen which improves hair, skin and nails. It can help tighten lose skin. It also is anti-inflammatory.

Lots of people in the blog-o-sphere call bone broth a ‘Super Food.’

I really do not like the word 'Super Food.' Food is either healthy or it is not. Bone broth is contributes a wide variety of nutrients that help you immune system and body to work at its best. 

So instead of taking shots or drugs, I have found that the best thing for me is to meet my body's requirements and to build up my immune system against everything -- not just the flu.

Cheers!