Vaccines are designed to protect against the specific germs that cause 16 diseases, four of which are both common and potentially serious. However, vaccines also pose potentially serious health risks. For this reason, some parents choose not to vaccinate and some opt for an alternative vaccination schedule designed to minimize vaccine side effects. Whether or not parents choose to vaccinate their children, there are several things they can do to protect children against illnesses in general and against vaccine reactions.
Practices to Support a Healthy Immune System
Breastfeed. Human breast milk protects babies against illnesses by providing disease-fighting antibodies, omega-3 fats, and optimum nutrition. About 80 percent of the cells in breast milk are macrophages, cells that kill bacteria, fungi and viruses [Williams, Rebecca D. Breast-Feeding Best Bet for Babies. FDA Consumer Magazine, October 1995].
Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Raw fruits and vegetables contain immune-boosting properties.
Include omega-3 foods or supplements in the diet. Dietary sources of omega-3 fats include fish, eggs, and human breast milk. Choose safe fish and omega-3 supplements which contain low levels of mercury and other harmful contaminants.
Include fermented foods or probiotic supplements in the diet. Fermented foods with active cultures, such as sauerkraut and yogurt, support healthy intestinal bacteria which regulate immune function.
Include Vitamin A and Vitamin C sources in the diet. Vitamin A regulates the immune response to infection and protects the brain. Cod liver oil provides a good source of Vitamin A. Vitamin A can be toxic in large amounts, however, so follow dosage recommendations for specific ages. Vitamin C boosts immune function.
Avoid sugar and highly refined foods. Excess sugar and inadequate nutrition impair the immune system.
Minimize exposure to harmful chemicals. Check the contents of household products, toys, and vaccines, all of which may contain harmful chemicals that impair immune function and pose other health risks.
Know the diseases. Learn the prevention, methods of spread, signs and symptoms, and treatments of infectious diseases. Understanding common childhood diseases is an important step in making informed decisions regarding vaccinations and other practices affecting children's immune function. Some diseases are more serious than others and some are more or less serious depending on the child's age. The most common childhood diseases include pneumococcal disease, pertussis (whooping cough), rotavirus, influenza, chickenpox, and hepatitis A.
Whether or not parents choose to vaccinate their children, there is much they can do to support healthy immune development and minimize the risk of adverse vaccine reactions--Begin with breastfeeding, provide a consistently nutritious diet, minimize exposure to harmful chemicals, and know the diseases.
